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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  Im having doubts - 2004 Pontiac Sunfire
  By ahnalia - September 14 - 8:54 pm

  I have read a lot of good reviews about this car. I found one for sale with very low mileage, only 70k miles. Within 2 days of buying it, the ICP went out, so I had to replace that for $230.00. Not even a week later there was a loud knocking noice when I turned on the defroster, so now that will need replaced too. I know when you buy a used car, you take a risk, but I have -never- had a car start having problems within TWO days of buying it. It seems to drive OK, but I am having a lot of doubts about tyhe electrical system. It does handle good on ice, but doesnt have a lot of "Get up and go" it feels sort of laggy. It is a pretty car though, but still, Im not impressed.

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  HOT SUNFIRE! - 2002 Pontiac Sunfire
  By Avrils Pontiac - September 9 - 1:26 am

  I love my Sunfire SE Sedan, bought it brand new with 103 miles on it and now I got it up @ 135854 miles and never had a problem with it except for brakes, been having problems. But good car, I did alot to it so far. HID headlights, LED foglights(Yallow and White), limo tinting, intake, custom muffler/ail lights, LED brake lights/side marks, blue neons under car and inside, Sony CD player with iPod connection, Viper car alaram, 17" rims with NItto Tires and working on Lambo doors next ;)

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  Solid For the Money - 2000 Pontiac Sunfire
  By michaelJ - August 31 - 2:00 am

  Bought it new. Below average gas milage in the city, even with 5-speed. The severe body roll of the GT, mentioned in the review of SE, is minimal for the SE. I noticed MUCH more body roll in other car makers comparable models eg. Neon, Nissian, Cavalier (it is similar but definately does NOT drive the same,). The Cavaliers steering is not nearly as tight or responsive, and most of the standard features on the Sunfire are NOT standard on the Cavalier. This car had a better turning radius than the others above.

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  2005 sunfire - 2005 Pontiac Sunfire
  By C.J. - August 24 - 1:06 am

  Fun to drive, good acceleration, good mileage. A few rattles. Good in snow. Good value for the $.

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  Cant Wait To Get Rid Of This Car - 2005 Pontiac Sunfire
  By Carla - August 9 - 8:26 am

  Ive had major problems with this car: "Theft deterrent system" went down, making the car think I was trying to steal it, and stranded me on a cold December night. Ignition coil and spark plug crapped out, leaving me stranded again, as the car was basically running on just two cylinders. Its going into the shop tonight for replacement of the catalytic converter, which is plugging up. Drivers side keyless entry doesnt work. Well, the electronics work, but the lock wont unengage. I have to open it with the key, and it turns really hard; will probably break off in the lock someday. In short ... I despise this car. Thank heaven its still under warranty.

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  great car - 2001 Pontiac Sunfire
  By Tom - August 5 - 10:20 pm

  I have owned this car for 5 years. I bought it used with 35,000 miles and now has 225,000 on it. Only problem was the fuel pump went out at 150,000. If all cars were this reliable then auto makers would go out of business. Awesome car. The 2.4 L is very peppy and 32 mpg. What more could I ask for? Did I mention this car is an automatic?

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  the greatest - 2004 Pontiac Sunfire
  By gittings - August 2 - 2:00 am

  great to drive and its fun

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  Sunfire Goddess - 2005 Pontiac Sunfire
  By SilverWands - July 22 - 10:00 am

  The exterior appeals to me in a sportscar kind of way. Plenty of power for a 4 cylinder and great gas mileage.

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  Owned with a smile for 8 out of 9 yrs - 2002 Pontiac Sunfire
  By stillaways2go - July 15 - 12:16 pm

  I bought this car used with 9,900 miles on it. It was a Fleet rental before I got it. I liked how this car handled and it did me good until about 85,000 miles when all of the standard things tend to go wrong with lower end cars. I needed to fix the struts and the rotors kept warping no matter how many times they were replaced. But like I said, my car was paid for by the time that started happening. For me it was well worth the investment. I like how the car handled- nice tight steering. It may not have been the moost comfortable ride, but it was a trooper for a good 8 years before it started going downhill. My son totaled my Sunfire 9 months ago and I was sad to see it go after so many year

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  Best Bang for the Buck Convertible Ever! - 2000 Pontiac Sunfire
  By ConvertibleSunfireJO - July 14 - 10:00 am

  This is my second Pontiac Sunfire Convertible (the first was a 1996)and I love it! Its definately the most fun you can have for $10,000. Its peppy response is surprising at traffic lights, and it is not noisy at highway speeds well over 70 mph. I get approximately 40 mpg doing 50 mph on the interstate for four hours.