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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  No more Sunfires! - 2002 Pontiac Sunfire
  By MLukey101679 - December 2 - 10:00 am

  About 9 or 10 months after i bought it, I had trouble starting it on the first try. The dealer had trouble diagnosing the problem and when they thought they did, the car again would not start on the first try. It occasionally does this still and I refuse to take it back to the dealer b/c I am sick of different people telling me what is wrong. Around the 2nd or 3rd time I took it there, there was a posting on the Internet in regards to the starting problem and what to do about it; it did not work. Now, my problem is when I start my car (when it does start!), the clock goes to 12:00 - Ive resorted to just leaving it at that time.

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  I like my car! - 1999 Pontiac Sunfire
  By Melanie - November 21 - 7:56 pm

  I have to say that I have enjoyed this vehicle and was pleased with its reliability. Do buy the extended warranty, though, as things can go amiss. Muffler still new however Ive had to replace the big muffler brackets a couple of times. Bit of a gas guzzler. This past year leaves me with a problem with the drivers side door lock - any cold or condensation makes it virtually impossible to unlock. Apparently this is an ongoing issue with the Sunfire. After replacing the tumbler, then the hinges and lubing the door clasp, I am hoping this winter will be better and I wont have to climb in over the stick shift through the passenger side. I trust my car and its been very good to me.

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  Awesome - 2005 Pontiac Sunfire
  By Nicolas Olano - November 14 - 8:43 am

  For overall convenience, economy and satisfaction, there is no better car on the road. Oh, and buy standard shift.

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  Great Car! - 1999 Pontiac Sunfire
  By niagarabeech - October 17 - 10:00 am

  Best car I ever owned, VERY reliable.

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  Sunfire Rocks! - 2001 Pontiac Sunfire
  By marley - October 14 - 12:03 am

  Amazing how this car has been running solid. No major repairs, no minor repairs, and good gas mileage. It costs half as much as a Honda and the stereo sounds better than my wifes 2005 Lexus!

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  Love this car! - 1999 Pontiac Sunfire
  By transformedxian - October 6 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car when my other car of another brand started blowing smoke. This is the first Pontiac Ive ever owned and have been very impressed with it. I have had problems with the instrument panel going on me, but the two times that has happened, Ive been able to get it replaced under warranty. This car reminds me of my first car, which I loved, only the Sunfire handles so much tighter on curves. It has a fast, smooth acceleration; very impressive for a 4 cyl. automatic. At the same time, because it has a small engine, the gas mileage is great. My car looks flirty and fun, but the four doors are also practical for loading luggage and cats.

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  Fun to build on - 2005 Pontiac Sunfire
  By jas - September 10 - 4:03 am

  I love my sunfire. I have actually built onto it by putting two 12 in. subs in the trunk and a 1000 watt amp. I also put in a new indash that sweetens up the ride along with lowering it 2 inches and putting 17 inch rims on it. I love my car!!!

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  Been nothing but a headache - 1999 Pontiac Sunfire
  By georgiamarie - September 7 - 12:40 am

  I love the exterior design. I have had a lot of complements. What a cute car it is. Nice looking car. I agree. I am not happy at all with the problems I have had. It started 9 months after I bought the car. The sun roof leaked. It had to be completely replaced. The battery post broke. The radio system has been replaced twice because it kept shorting out. The brakes were worn out long before they should have. At the same time the front struts had to be replaced. All of this happened within the first three years. The problems have just kept coming. I expect these things to happen as the car gets older not when the car is brand new! I think this car was made on a Monday or Friday!

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  LOVE THIS CAR!!! - 2001 Pontiac Sunfire
  By dee527 - September 5 - 10:00 am

  Absolutely a blast to cruise around in. I got mine with the Sun & Sound Package... Wish I wouldve got the GT but the SE Coupe is just as nice--peppy engine not race car. Perfect for high school, college and other 20- somethings...

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  good - 1999 Pontiac Sunfire
  By propilot - August 30 - 10:00 am

  good handling. good engine and good all around car for anyone. kick ass car