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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  Love this car but frustrated - 2005 Pontiac Sunfire
  By chyil - October 16 - 11:33 pm

  I would buy another Sunfire in a heartbeat. My frustration right now is finding the parts I need to keep my 2005 running so I can keep it a while. I have been looking on line and cannot get a clear name and purchase price for the parts I need. If anyone can help me I would appreciate it. I want purchase the parts so my fiance can put them on. I need a hanger/bracket for my muffler it is swaying and squeaking. I need a trunk latch and or cable. I have not been able to use it for 2 years either sticks close or pops open while driving. I need a washer fluid reservoir mine has a hole in it. And I do not know what I need for a tachometer sticks when over 100 degrees.

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  80,000 miles and still going strong - 2001 Pontiac Sunfire
  By rdm - October 9 - 2:20 am

  My car has been great so far. No major problems and the regular maintenance has been inexpensive.

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  Pontiac (2001) Sunfire - 2004 Pontiac Sunfire
  By warmblood2002 - October 7 - 2:00 am

  I have owned my Pontiac sunfire for almost 3years now. It handles and drives great. I love this car. The fuel economy is worth it. It is n;ot a gas guzzler like some of these other cars you see out there. Plus, it is sporty!

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  best small gm car ever - 2004 Pontiac Sunfire
  By maureen s. - October 1 - 2:00 am

  This is my second sunfire purchase and I love this one as much as the first if not more. Its a great car and I have no complaints at all.

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  My First Pontiac - 2004 Pontiac Sunfire
  By groveman55 - September 26 - 10:00 am

  I an not say enough about my Sunfire. The ride is excellent. You can not expect a top of the line ride from a lower level car. Fun to drive. Good gas millage. No service issues. All around one of the best cars I have owned. I have owned many and thi one is in the top 3.

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  not terrible, but not great either - 2005 Pontiac Sunfire
  By ash_ley - September 13 - 5:33 pm

  drives great, but weird clunking noise coming from the right dash. dont know what it could be.. dealer claims to not hear it. exterior of car is amazing, love the color and style. fits my personality perfectly.

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  buyers beware - 2000 Pontiac Sunfire
  By konadh34 - September 9 - 1:56 am

  At first the sunfire was a great little car. Then it all came crashing down. Within 2 yrs. I had to replace the transmission and ignition switch (3 times I had to fix the switch, each time I was left in the middle of nowhere with an absolutely non functioning car). The ignition switch was a warranty recall yet every time it was "fixed" it broke down again! Ive spent as much as I paid for this car on repairs, it is ridiculous. I was lucky enough to get rid of it for a trade in on a cherokee. For a commuter, it got decent gas mileage but when youre constantly worried about being left stranded god knows where, 100mpg couldnt make up for it. Do not buy this car!

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  I love my car!! - 2004 Pontiac Sunfire
  By Stephanie finnell - September 1 - 10:00 am

  Iv pretty much love my car. I have had a few problems but nothing major. I have been having problems withmy tail light always going out but I just go and get it fixed. I had some problems with my chairs. The spring pop through the chair and then i went and had that fixed. other then that i really like my car!! Its awsome on gas!

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  Awesome Car!!!! - 1997 Pontiac Sunfire
  By FaBulous Sunbaby - August 19 - 2:00 am

  It accellerates great and with little effort. Going fast around a turn is no problem, grips the road well. I bought this car with 42000 miles on it almost 2 years ago, now it has 75000 miles and still running great. I feel very safe in this car and it is perfect for first time drivers and college students.

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  Sunfire Review - 2003 Pontiac Sunfire
  By Sunfire 4_life - August 12 - 7:43 pm

  Well the Caar is a blast to drive. I have only had one repair since new the cable for my heating system and seal on my dash where the air comes out for my defrost. I was most impressed with the performance. I like the sunfire due to it has a nice new styling and It fits the sport tuner class.