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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  Best car I ever owned - 2004 Pontiac Sunfire
  By JulieBear - August 25 - 7:13 pm

  I bought this car last Nov. I absolutely love it. I am a die hard foreign car buyer but when I had to replace my car on short notice I decided to by my red sunfire. I am still in love with this car. The car pickups quickly and I have had only one mechanical problem (an O2 sensor which my warranty took care of) with 46,000 and going. The car handles decently and is surprisingly nimble in the Massachusetts snow. My only complaint which I have heard a lot is the cup holders are in front of the heat controls so they are hard to get to if you have a cup in them. All in all I couldnt be happier with my purchase!!

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  Im through with this car - 2005 Pontiac Sunfire
  By AG - August 23 - 1:43 pm

  I had an 04 but totaled it - bought an 05 and have had slew of problems. Bad brake rotors to the point of where they snapped while I was driving leaving me stranded. The engine stalls, the cd/mp3 player frequently shorts resetting my clock, the model itself affects my tires in which Ive replaced 6 in the past 21/2 years that I purchased this car. The window motor shorts leaving one of my Windows down in Atlanta during winter. Power steering flawed, trunk shorted out and wouldnt close for about three months. My gauges cross over each other in some malfunction preventing me from checking my speed/rpms. Fuel gauge backlight does not fully turn on. Everything on this car sucks!

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  Love my car - 2001 Pontiac Sunfire
  By JRHD - August 6 - 10:00 am

  Owned my car for 2yrs & 2.5 mnths - over 57,800 miles on it! Holds up well in an accident. Use KN air filter for a little extra hp. Cant wait to get another one!

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  Good Till High Miles - 1997 Pontiac Sunfire
  By lost_in_new_mexico - July 31 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car in november of 2002. I am now selling it in December of 2003. I bought it with 93K miles on it reading that these cars lasted a while. This is not true. I have put 25K miles on it and in that time I have warped the front brake rotors twice, the spark plug coils went bad, and there is no way to diagnose them without replacing them, and now the torque converter is going out and it is running roughly again. $1300 minimum for the tranny work! Do Not Get This Car!

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  poor car - 2002 Pontiac Sunfire
  By me999999 - July 30 - 10:00 am

  trouble from day 2. required 2 trips one on a tow truck to get it properly repaired

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  I love my Sunfire - 2004 Pontiac Sunfire
  By yurokNDNdoll - July 17 - 1:16 am

  It is fast and sporty It takes corners well and picks up speed without any hesitation. Its the best car I ever owned besides my 1983 Sunbird. I have had no problems.

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  I love my black 2001 Sunfire - 2001 Pontiac Sunfire
  By Zeak Harbors - June 28 - 8:16 am

  I got my car new with 5 miles and have had it up to this point. I drove the hell out of that car. Its fast with good acceleration has a sporty look that is totally unique and I enjoyed the interior design. Comfortable ride. It handles well as i drive like a maniac and it has had minor problems (oil leak, fuel pump) but is a solid car. Its a tank in the winter. The FWD got me through many awful WV winters. I would run this car until it explodes if the value wasnt so low. I know some have problems but mine was built well enough to last my teenage rambunctiousness and get me though college as well as take me on many vacations. For the price it is the best there is and I would buy it again...

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  Decent overall, but has some problems - 2001 Pontiac Sunfire
  By Ken Y. - June 25 - 3:26 pm

  My girlfriend purchased her 2001 sunfire in July of 01. This has been a very reliable car, but it has had some recurring problems. Brakes - The front rotors have been replaced 3 times and I have having them replaced again this weekend. Every 15k miles, the brakes begin to pulsate and need service. The rotors can only be turned once, after that they have to be replaced. This is a horrible problem that is present on many GM vehicles, including the sister car the Cavalier. Build Quality - The fit/finish leaves a lot to be desired. Parts look very cheap and after 25 - 30k there are a lot of rattles etc. Overall the car has been very reliable and has never broken down in 95k miles

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  Looks good, thats about it! - 2002 Pontiac Sunfire
  By Al209340 - June 17 - 2:00 am

  When I got my Sunfire I was really happy to get it, but since time as gone by, I have been disappointed with this car. One of the issues is the Headlights. They don’t put out much light when on high beam. This car squeaks and rattles down the road, and it has TONS of interior problems, including the seat not being able to adjust without breaking, and controls sticking. I had problems with paint pealing and problems starting the car. Plus this car bounces all over the place on uneven or bad roads. A person who owned a 1996 Sunfire told me not to buy Sunfire, now I wished I took his advice. He told me he just has had is 5th major safety recall notice on his 1996 Sunfire. Yikes!

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  I love my car! - 2004 Pontiac Sunfire
  By JennyJ - June 12 - 2:00 am

  Sunfires are the very best! I love mine so much its not even funny. Its so fun to drive and it hugs the turns of the road so much! Not to mention the fun and sleek design of the inside. THIS car is so awesome, and if your looking for a cool car for literaly a GREAT price you should take another look at the sunfire, its so perfect! If you dont believe me then go test drive one for yourself!