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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  Reliable, Dependable, Fun - 2002 Pontiac Sunfire
  By LOVEIT - August 12 - 7:43 pm

  I have never had a problem with my car. Regular oil changes, change of battery, new front brakes, and this car still runs like a champ. I have no plans to buy a new car, as this one still runs like it did when it was brand new! I am happy with this car, it has never let me down, as others have. I have complete faith in a Pontiac, now more than ever. Keep your foreign cars. This one is built right here, in the USA...

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  every thing keeps breaking - 2005 Pontiac Sunfire
  By John - August 10 - 4:20 pm

  The car broke the third day we owned it. the fuel injecter went out then it was the coil pack, that went out. the the transmission is slipping and instrament pannel has allmost gone complety out.

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  Still getting in my Pontiac and DRIVING! - 1999 Pontiac Sunfire
  By CHollars - July 16 - 10:00 am

  Not a bad little car for the price. The Sunfires sporty look makes everyone think I have a V6 under the hood. Ive driven it on long road trips and short trips and its just a fun car to drive. I can haul more luggage than my boyfriend in his Mustang, and 9 out of 10 times we go somewhere we take my SUNFIRE. So far, I have few complaints. For someone who has always driven a car from the compact market, it comes in at the top of the pack. As long as this car stays on the road and out of the shop, Ill be pleased to call it mine for a long time!

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  Very Very Mediocare - 2003 Pontiac Sunfire
  By speed devil - July 11 - 10:00 am

  Its braking is soft and very unpredictable. Ive almost been in serious accidents because the breaks did not respond.Handling is just okay but traction is good because of the widetrac. The paint is horrible and the dirt wont wash off the glued on side panels. All the instruments are cheap and the screen for the clock and cd player overheats and sometimes feels like it will light on fire. The only thing that is really good is the stock cd player. Safety wise its a tank, but I dont know how it would be in a big accident. Overall I would not recommend the car unless you will buy it, rip the system out of it and re-sell it.

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  3 engines! 2.4 L - 1999 Pontiac Sunfire
  By terror 6 - June 26 - 8:46 am

  My sunfire, while fun to drive, has had nothing but problems. It had a wiring issue that 12 "technicians" at RON TONKIN LIARS AUTO sales could not find. Pontiac said there wasnt any known issues or recalls. I bought this car with 60,000 miles. It had already had a motor replaced with another used one that the LIARS at R.T.K. didnt tell me about. Since I bought it I have had to replace the 2.4 engine at 80,000 and now I have a rod knocking at 100,000. The vehicle gets routine oil changes, has never been over-revved and has never overheated. But yet I am looking at yet another engine swap. I baby this 4 cylinder and it still went pear shaped. Where is the Pontiac of old?

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  The sunfire is Hot!!! - 2003 Pontiac Sunfire
  By Lavicius - June 18 - 10:00 am

  The sunfire was my first new car and I must admit that it wasnt the car that I had planned on getting. Once the sales rep suggested that maybe I should give this car a test drive. I was in love!!! My sunfire is fully loaded and black, its beautiful adn the ride is soo smooth. I travel a lot and the mileage that you get per gallon is wonderful. I love my Sunfire, I love it so much I named mine, her name is Baby Girl.

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  Cool Sunfire - 2001 Pontiac Sunfire
  By tfr - June 18 - 10:00 am

  Greatest vehicle I have ever owned great quality, never had a problem

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  Excellent Car - 2004 Pontiac Sunfire
  By Paul McGuire - June 14 - 4:40 pm

  Perfect car for a college student. Excellent gas mileage in the city (32+mpg) and more than enough power 0- 60Mph in 7.2 seconds (5 speed manual). Although the interior room is minimal (not good for people over 6 ft) the car is good enough for me (511). I have put 26,000 miles on the car in less than 6 months and have had NO problems. If you take care of this car it will last you forever. Several mechanics have told me I could easily hit 400,000 miles. This car out ranks any import in speed, reliability, and **cost of ownership.**

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  Pontiac Sunfire 2001 - 2004 Pontiac Sunfire
  By Laurbabe - June 5 - 2:00 am

  Its a fun sporty car. Its a coupe, but the interior is extremely comfortable, and the backseat IS big enough to fit 3 people instead of only 2. Its comfortable, cute, and fun.

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  6 yrs and going strong - 2005 Pontiac Sunfire
  By ddeaves - June 4 - 5:07 pm

  I bought my little sunfire new in 2005. I got the sport package with the snazzy wheels and side designs. I have had more complements on this Electric Blue car, than my red mustang! It just looks FAST and sporty. Im not even a big fan of blue, but people love it. I have never had to do a thing to it, just reg. oil changes, runs great. I only have 35,000 miles on it, but Im pretty rough on a car, and it has done well, and is still BEAUTIFUL. I have the 5 speed manuel, gets good gas mileage, about 33 hwy, 25 in town. My kids all say it is a really rough passenger ride, but as the driver, I dont notice it. It has a lot of get up and go (torque).