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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  Stuff that shouldnt break does - 2003 Pontiac Sunfire
  By D Hyde - October 26 - 4:10 pm

  This car is poorly built. The drivetrain so far (50K miles) is fine, but just about everything else has been a disaster. After just a year, both power window motors broke, which cost >$800 to fix. The original brake shoes wore out after only 10K miles, yet the 2nd pair is still fine after 40K. On the roof the clear coat is bubbling and peeling, which started when the car was only 4 years old. The radio sometimes does not turn on when the car does. The whole body is tweaked, so sometimes the doors wont close. Several wheels and the back axle are bent. The suspension is way too soft so the weight distribution is impossible to manage, causing poor handling. Mine doesnt have anti-lock brakes..

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  Love it!!!!! - 2005 Pontiac Sunfire
  By Jeni - October 21 - 4:40 pm

  This is my first car and Im so in love with it. I bought a bright yellow 2003 Sunfire GT fully loaded and its one sweet ride. It handles well and when the pedal hits the floor you better hang on tight for the ride! Its hard not to speed with this baby - getting cruise control added this week :)

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  Wasnt my first choice - 2004 Pontiac Sunfire
  By Rod - October 17 - 5:36 pm

  Needed a car, needed a deal, Gm announced they were giving an $4000. rebate on the car. This car was not on my radar as I looked at Civics, Scions and others.... So far I am very pleased with the engine, it takes the mountains with ease and the mileage is very good. The seats are horrible. fit and finish is fair... Room inside is poor. Handling is very good and is fun to drive. Styling still sets it apart. Resale is horrible... Overall its a terrible buy as a new car but a steal as a used car....

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  It is a reasonable car. Not very fast - 1997 Pontiac Sunfire
  By Eagles - October 10 - 10:00 am

  Overall I think the 1997 Pontiac Sunfire has a reasonable performance. For the most part it has been reliable. The engine does not have a whole lot of pep anymore because of its 83,000 miles. But it runs okay and the exterior is in pretty good condition.

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  Car - 2004 Pontiac Sunfire
  By Heather - October 7 - 2:20 am

  I bought this car new and have already had problems with the engine. They had to replace the engine at 10,000, a factory defect. I have not been happy with this vehicle from the start and wanted to return it, but they would not. Once a lemon always a lemon, now I have 54,000 km on it and one of the bearing is totally disintegrated. Now Gm is wondering why, purpose because it was a lemon from the beginning. I am not carless, they do not give courtesy cars to powertrain warranty customers and they seem to be taking there sweet time. I put in several complaints about this car in the past and got no where. Im sure they just thought I was a complainer. HATE this car,never will buy again

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  Two for two - 2005 Pontiac Sunfire
  By Paul - September 5 - 8:36 am

  After 4 problem-free years of driving a 1998 Sunfire ( bought used ), I purchased a 2005 4-door sedan in early 2005. Again, Ive enjoyed problem-free driving for the past two years. I noted several subtle improvements over my 98 model. Like many domestic products, I believe that the Sunfire has received an unfair rating from the so-called experts, who seem to be fixated on the supposed superiority of certain pet imports. The consistently very high ratings of Sunfire owners speak for themselves!

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  Sunfire - 1997 Pontiac Sunfire
  By Ronnysrv - August 30 - 2:00 am

  Over the course of owning the vehicle, I have had several major problems with it. The keyed ignition has consistantly had trouble unlocking at random times when I insert the key and I cant turn it. Usually after fiddling with it, it would turn. Twice it never would, and I had to have it towed to the dealer. The alternator has failed twice and I had to have it rebuilt. The compressor has been replaced.

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  If you have one of these, sell it! - 2004 Pontiac Sunfire
  By ahnalia - August 26 - 12:36 pm

  First the ICP had to be replaced, then the transmission started acting up, then the key wouldnt come out of the ignition, but the final straw is the fact at a mere 25 mile per hour front end collsion, the car I hit was fine with very little damage.. my sunfire on the otherhand, was completely and utterly destroyed. The airbags did deploy, and no one was seriously hurt, but the car itself, I am beyond words of how utterly destroyed the car is. Total loss, engine is nearly inside the dashboard, window shattered, hood is almost up to the windshield. Flimsy design and completely unsafe IMO. If you own one of these, sell it NOW! You may be saving a life! I will NEVER buy another GM car-ever!

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  Reliable Car for me - 2003 Pontiac Sunfire
  By luvmycar - August 24 - 8:20 pm

  I bought my Pontiac Sunfire used w/29k miles. It now has 77,000 and I have not had any major issues at all. I still get great gas mileage and over 30 mpg on the highways. Its fun to drive and noise is not a factor. The engine is strong and peppy for a 4 cylinder.

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  Pros and cons - 2003 Pontiac Sunfire
  By Filip - August 24 - 1:36 pm

  I saw this car on the lot and really liked the looks of it. it was used but only had about 8000 miles on it so it really seemed new to me.I took it out for a test drive and liked the car.The dealor wouldnt negotiate his price.Like I said , it was a nice looking car and peppy enough for me.I can zip in and out of traffic easily.I wasnt sure how the upholstery would hold up. It didnt. After 1500 miles it started to tear on the front seat There is lots of plastic on the car.I have replaced 3 wheelcovers because of cracks. there was a recall for the directional lights. I replaced them 3 times in 6 months, After a rain, If I opened the trunk, water would drip down my back. Door lock problems.