Overview & Reviews

Bells and whistles are nice, but for some car shoppers, the primary need is for cheap, basic transportation. With these frugal buyers in mind, Pontiac launched its budget-priced Sunfire in the mid-'90s.

Budget cars of recent years have undergone an evolution of sorts. Many models have shattered our ideas of what to expect in this segment, offering a level of overall quality that belies their low price tags. The Pontiac Sunfire, unfortunately, wasn't one of them. Build quality was unimpressive and interior materials made no attempt to disguise this Pontiac's econobox status. Safety was an issue; the Sunfire performed poorly in side-impact and frontal-offset crash tests. Also, the fact that Pontiac opted not to give the car any substantial revisions in its many years on the market didn't do the Sunfire any favors. By the time it was retired in 2005, the car was riding on a severely dated platform, lagging well behind its newer competition.

But the Pontiac Sunfire did shine in a couple of respects. More recent models offered a lively engine. Feature content on newer models was also noteworthy, with luxury-themed amenities like OnStar and a sunroof offered as options. It was also one of the most affordable ways to get into a convertible.

Still, these strong points aren't enough to earn the Pontiac Sunfire a recommendation. Though it's inexpensive, used-car shoppers are advised to ignore this siren call and consider more desirable small sedans and coupes instead.

Most Recent Pontiac Sunfire

The Pontiac Sunfire was available in one generation, built from 1995-2005. Upon its introduction, this Pontiac was available as a coupe, sedan and convertible.

Initially, sedans and convertibles came in one trim level, the SE. Coupes, however, were available in both base SE and GT trims. In 1999, the convertible's sole trim level had its name changed to GT; a couple of years later (in 2001), the convertible was dropped from the lineup. The Sunfire's lineup was further streamlined in 2003 with the elimination of the sedan, leaving the coupe as the sole offering. That year, the Sunfire coupe was only available in base trim, but in 2004, an even more inexpensive Special Value trim was added to the lineup.

When the Pontiac Sunfire was introduced in 1995, two engines were available. Base models were powered by a 2.2-liter four-cylinder capable of 120 horsepower and 130 pound-feet of torque. GT models got a more muscular 2.3-liter inline-4 good for 145 hp and 150 lb-ft of torque. The following year, the 2.3-liter was replaced with a more powerful 2.4-liter that promised 150 hp and 155 lb-ft of torque. In 2003, both engines were dropped from the lineup and a more fuel-efficient 2.4-liter "Ecotec" four-cylinder good for 140 hp and 150 lb-ft of torque became the sole available engine. Buyers had three transmissions to choose from: a three-speed automatic (which was dropped from the lineup in 2002), a four-speed automatic and a five-speed manual (standard on most Sunfires).

Though the Sunfire saw no redesigns, it did see a few tweaks and upgrades over the years. The standard features list on early Sunfires was sparse, with little more than cloth seats and an AM/FM radio; on the plus side, ABS was standard. Options included air-conditioning and a power moonroof. In 1996, traction control, remote keyless entry and auxiliary steering-wheel-mounted audio controls were added to the options list. The following year, convertible Sunfires saw upgrades in standard equipment, with an automatic transmission being added to that roster. In 1998, safety got a boost, thanks to the addition of second-generation airbags to the standard features list; a new sound system was also added to the options list.

Further revisions in 2000 added new front and rear fascias and a new five-speed manual transmission; a premium Monsoon audio system was also added to the options list. In 2003, the Sunfire got another refresh, with an upgraded sport suspension and new front and rear fascias. ABS was no longer standard on base models, though it was available as an option. Satellite radio, side airbags and OnStar became available as options.

The Sunfire won't win any awards for cabin design. Materials quality is subpar, build quality is lacking and the overall aesthetic falls short when it comes to style. Furthermore, its seats don't offer much by way of comfort. Still, later models do offer impressive options like OnStar and satellite radio.

In editorial reviews, the Pontiac Sunfire scored decent marks for overall handling, though its manual shifter drew some fire for being somewhat imprecise. The Ecotec engine was also praised for its power and smooth delivery.

We'd recommend avoiding this vehicle, but if you've got your heart set on one, choose a 2003, 2004 or 2005 model to enjoy a Sunfire with the Ecotec, the model's best available engine.

User Reviews:

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  Affordable & Classie - 2005 Pontiac Sunfire
  By Nancy - August 23 - 2:43 am

  It is great for long distance driving as well as in town driving. Very comfortable front and back seating. The SunFire handles very well under all driving weather conditions. Fuel economy is great!

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  I love my Sunfire - 2001 Pontiac Sunfire
  By SUNFIRErules - August 21 - 10:00 am

  I love it. Ive got the bright yellow and a 5-speed manual transmission and it is great. And the most important thing is, i can smoke cavaliers.

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  impressed - 1999 Pontiac Sunfire
  By NewSunfireFan - August 15 - 8:56 pm

  I have never been a Sunfire/Cavalier fan thinking people that owned them did not know style. I dont think theyre the prettiest, however, Im now impressed with the way this Sunfire handles. Would prefer manual, but the automatic trans has pretty nice pull for 150 horses. Engines a little loud - especially compared to my GrandPrix, but turn up the 6- speaker stereo, take down the windows, throw back the sunroof and touring Europe - the perfect car for it. Im glad I bought it while here in Europe.

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  I like my wheels.............. - 1999 Pontiac Sunfire
  By sparkyjo - August 12 - 10:00 am

  I have owned my car for 2.8 years and it has been an awesome vehicle. As a single mother with 3 kids it was what I could afford at the time. No major complaints, just wish it was a little more roomier in the back as the kids get bigger. Its great on gas, looks great and handles awesome.

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  lovely - 2005 Pontiac Sunfire
  By chelsie - August 6 - 10:00 am

  I LOVE IT... its the best care ever...and the dealer was awesome

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  good - 2003 Pontiac Sunfire
  By StacyBaby - July 23 - 10:00 am

  I just LOVE my 2003 sunfire!!!

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  Double Edged Sword - 2001 Pontiac Sunfire
  By cjgtom - July 4 - 10:00 am

  I loved mine, but when someone totaled it, there was no way Id buy another. I had paid more than the payment each month - sometimes doubled it - to get it paid off quicker, but when I settled with the insurance company, I only got a couple of hundred dollars b/c the car depreciates in value so quickly. It wasnt a scam, it just depriciates that rapidly. If you can imagine putting all that $ into it, and either getting a couple of hundred dollars (and that was only b/c I had paid more each month and owed less than I should have at that point) OR most likely oweing the insurance company, then go ahead. Id think twice, though

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  Bang for the buck - 2004 Pontiac Sunfire
  By Maximillian - June 5 - 1:46 pm

  Six months ago I purchased my 2004 used Sunfire. It had 26,000 miles on the odometer. No regrets. Great car. Extremely reliable. I would recommend it to everybody. Very cheap to buy if buying used. Bang for the buck when compared with other cars in its class. Extremely economical. The front cateye looks goes great with the car. I’ve heard a lot of bad things regarding the pre-2003 models. I guarantee the past 2003 are completely different. I can only conclude that people who experience problems with 2003, 2004, and 2005 models are cars that have been in an accident and that have been not been properly repaired. If you buy it and it hasn’t been in an accident you wont go wrong.

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  This is one car not to buy. D+ - 2004 Pontiac Sunfire
  By Stormynightout - May 24 - 10:00 am

  Upon driving this new vehicle for aproximately one month, I have come to realize that it is the cheapest piece of pure garbage on the road today. Along with all of the interior components ratteling, such as the dashboard, door panels, and headliner. The mechanical components were also assembled very poorly, such as the trunk locking mechanism, which has bent within one months use. The wonderful sound system that Pontiac raves about is silenced by the buzzing door panels that hold the speakers.

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  Vents - 2005 Pontiac Sunfire
  By Amy - May 22 - 2:00 am

  Owned my car for one month, the vents do not properly work in the center of the dash, there was a problem with my door not closing and the car not starting properly, Im told that my vents cannot be fixed due to the way the car was designed, so basically the car was designed for 3 out of 4 vents to get air-flow! Way to go Pontaic, ha.