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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  Value - 2004 Pontiac Sunfire
  By Richard Papp - February 11 - 10:00 am

  Only owned this vehicle for a cople of months, but enjoying it tremendously. I have owned almost every model of Pontiac over the years, and this one rate high. For what I paid (under 12K$), this is more car than any other brand out there. Performance and driveability are exceptonal for this class. I dont know how EPA mileage ratings can be so low-I routinely get 7.6L/100 KM in the city and have never used more than 8.8L/100. Highway drops to 6.6L/100KM or better. There is no comparable value on the market.

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  Great Car - 2002 Pontiac Sunfire
  By expressfanatic - February 6 - 1:58 pm

  My partner has owned this car since 2009. He has had no problems what so ever with the car other then wrecking it twice. Since we have been together, and i have been doing most of the driving, i have been taking care of the odds and ends. This car has 177,600 miles on it, and still runs like a champ. I have had the oil changed numerous times(as all he did was add oil when needed), tune-up, Throttle Position Sensor, and soon a O2 sensor. We drive the car about 300 miles a day, and have no problems.

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  Will never buy a Sunfire again! - 2003 Pontiac Sunfire
  By carner - January 29 - 8:16 am

  I have been in 3 front end crashes and my airbags still have not gone off, kinda scary if you ask me. Very comfortable but no space for drinks. It was a good high school car but not for anything else.

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  Visibility Problem - 2001 Pontiac Sunfire
  By a m e - January 3 - 10:00 am

  Too many Blind spots, not fun driving at night. Front hood is extremely deceivingly large an hard to judge. I will try to get rid of my car, because I have a long commute to work and back.

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  Awesome car! - 2002 Pontiac Sunfire
  By Rachel - January 2 - 3:06 pm

  I bought this car in 2006 with barely 25,000 miles on it. I never had ANY problems with it, aside from totaling it last week. This car was never to the mechanic and ran very smoothly. The one thing I wouldve changed would have been a roomier back seat. The cup holders were also in an unpleasant spot. Extremely reliable car! Im going to miss mine so much!

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  my car - 2004 Pontiac Sunfire
  By janae benedict - December 31 - 10:00 am

  the 2004 sunfire has really good gas milage. it has alot of room and a big trunk. its fun to drive and it always gets looks when i drive down the street

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  Great Car - 2004 Pontiac Sunfire
  By BG - December 5 - 5:10 am

  I was a little skeptical about this entry level car but so far it has made a believer out of me! It is a real eye catcher and its low ride and sporty looks reminds me of the good old american cars from the 70s. Its starts every time up here in Canada and gets pretty good gas mileage even in real cold weather. Our other car is a 2004 Civic and to date the Sunfire has had less problems than the Honda, go figure!

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  not bad, not good - 1997 Pontiac Sunfire
  By Joshy - November 16 - 10:00 am

  An OK car for the money. I have had a number of repairs lately (nearly 120K mi. now). Head gasket has gone twice, starter, alternator, fuel injector head along with regular front end parts etc. A little bit gutless and a fair bit of body roll (but what do you expect for the money)

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  still going? - 2001 Pontiac Sunfire
  By ROY - November 4 - 10:00 am

  It been a good little car but with a lot of problems. After 4 attempts to fix transmission gringing noise problem still persists. A/C lower 2 settings no longer work. Fuel gauge failed and needed replaced. Low on power compared to competitors. Seat are now worn out. This car is only 3 years old with only 42000 miles on it.

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  05 Sunfire - 2005 Pontiac Sunfire
  By chesterr - November 2 - 7:53 pm

  It has been good solid car at a low price. Only problem I had is wiring was not installed right at factory. Engine doesnt burn oil after 73 k. Should go 200k easy. I use synthetic at least once a year