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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  Great car for your money - 2002 Pontiac Sunfire
  By Craziman - February 28 - 10:00 am

  This car is great. Just recently purchased and Ive already gone 350 miles on one tank before filling up with 1 gallon left to spare(combined highway and city while driving hard). Very comfy on the highway and the shocks absorb road default pretty well. I just wish that thump sound would go away!

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  Happily Sunfired - 2001 Pontiac Sunfire
  By Tommy - February 7 - 12:06 pm

  I was looking for a car to replace my tired 95 Baretta. A no-frills 01 Sunfire, with 66,400 miles, caught my eye. I was very impressed with the power from the 2.2L engine. The 5 speed manual trans shifted smooth... even reverse was noiseless. The body design is subtly sporty. Seating could be more comfortable, but that is a minor concern. After 3 months its the gas mileage that impresses me most. Driving a mix of highway & city, it consistantly gets from 31 to 33 mpg! Overall, this Sunfire is the best used vehicle Ive ever owned.

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  Good Deal - 2002 Pontiac Sunfire
  By NarleyCarley - January 27 - 7:10 pm

  If you want a car thats cheap to drive, and cheap to buy this is it. I have done NOTHING to this except change oil and tuneup. Yes the interior is a little cheap but what do you expect? Out of the 10 something vehicles I have owned, this has been the best bang for buck. This is a great first car for your 16 year old daughter or commute to work car. A few rattles and road noise, but again the car is under $12,000. Stereo was great

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  My little red convertible - 1999 Pontiac Sunfire
  By nmmrc1983 - January 20 - 7:53 am

  I love my little red Pontiac.I get great gas mileage, and with gas prices on the rise, i am glad Ive got her. Nothing beats putting my top down and going home after a hard day at work. I think this car is HOT.

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  Sunfire - 2004 Pontiac Sunfire
  By debmdine - January 18 - 2:00 am

  The Sunfire is a great car. The problems I have with it is I feel very cramped up in the car, the seat is uncomfortable to me, and the road noise is terrible. Great gas Mileage though.

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  1999 Sunfire with 2.4L engine - 1999 Pontiac Sunfire
  By Nice - January 16 - 8:00 am

  In the ten years Ive had the car, I had not not have any major problems. It has 135kMi In fact, so far it has all been maintenance items (oil, brakes etc).Very impressed with the reliability of this car.

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  A wonderful car... - 2004 Pontiac Sunfire
  By eliseb02 - January 13 - 10:00 am

  My sunfire is compact, fun to drive. It looks nice. Its good on the road.

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  Good car - 2000 Pontiac Sunfire
  By banbam - January 12 - 6:53 pm

  My dad bought this car for my sister. She was rear ended and then decided she didnt want the car so I took it. Im not a fan of the styling at all. The engine is really underpowered for my liking, and I have the 4 speed auto. Its a good car though. Ive had it for over a year now and all Ive done was replace the tires, when we bought the car, replace the brake pads, replace the starter, replace the battery, and an oil change. Maintenance really. Ive added a sound system and tinted windows and its a pretty enjoyable ride now. And being 62" I can say that I can fit somewhat comfortably, no longer than 2-3 hours though. Id say as a girls first car this would be great.

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  One of the best cars Ive owned - 1997 Pontiac Sunfire
  By holly - January 8 - 10:00 am

  I have been consistently impressed with this Sunfire. It ride very smooth and holds the road confidently. The car isnt the fastest accelerating car, but it cruises exceptionally well on the highway. I have only had one thing go wrong with the car that was not a normal wear issue - the parking brake cable stretched around 40K miles.

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  Good start, but ultimately disappointed - 1997 Pontiac Sunfire
  By HRC - January 4 - 2:00 am

  I really liked this car at first. I got it my last year of high school and took it to college. It is nice for a younger person. It has great gas mileage. It looks great; sporty, but reasonably priced. After about two years the problems started, though. I had to get the brakes fixed, the check engine light is almost always on (although Ive had it taken in to be fixed many times and they cant find a problem or they say they have fixed it), and driving performance has really taken a downturn in the last few months (it is now five years old, so maybe thats not so bad).