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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  Mean Manta Green GT - 1997 Pontiac Sunfire
  By barbay - April 8 - 10:00 am

  First car I ever purchased new. Had a long commute to work and put over 100 miles a day. The first 5 years were great with little maintenance required just the average wear and tear. After 5 years though I started having problems: First it was the Fuel pump, then the switch for the headlights, the driver side window followed and now the water pump has a leak. All of this has been within the last 12 months. Id say the car hit 100K miles and started to self destruct.

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  fun to drive - 2004 Pontiac Sunfire
  By devea - March 26 - 2:00 am

  fun,Easy to drive,handles good,and poeple do like the car.and alot of people dont know what kind it is

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  99 Sunfire GT - 1999 Pontiac Sunfire
  By Wrath - March 25 - 10:00 am

  I bought this car at an auction, after a serious accident. This only thing this car smokes, is other cars. Racing grand am GTs I win, Grand Prix GTs I win, Z24, base mustangs,comaros and firebids. Runs great, only probelm so far with it were the rotors. I had to replace them twice. Other than that this car is defenetely worth every cent.

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  Great when it wants to work - 2000 Pontiac Sunfire
  By keet - March 21 - 4:23 am

  The pontiac sunfire feels like a sporty little car for a four cylinder economy class vehicle. The acceleration is so-so and the car shakes at high speeds, but this is to be expected. What is completely inexcusable is how frequently everything breaks down and how unreliable the whole thing is. This car was used as a daily driver when it was only a few years old, yet within the first year the AC compressor blew out - twice. I paid for the full repairs. It blew out again within a years time. The shop told me that the compressors were garbage out the factory. The water pump broke twice in 4 years of light driver. I went through 3 batteries. This is all from light commuting! Garbage!

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  problem with brakes and tires a lot - 2004 Pontiac Sunfire
  By crisco - March 14 - 2:20 am

  It is 2009 now and this car was gotten in 2004. It only has 2900 miles on it and I have had to get the breaks replaced twice now. Both times the life time warranty pads have been replaced and the the rotors as well as some other things. There was a recall after a couple years as the check engine light will come on , but they fixed that. I have had to replace the tire a few times now , the front tires wear on this car very quickly as well as the breaks. Also the windshield wipers fluid doesnt last at all. Other than that I havent had any problems. Although that seems like a lot considering the mileage .It has good handling and looks.

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  Upcoming! - 1997 Pontiac Sunfire
  By GreatCar109 - March 13 - 2:00 am

  From all the reviews i have read on the Pontiac sunfire, i have decided to buy one. A red 1997 SE coupe 5 speed. I hope this car holds up as well as all the other reviews have said, and i am very anxious to purchase it. I have always liked Pontiacs because of the red lights inside, and they have always been peppy and fast.

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  Excellent Car! - 2001 Pontiac Sunfire
  By john_y - March 8 - 5:40 pm

  Got this car at 120,000 and now is at 150,000 and running stronger than ever! Beastly in all weather, I can get through a foot of snow without a problem and with good handling too. Decent gas mileage (24-27 mpg). Only ever need to perform minor repairs (exhaust, shocks, oil changes, spark plugs). Ice cold A/C, and engine warms up quickly on those cold days. When I got it the two lowest fan blower settings didnt work, but easily fixed by replacing blower motor resistor. Roomy trunk, I can fit a Tuba in it with a bit of room to spare. Not the fastest car in the world (could only get it up to 105) but it gets you where you need to go. Comfortable seats for road trips.

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  Having doubts - 2003 Pontiac Sunfire
  By SueSue - February 24 - 10:00 am

  very good looking car. milage, excellent. price, a bit high for the quality of workmanship. Too much plastic. Metal very light and flimbsy...feel like tin. I do not expect to be able to keep this car for more than 3 years, unlike other cars that Ive own for over 15 years, I own a 92 Grand Prix SEL...excellent car! I also own a Volkwagon Vanagon 86, still running like sa clock. And like that you may see, I take care of my cars and if they are made to last...they will last with me. I do not feel this will be the case with the Sunfire. Having my doubts, hoping I am wrong. Thank you, Sue

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  ! - 2002 Pontiac Sunfire
  By tripleseis6 - February 10 - 10:00 am

  A very fuel economic car,the ecotec engine feel like it got more power that the advertized 140hp ! im constantly getting around 27mpg in the city .

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  Pontiac Sunfire - 1999 Pontiac Sunfire
  By owkiai - February 8 - 10:00 am

  The pontiac sunfire is a great car and lots of fun to drive. I traded in my minivan for it and have loved it ever since