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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  Fullfilled My Expectations - 2000 Pontiac Sunfire
  By Leanne - August 7 - 11:03 am

  Bought almost new, In total, i have put 110K on it. I have had almost no issues at all in the 6 years Ive had it. I still get 28 mpg avg. It has been a good investment; paid off 2 years ago and kept on going. For a 4 cyl. it goes pretty well, no trouble passing, and travels well at 60+. Had recent starter trouble, replaced it, no problem since. Also gas gauge seems to be off sometimes, but ive never had it looked at. I live in upstate NY, not great in snow, but not horrible, however RUSTED a LOT! Im not in love with this car, but I wasnt when I bought it. I wanted a little cheap car for lots of driving, got good mileage etc, and it filled my needs and was very reliable and fun.

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  Fun car, great car - 1999 Pontiac Sunfire
  By Grego - August 2 - 10:00 am

  This car has been a joy to own. Very few mechanical problems and a lot of fun to drive.

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  The Best Car Ever! 😄 - 2001 Pontiac Sunfire
  By Karen Guiles - July 30 - 3:57 am

  My car is an automatic. I bought my car 11/01/2000 and it had only 7 miles on it and now has 117000. I love the car! It was perfect until the last 2 years. Its had the Fuel Pump, starter and transmission replaced now. Unfortunately, I havent been able to have it garage kept so the paint is failing. My Son bought me a new car so Ill sadly be finding a new home for my Sunfire. Im very attached but just dont need 2 cars and dont need to pay Insurance, Registration and Inspection on both. If its well maintained it will last for years!

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  2003 Pontiac Sunfires Rule ! - 2003 Pontiac Sunfire
  By Juhani.L - July 24 - 2:00 am

  Pontiac Sunfire Review ! We are all familiar with the Pontiac Sunfire, because its been with us for years, but there is great news for 2003 model year ! It has the new 2.2 Ecotec engine which is a absolute gem of smoothness and great power. Four-speed automatic mates with it fantastically ! Interrior has been changed, and it is not all bad either, that powerful Monsoon stereo-system will part your hair if needed..thanks GM ! Styling could be slighly toned down, but this is a Pontiac after all ! Juhani.

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  Excellent - 1997 Pontiac Sunfire
  By daf - July 13 - 10:43 pm

  Excellent car; great fun sporty little car for the price, with more rear room for kids and dogs etc than most convertibles; one of the best deals around, just not known really for unknown reasons.

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  Good car...Great price - 2005 Pontiac Sunfire
  By Moe - June 21 - 3:23 pm

  My wife loves this car...she says she feels at home in it. I am 64" and I even fit with some comfort. These days with gas prices this car is a perfect fit with our budget(by the way...Edmunds say this cars actual value is around $11,000..we paid $8600 including tax) Good car....Great price!

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  Great Value car - 2003 Pontiac Sunfire
  By bilsfire - May 23 - 4:15 am

  Car is def. mechanically sound, solid engine and tranny(standard). Interior build quality is less than par, but for the performance factor, you get what you get. The exterior wasnt thought out 100%, the fact that its front wheel drive and comes stock with a rear spoiler, is counterproductive. As long as maintainance is under control, the vehicle will last as long as you last. Oil changes on any smaeller engine aluminum, or otherwise, with higher rev ranges, should be done every 2000-2500 miles as a rule. Performance again is great, the power to weight ratio is above average for the class of car. Plenty of torque for getting going, not too much(spin tires in snow) good horse power.

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  Great car, lots of power, fun to drive. - 2001 Pontiac Sunfire
  By Jamie LinerMan - May 22 - 2:00 am

  This car is great its a good handling car, very good pick up and isnt hard on the wallet. Only thing i would change is the quality of some of the interior pices they ratal a little bet at high way speeds.

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  a o k - 2001 Pontiac Sunfire
  By gtman - May 22 - 2:00 am

  it rocks and i wouldnt sell it ....shes my baby

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  Yellow 04 Sunfire - 2004 Pontiac Sunfire
  By Tiff - May 19 - 8:46 am

  I bought my yellow Sunfire used. It had 23,000 miles on it. I now have 35,000 on it and love it. Traveling back and forth to college everyday, the car is very reliable. It goes great in the snow and even has a decent stereo system that sounds great with the windows down and the sunroof open. The only problem is that I had to put tires on a little over a year after the dealer put new ones on in the trade in. Occassionally has a rough start up in cold weather but overall the car was a great choice for my first car. My car also features a factory installed stripe package covering both doors that captures the attention of people along with the bright yellow color.