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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  On fire - 2003 Pontiac Sunfire
  By Bell23 - April 24 - 10:00 am

  We fell in love with three things the new model had. Once is the same dual overhead cam Ecotek engine that gives more than 30mpg every tank, even if you drive as if it is a Cendar Point ride on wheels. The second was the new, 2- years ago, 4-speed automatic. We learned you could pull it behind a motor home, it had enhanced traction control for winter fun, and the overdrive gear ratio of .66 matched the 5-speed manual for that gas mileage edge. The last thing is the new look. GM stopped making the 4-door Sunfire and upgraded the look dramatically. The front has the swooping headlights and the aggressive Trans-am look.

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  2004 Sunfire - 2004 Pontiac Sunfire
  By Robert - April 20 - 11:13 am

  Ive owned my sunfire for just over a year with no problems. It handles nice, good gas mileage, plenty of power, and its stylish.

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  The mean looking sunfire - 2003 Pontiac Sunfire
  By JAH36 - April 18 - 10:00 am

  Trade in my 98 4 door sedan for the 2003 fell in love with it. Very quick and fast, love the stereo system

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  Homer Simpson comes to mind DOH! - 1999 Pontiac Sunfire
  By phat_white_boy - April 13 - 3:53 am

  Overall not a bad vehicle, 99 with 2.4L twin cam. 138,000mi fun to drive on the highway with moonroof open - the ladies seem to like it to. however its currently being serviced for a new water pump in intake gasket

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  My Review - 2003 Pontiac Sunfire
  By bizich2484 - April 6 - 2:00 am

  Ive had a love-hate relationship with this car. Ive only owned it for a year and have had to bring it back to the dealership 6 times to get various parts fixed. I used to drive a Bonneville and I really miss the V6 that I had in that car. I do not plan on owning this car for much longer, I spend a lot of time in my car and I need something bigger and has more features.

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  great little car - 2004 Pontiac Sunfire
  By neopopper - April 6 - 2:00 am

  Since we bought this little car in may of 03, its been absolutly wonderful. It has pep, style, economy, and fun to drive. I have yet to find a complaint. To anyone looking, this car is gold.

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  Love my Sunfire - 2003 Pontiac Sunfire
  By Emily - March 27 - 2:56 pm

  I love my Sunfire! I think that it is so much cooler looking than the Honda Civics that the rest of the college kids are driving around my home. The only complaint I have is that there is too much lumbar in the seats and they cannot be adjusted! When I have to take it from TN to MI my back is killing me by the time we get there. But, it still does the trip like a charm. I only have to fill it up twice for the 10 hour drive. I also wish that it was offered with a V6 engine.

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  Great All Around Vehicle - 2005 Pontiac Sunfire
  By Sheri - March 25 - 1:33 am

  Ive had My PS going on 2 yrs this Sept. and just recently had any type of "Major Repair" (front brakes) otherwise very reliable vehicle and would definitely consider purchasing another within the next year or two.

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  Pontiac Sunfire - 4 Door automatic - 2005 Pontiac Sunfire
  By Jeannie - March 24 - 7:06 am

  I really love driving my new car, I find it comfortable for drives that are not too long. The seating in long drives is not as comfortable, as the drivers seat doesnt adjust well for a short driver. My biggest problem with the car is a stalling issue, which has not been resolved in three trips back to the dealer. As it is intermittent, it never does it when the mechanics have it: however it is a constant problem for me. If this could be resolved, I would be happy with the car...however at this point I am considering trading it in on a make that has a more reliable rating, i.e. Toyota or Honda.

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  Nice car - 2004 Pontiac Sunfire
  By Lilchavez - March 21 - 10:00 am

  This car handles well and is fun to drive. With the optional packages, MP3 player, Satelite radio, premium sound, it is a pleasure driving in.