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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  tires - 2004 Pontiac Sunfire
  By bryanr - February 16 - 10:00 am

  my daughter had a flat 70 miles away from home.the tire was bad.the local dealer would not honor the bumper to bumper warrenty that they say that comes with every car.it only had 5,000 miles on it.they tried to sell her a new tire....for only 250 dollars...so she went to wal mart for a 60 dollar tire....pretty sad that a 20,000 car i paid for,they wouldn,t honor the so called warrenty.....be careful for the fine print....rather had all 4 tires the same than 3 of one and 1 of a different brand but gm didn,t offer me no options.....hint...hint....gm

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  Love my car - 2003 Pontiac Sunfire
  By Cheryl - February 11 - 10:33 pm

  I bought my Pontiac Sunfire in 2003 brand new and I am still happy. The only repairs were minor with a gas cap and wire harness. The Sunfire is no longer manufactured. With high gas prices my car is perfect.

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  Ronnie Perry - 2002 Pontiac Sunfire
  By ronnie - February 8 - 10:00 am

  I bought this car in Jan. 2003. It had 22,000 miles on it and now it has 25,000 miles on it. Its dark navy blue. It runs great, and gets 26 miles per gallon on the hwy. The cars performance is awsome.

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  I LOVE my Sunfire :) - 2003 Pontiac Sunfire
  By kylo1201 - January 29 - 7:36 am

  I bought my 2003 Sunfire brand new with like 134 miles on it. It now has 106k and it still runs great! Its very reliable, I never worry about driving long trips. I know my baby will make it!! I had to get the left front strut replaced once while it was under warranty but no problems since. I replaced both window motors because they both stopped working. But my husband did it himself so it didnt cost very much. But other than that, No problems!!! I wish they still made this car so I can buy another one :)

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  Unexpected Sunfire - 2001 Pontiac Sunfire
  By firewire007 - January 19 - 10:00 am

  Was going for a back and forth to work shuttle. Got a car that was fun to drive, both economic and powerful enough for the highway, reliable, well- built, and it even looks good. Fold down rear seat gives extra utility. Car just makes me feel good.

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  decent transportation and cool looks - 2000 Pontiac Sunfire
  By redsharkrodney - January 10 - 10:00 am

  reliable...few bugs...cd player went out...and my parents have same car and there cd player went out as well...nice sporty looking car. monsoon sound system is a plus. drives nice. good gas mileage.

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  fun /nice looking - 1997 Pontiac Sunfire
  By ed tryin - December 27 - 2:00 am

  I had this car since 1998 had 13,000 miles now it has 90,000 miles . Problems water pump $700 oh yea. and electric window motor $230 I love the car its fun to drive red and black top.

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  review of our Pontiac Sunfire - 2001 Pontiac Sunfire
  By wworld - December 8 - 10:00 am

  This car is too small for me to get in and out of comfortably. It is a good looking little car, but that is the problem, it is too little for me and I am only 58". My wife and I are always bumping each others elbows, fighting for our space. We are wanting someone to take over payments on it.

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  nice for the price - 2005 Pontiac Sunfire
  By Todd F - December 5 - 10:23 pm

  Ive only driven my Sunfire about 1200 miles, but so far, its been nearly perfect. After I cashed in GM card earnings, I only paid $5800 for it, so I cant really complain about anything. However, I do think the seats are worth mentioning. Even in such an inexpensive car, the fabric is unbelievably cheap. 1200 miles and the drivers seat is showing considerable wear. I have to get some seat covers soon. Aside from that, however, I love it.

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  All the fun, for half the price - 1997 Pontiac Sunfire
  By bundok - November 26 - 2:16 pm

  I really like my car, but Im reluctant to do any modifications to it. Its an SE but it has the 2.4 liter engine and twin Cams. Its very peppy and handles well, though a little splashy. Great car for driving and the occasional (or frequent) driving wild. You wont feel like Mario Andretti in this car, but it definitely has a kick. The alternator has gone out once and my clutch cables snapped and had to be replaced. It has an oil leak Im assuming is from the oil pan gasket thats pretty bad; all of which I chalk up to my own driving and not the cars reliability.