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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  not the sweetest thing - 2003 Pontiac Sunfire
  By elizabeth - August 12 - 10:00 am

  I personally have not been impressed with this car. I think that it is a very attractive car on the outside & that is what attracts a lot of people to this vehicle, but I would recommend talking to someone who owns one before purchasing one. I wish that I had!!!

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  2004 Pontiac Sunfire 2dr Coup 2.2L4cyl - 2004 Pontiac Sunfire
  By Myra - August 4 - 10:23 pm

  When I bought this car, it only had 27,000 miles on it. I drive around 100 miles a day. It now has 165,000 miles. Runs like a new one. The only things I have had to replace is the cluster panel, the window motor & regulator and the switch module. Just had to do that recently. As for as the engine nothing, just the regular maintenance. My goal is to get 200,000 miles on it and I should be able to without a problem. I can honestly say it has been one of the best cars I have ever owned.

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  Convertible is great - 2000 Pontiac Sunfire
  By carlwag - July 29 - 7:36 pm

  This is my second Sunfire convertible. My first was a 1995, and I upgraded to a 2000 when I bought this used in 2005. The convertible top is the best ever put on a convertible. Real glass rear window and one handle operation make this a snap to put up and down. Also, this is the only convertible on the market in the last twenty years that can carry five people! There are three sets of belts in the back seat. I absolutely love my AM/FM radio, cassette, and CD player. It puts out good sound, and the AM is far superior to my wifes Acura. I plan to keep this car until someone else makes a convertible that I like - and I dont see that happening soon.

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  GREAT Car! - 2001 Pontiac Sunfire
  By Miranda - July 25 - 3:10 am

  Great car. Never ever had a problem with it. Could leave it outside unplugged at -40 and it would still start in the morning. Only replaced wear and tear parts. INCREDIBLY safe car. Was T-Boned by a semi truck and lived let alone walked out of the hospital with nothing but bruises. Great crumple zones. SAFE and RELIABLE car. Worth every penny I ever spent on it!

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  needs improvement - 2004 Pontiac Sunfire
  By rocky - July 3 - 10:00 am

  I like the way the car looks and the price is right but i worry about it lasting in the long run. The check engine light has been on about 4 times since i bought it 6 monthes ago.

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  Sweet Ride!!! - 2002 Pontiac Sunfire
  By Penny Pontiac - June 27 - 10:00 am

  I have the navy blue metallic model with the chrome rims. It is so much fun to drive and the stereo is pretty sweet! I love the XM ready radio because it displays the artist and the song title. I also have the sunroof which adds to the fun! The car is great on fuel and its easy to maneuver through traffic. I couldnt have picked a car thats more perfect for me! This car is perfect for a female college student!

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  The way to go - 2002 Pontiac Sunfire
  By Jeremy - June 27 - 2:50 am

  I love this car... if you know how to drive and use a stick I can cruise past BMWs or Lexuss like they were standing still. People complain of body roll but if youre smart and dont take an inside lane youre fine... besides when you roll up in alloys and tints you dont need an $80,000 car to get the girls

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  Good bang for the buck. - 1997 Pontiac Sunfire
  By Johnboy81 - June 13 - 10:00 am

  Had this car since it was brand new and its never had a major problem. It definitely out performs imports its classed with in hp, tourqe, styling and speed. Cornering is great; pulled off many sharp turns on a dime. Drives nicely in rain/snow. The 2.4L engine is quite ballsy and the trans shifts very smoothly. Its safe. I hit a deer doing about 45 once and the only major damage it caused was a small crack in the bumper, w/ barely noticeable stress fractures to the paint at point of impact. I intend to keep this car until I have enough money for a Trans Am or GTO!

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  cool car but....... - 2001 Pontiac Sunfire
  By tom bellew - May 26 - 2:00 am

  have had problems with dome light.... it doesnt want to shut off

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  Its a good car - 1999 Pontiac Sunfire
  By Stezo - May 24 - 10:00 am

  Ive got a 1999 GT Coupe with all the options. Its running great. I havent had any problems with it at all and I drive it everyday. Its important to do your regular maintenance.