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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  sunfire - 2004 Pontiac Sunfire
  By cody197689 - June 1 - 10:00 am

  It has a lot of spunk, is realiable, and love the change to the front end

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  Great Car! - 2000 Pontiac Sunfire
  By smartalex61 - May 26 - 12:33 pm

  My grandmother gave me this car back in 2007 with only 47,000 miles on it, and with this being my first car I really didnt know what to think of it. After having it for 3 years it really grew on me, and it was fun to drive every day. I think the interior is a bit cheap feeling and the seats arent that comfortable, but it looks great. Not to mention that the exterior styling is BEAUTIFUL. Also Ive never had any problems with this car besides the normal maintenance (breaks, oil changes, etc.). Unfortunately it was recently totaled in an accident, however if they still made them I would buy another in a heartbeat!

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  JUST OUT OF THE BOX!!! - 2003 Pontiac Sunfire
  By Porche - May 22 - 2:00 am

  Just got my new sunfire last week and I love it. Ive been driving vans, and SUVs for the past 7 years and its really nice to have something that handles so well and sporty looking too. Its as close to a firebird as I will probably ever get and I truly hope it turns out to be as good on fuel as I hope. I actually got 30 miles per gallon on my 1st tank of gas.Sure beats the heck out of 15. Hope it gives me good service for a long time.

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  2003 PONTIAC SUNFIRE - 2003 Pontiac Sunfire
  By TOM NIEZNAY - May 14 - 1:30 pm

  I love to drive my sunfire because it is great on gas and for a 4 cylinder engine it has a lot of power. The sporty appearance is great and it has a roomy trunk. The sound system with cd player is awesome. The automatic transmission shifts really smoothly. Best thing about GM cars is the transmission.

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  Love my Pontiac Sunfire - 2003 Pontiac Sunfire
  By jrojas - April 27 - 9:33 am

  This was my third Pontiac Sunfire. This one had "all" possible options. I love the vehicle; very dependable; great style; love how "peppy" the vehicle is when you step on the gas.

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  Lemon from Pontiac - 1999 Pontiac Sunfire
  By ibaqt - April 22 - 10:00 am

  Purchased car 9/1/01 with 12,000 mi. Now June (9 mo. later) and car only has 24,000 mi. Leaks water into speakers and dumps on leg when getting into/out of car. Car top is improperly designed and Pontiac Cust. Service said, tough luck. Replaced stero/cd twice so far, gasketing around all windows, adjusted trunk door and gas door so would close properly, now driver window is having electrical problems. Feel like am always in the shop. LOVE having a convertible and adore the car...when there are no problems and it is not raining.

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  dependable no frills little car - 2001 Pontiac Sunfire
  By JJ - April 18 - 3:56 am

  I bought this car used w/ 41000 mi.about 6 mo. ago and have been pleasantlysuprised with it. While not the most robust on the road, it is efficient w/my 34 mpg (and given my daily commute of 90 miles round trip-its vital!). I havent had any problems with it other than needing brakes and a new battery. Always starts right up and have not had any other problems with it. With the 2.2L engine in mine, its not the most powerful force on the road but it does its job. If youre looking for something to get you back and forth cheaply, this may foot the bill for ya.

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  Pontiac Sunfire REview - 2000 Pontiac Sunfire
  By stepfanie - April 8 - 10:00 am

  Very good car. Not bad for the price. Loved to drive it, love the look.

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  My SuperSunfire - 2001 Pontiac Sunfire
  By jd77 - March 25 - 10:00 am

  I love my Sunfire! This car is small with a BIG attitude. I have the sun and sound package and the only thing I hate is that I am constantly blowing the speakers! I will continue leaving those other 4 cylinders in my rear view!

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  Yellow Ecotec - 2002 Pontiac Sunfire
  By Danm - March 11 - 10:00 am

  I have a new "Flame Yellow" 2.2l Ecotec on my hands and I love it! The sun and sound package with sunroof and better sound system is a must. Putting down the windows and roof and turning up the volume make ths a great car to drive. It also has a peppy enging that picks up quickly. The import fighting world is making many new aftermarket part for the new ecotec, too. So if you dont want a civic or eclipse like EVERYONE else,this is a great car for the money.