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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  Test Drive - 2003 Pontiac Sunfire
  By CloudRider9 - January 29 - 2:00 am

  Since Im looking around for the best driving,looking and overall performance; I test drove the 2003 Pontiac Sunfire to see how it stacked up to the rest of the cars that I was seriously thinking of buying.

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  Traded It In - 2002 Pontiac Sunfire
  By Traded It - January 25 - 2:16 am

  This car got me thru college but once I graduated from school, I left this car behind. The engine was ridiculously loud, had trouble starting it, the air only worked on full blast, and the exterior paint chips and dents with a strong wind. If you are looking for a cheap car just to get around in then go for it. Otherwise spend your money on something more reliable.

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  My New Sunfire! - 2005 Pontiac Sunfire
  By Debbie - January 1 - 11:00 pm

  I had a 1996 Sunfire for almost 10 years. It had 235,xxx miles on it when I traded it and it still got 32-41 mpg and loads of pickup!!! I loved the little car - had very little problem with it, but "her" age made me want to get a new car. So, I now have another blue Sunfire - stick shift like my old one --- and I wouldnt change a thing!!! I love it! Pontiac has done well by this car -- its so cool --- even by a 54 year old standards!!! Thanks!

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  Pontiac Sunfire - 2004 Pontiac Sunfire
  By WA Moseley - December 26 - 10:00 am

  I feel the car is a great buy for driving around town and short trips. The price is fair and the gas milage is excellent. The only bad feature is that the interior could be a little bigger.

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  Best car Ive ever owed! - 2004 Pontiac Sunfire
  By holly4troy - December 15 - 3:03 am

  I am in search of another car due to a collision with a deer and am so disappointed because I loved both my Sunfires I have owed. My first was a 2004 yellow Sunfire and most recently at 2005 orange Sunfire. They both were always reliable, never had any problems with either one except for the CD player in my most recent. Never could get it to work properly without it wanted to eat a CD. Other than that, I LOVED both cars and wish I could find another! ** I had to select a model but both were automatic and not 5 speed but automatic was not an option to choose.

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  Commuter car only! - 2001 Pontiac Sunfire
  By Andddy P - December 13 - 8:00 pm

  I am very unpleased with my purchase of this car it does not get the gas mileage it is supposed to i will be lucky to get 20 miles to the gallon. The interior looks like something you would see at a dentists office, and the exterior design makes it seem as if it would have a nice amount of hp but instead this sunflower is equipped with 115 hp. I bought this car 08/07 and it had 9,000 miles on it but i should have looked at more reviews before making my purchase

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  Retired Traveler - 2002 Pontiac Sunfire
  By Grahare - December 7 - 10:00 am

  This is my second Sunfire, the first was a 2.2 engine, while this is a 2.4. I have pinstriped it and added some enhancements to custonize the body. For an old retired guy, the kids give me lots of compliments and the car is great on trips. I am looking foward to the 190hp turbo in 04". West Marcus Montgomery, Al

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  Alright - 2005 Pontiac Sunfire
  By Alright - October 31 - 12:06 am

  I like the Pontiac Sunfire, but my car has a stalling problem. Since Ive had this car, Ive had to already put in several hundred dollars into it, for Muffler, A-Arm on Front passenger side wheel, and still trying to figure out why it dies on me in the middle of driving. Other than that, I like the car. It gets really great gas mileage! 295 miles to a tank. I averaged about 28 miles a gallon. Its comfortable and has some get up and go. If you punch the gas, make sure your car shifts (I have an automatic) but it still tends to hit 6 RPM and not shift.

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  Well at least its good for one thing! - 2002 Pontiac Sunfire
  By *GTSpeed* - October 25 - 10:00 am

  I enjoyed cruising on the freeway in it and driving around the city.The sound system was excellent, but a few things needed to be changed.The exterior paint was crap.The handling was probably the largest downfall expecting tight corners and confident manuverability.I recieved upredictable feed back at high speeds and body roll at low.The engine made the car quick and fun to drive, but handling almost got me in the end.I was driving at high speeds around an over pass and hit a bumb in the road that, sent the unsure rearend out to the side of me and I lost control.My passenger and I flew off the edge of the turn.We survived, but the car had poor handling.

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  Great car - 2003 Pontiac Sunfire
  By Freddy - October 17 - 12:56 pm

  Have had this car 3 years and really do enjoy it! It rides great, but a lot of road noise! Is very sporty looking and great gas milage! Had only one recall so far and no mechanical problems at all! I would buy it all over again!