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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  good machine! - 2002 Pontiac Sunfire
  By freelancer00145 - May 30 - 2:00 am

  i got my 02 sunfire in summer of this year and so far, i havent been disappointed. the fuel economy is fine, but i doesnt rate well to imports, but its enough. the engine power stacks up well for a 4cylinder engine...it accelerates quickly. interior space comes in bundles- i have plenty of headroom (but im only 510", so that has something to do with it). the audio system isnt the optional Monsoon system, but it is exceptional for a standard, factory system. the car is good overall, but i have yet to see how it does when it hits the 50k mi mark.

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  This car keeps on going!! - 1997 Pontiac Sunfire
  By D. Stanhope - May 6 - 3:03 pm

  I bought this car at 147,000 miles and Ive put 61,000 miles on it and its only stopped me once, alternator! Yeah this bitch is a beast. These little motors from Chevy never last past 200k miles, but I can bet u that mine will go on to 300k easy. Great car, great gas mileage. The a/c still works, never been serviced, ever!

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  Good Little Car - 97 Coupe SE - 1997 Pontiac Sunfire
  By zippy_zion - April 20 - 11:06 pm

  This is a great little car. I was supprised initally by its good gas mileage and even more by its power. Ive only had two problems with it that were easy fixes. 1. The valve cover had a loose bolt and leaked oil 2. I had a leak in my trunk Neither caused any long term problems and didnt cause any ill performance. I have since added a front strut tower bar to help my handling. Im thinking of modifying it further but am reluctant because there is really nothing "wrong" with it; I just want more.

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  Reliable and Fun - 2003 Pontiac Sunfire
  By Samantha - April 4 - 12:53 pm

  I bought my sunfire about a year and a half ago used, it had 30,000 miles. It now has 50,000 and I havent had any major problems with the car. It is fun to drive and handles well. Ive driven it from WI to FL and back and it was an excellent drive, very peppy car. Reliable, but poor build quality

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  fine daily driver - 2002 Pontiac Sunfire
  By budneff67 - March 15 - 12:11 am

  ive had this car for 7 years now. the only things ive had to fix that arent considered regular maintenance are; the wire lead to the A/C compressor (stock one is too short and loses connection, wire extension can be purchased from a dealer for pretty cheap), both window motors, and an ABS connector. other than that, the car has been very reliable. i drive it daily here in the hot texas weather. its not quite as comfortable as my old Mazda MX-6 but a suitable choice for the 1.5 hr round trip for work every day.

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  A mixed bag - 2003 Pontiac Sunfire
  By Patty Aspen - March 12 - 10:00 am

  I like the style of the car, as well as the fuel efficiency, but I think it is very cheaply built compared to other cars Ive had. The windshield wipers wont go all the way down anymore. Screws are coming undone on the interior and the plastic that covers where the seatbeats attach has broken off and looks unsightly. Its been fairly reliable except that the check engine light comes on and off randomly.

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  Great first car - 1997 Pontiac Sunfire
  By phv2 - February 23 - 11:23 pm

  I got the car used with 100,000 miles on it. It ran great when I purchased it and continues to start everytime without worrys. Had to fix a few things but nothing major or surprising. Gets real good mileage (28mpg) considering mine doesnt even have overdrive (3- speed tranny. It has good performance for a small ecomony car. Ive never had any trouble merging into fast moving highway traffic and it tracks really well in all weather.

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  great economy car - 2003 Pontiac Sunfire
  By Heather - January 23 - 7:06 pm

  I`ve had this car for almost 2 years. bought it at 31`000miles and it`s now at almost 80`000. The car still runs like new, no oil leaks, or burning oil. Only thing I`ve had to do is change the brakes and maintenance. Stock sound system is decent. It`s pretty peppy for a 140hp. Handles very well for what it is. Love this car. Haven`t had any issues, would buy another one

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  One of the best Cars I have ever owned! - 2003 Pontiac Sunfire
  By daveinsc - January 17 - 4:56 am

  My Sunfire is a beautiful, reliable, fuel effiecient little car. With the spoilers, and front air dam, it looks and drives like a sports car. I am not sure how much horse power 4 cylinder engine puts out, but this is a very fast car for having such a small stock engine. I can cruise at 70 to 80 depending on the speed limit and still get great gas mileage. I can drive 1000 miles on 3 tanks of gas, and still have 1/2 to 3/4 of a tank left. If I were asked to recommend this car I would definitly say buy it! I am buying a new pickup, but I am keeping the Sunfire. It is a very reliable car, and I expect to get at least another 100,000 miles out of it or more. It has 34,000 now and no problems

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  Sunfire-quality & dependable - 1997 Pontiac Sunfire
  By ci1101 - January 6 - 10:00 am

  Most dependable small car Ive owned at a very reasonable price. What impressed me most when I first got in to check it out, was the "heavy car feel"---no tinny sounding doors, quiet interior, etc. Biggest problem: defroster for windshield is only one approx. 8" oval in the center---long defrosting time in the snowy, icy winters. Mechanically, Ive replaced brakes twice and needed a new starter just a month ago. Not bad for owning it new.