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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  Sun and Fun Package - 2004 Pontiac Sunfire
  By Joe76 - May 18 - 10:00 am

  I bought my car in Feb. of 2004, the only problems I have had are the turn signals stopped working, the right rear speaker rattles, drivers side mirror shakes at high speeds, and the hood also shakes at high speeds. The only major problem that I have had, is the passenger side seat is starting to fray. They have fixed all the little problems except the seat. It’s a cheap car and I knew that when I bought it. But I didn’t expect the seats to be so cheaply made the material is so thin the cavy has better quality seats. But all in all you get what you pay for.

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  I got good value for my $$ - 1999 Pontiac Sunfire
  By AZ - May 12 - 9:36 am

  I got my 99 red Sunfire 2 door 2.2 auto for $11000 in 2001. I LOVED my little red coupe. It has really served me well. Ive had almost no mechanical problems for the first 4 years I owned it. I just did regular maintenance and oil changes, brakes replaced at about 70,000 km, etc.. My only major problems with it have been in the past year. I blew out my head gasket at 100,000 km. Paid nearly $1000 to get a new head gasket & water pump. Ive been told by many mechanics that the Sunfires are notorious for head gasket problems! So watch your anti freeze levels and dont let it over heat as that gasket has very low tolerance. I also got the wiring recall work done at a GM dealership for free

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  good - 2003 Pontiac Sunfire
  By cashmoney57 - May 4 - 10:00 am

  good car, faster then most other cars in class.. way faster then civics

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  Last Model Sunfire Out with a Bang - 2004 Pontiac Sunfire
  By Jonny - May 2 - 9:50 pm

  The 2004 Pontiac Sunfire was definitely one for the books. With lots of economical problems with the cars history (the older 1990s models and early 2000 models) I expected some high maintenance work. However, I was disappointed at that end. The cars economical ability is standard. Change bulbs when burnt out, fill gas, change oil. The performance is also outstanding considering the heavy body style. With a 2.2L Ecotec engine backed by a 4 speed Automatic Transmission (I also drove a 5 speed manual) you will get the power you need to steer through tight corners while still being able to utilize the agility of the power-to-weight ratio. All in all, a fun car to drive.

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  The odds and ends just the ends - 2002 Pontiac Sunfire
  By bob - April 21 - 10:00 am

  fuel pumps go bad, and my chain snapped at 120,000 but other than that lol, my advice change fuel filter every 30k and change your timing at 100k

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  great value - 2004 Pontiac Sunfire
  By elmerstud - April 5 - 10:00 am

  the pontiac sunfire is a great car, first of all if ia american made thats a plus, second it isnt very pricey third this is a great car as is, or it is simple to fix up. i have added a bodykit to mine and got a paintjob and some rims and my car can be in the next fast and the furious.

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  fun - 2003 Pontiac Sunfire
  By chewbacca - March 22 - 10:00 am

  Car is quick and can be made quicker with all of the aftermarket parts coming out for it. The 2.2L Ecotec engine was built to be modded, this engine can hold 250+ horsepower without any major modifications to the engine internals, so strap on your turbos and nitrous boys, its gonna be a fun ride.

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  another pontiac failure - 1999 Pontiac Sunfire
  By phxSuns - March 17 - 10:00 am

  I bought a used 99 sunfire pontiac, expecting to get a great american vehicle. I have had major problems with the accessories, whereas the machine and the transmission are great. Mostly I expected a better Fuel Economy, and a better heat endurance from the vehicle. This car made me think of an european vehicle for next purchase.

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  I loved this car.... - 2002 Pontiac Sunfire
  By maitresse2109 - March 11 - 12:16 am

  This was my 2nd car ever, from April of 2006 to this past Monday (7/2/12) when a monster storm hit and did too much damage to be repaired (total loss). I went from 63,000 to 187,000 between 06/2009-06/2012, if that tells you how good this car is. I about cried when they told me I couldnt have it back. Only things Ive ever had to replace (besides tires/brakes) was the water pump and snake belt, which together was only 250, and the alternator went out this year and was 300. Thats less than 600 for all the wear and tear I figured I have put on it. If it hadnt been for the storm I couldve most likely driven this car another 3-5 years. Gonna miss, that is for sure.

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  Brand NEW CAR for $12,500 - 2002 Pontiac Sunfire
  By krzy4bmx - March 4 - 10:00 am

  This little car cant be beat for the bang for the Buck. I looked for 3 months and couldnt find anything close to the features of this car for the money.. auto, Powersunroof, kickbut stereo and head turning lines. Sure you wouldnt want to take a family vacation in it but for getting to work and cruising around town you cant go wrong. I dare you to find a car with this much to offer for what theyre getting.