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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  Great value for the price and size! - 2004 Pontiac Sunfire
  By Brian Hamlett - March 7 - 2:00 am

  As a taller than average male, I was a little concerned about purchasing this vehicle. But for the many advantages to owning this car, they outweighed this small inconvenience. Style, options, fuel efficiency and affordability were all pluses in my decision to look at this economy vehicle. Ive always loved Pontiac, and they have held true to their name, even on this entry level vehicle.

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  Not a bad car - 2002 Pontiac Sunfire
  By therover - March 5 - 1:50 pm

  I bought this sunfire with only 16,000 miles on it and I still have it now at 133,000. I trust this car to get me where I want to go and have had no problems with it what so ever. Yes it could be more comfortable, but the lack of comfort should be expected in this type of small car. The paint is still intact and gets great fuel mileage, 30 on the highway! My daughter wants this car as soon as I get a new one. Again, no problems so far.

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  GT is well worth it! - 2000 Pontiac Sunfire
  By Kurtis L. Roesler - March 1 - 10:00 am

  I had a Teal 2000 Pontiac Sunfire GT Coupe and absolutily loved it! It was hands down one of the best cars ever made, especailly with the ever-so- sporty GT package! Sadly enough though, I was only able to hold onto the car for 10 days because on the 10th day I had it, I was ran off the road in the country by and old man and I skid accross the road into a ditch and flipped. Rest assure if your car does this, it will be totaled; mine was! But unbelievably, I got out with only a few minor scratches on my arm and a stiff neck, so this is also a VERY safe car. It saved my life!

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  Pocket rocket - 1997 Pontiac Sunfire
  By pocket rocket - February 26 - 2:00 am

  Fun car to drive...dependable and loaded with safety features standard. Power convertible top has always worked great with no leaks. Maintenance is affordable and the car still has lots of value and fun left.

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  Loin It ! - 2005 Pontiac Sunfire
  By Heather Anthony - February 24 - 10:00 am

  I totally love these cars !!!!

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  a few problems but still a good car - 2002 Pontiac Sunfire
  By sweeties_mom - February 21 - 2:00 am

  I had my first major elec. problem within 24 hrs of pick up and 4 other others since but I have not had any problems in the last couple of months. It has been performing perfectly. I do ALOT of highway driving and this car does have alot of wind noise, especially when the sunroof is open. I would highly recommend the 2.2 DOHC engine. I came from a Cavalier Z24 w/ a v6 engine and this engine has almost as much power as that did. Despite the early electrical issues, this has been a very reliable, fuel efficient car that can be fun to drive.

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  love it! - 1999 Pontiac Sunfire
  By brookany - February 6 - 5:16 pm

  Overall a great car... loves the cold weather, fun to drive, handles great, looks great. Sometime starts funny in hot weather. The ABS kicks in at weird, inappropriate times.

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  Great Little Car - 2005 Pontiac Sunfire
  By Bill - January 22 - 12:06 am

  I have had this car for about 7 months now and it is the most fun car I have ever owned. It is bright red and handles like a dream. Strangers approach me often asking me questions or complimenting it.

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  love it - 2005 Pontiac Sunfire
  By berdonn - January 13 - 2:26 pm

  my experience has been wonderful i really love the way the car looks feels and handles. I am finding that i like driving it too much at the rate im going i will have the miles jacked up in a year.

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  I Love My Sunfire - 2004 Pontiac Sunfire
  By Sherrona - January 5 - 3:36 pm

  After test driving the Pontiac Solstice (and deciding I wanted the car) I spotted a used rally yellow Sunfire for a third of the price in the car lot. I was sold after just two blocks of the test drive and a year later, I have nothing but great things to say about this car. My only expenditures have been gas and a couple oil changes. You turn the key and the car starts and is the most reliable vehicle Ive ever driven. I recommend this care Sunfire to anyone who wants a reliable, economical vehicle thats fun to drive. Love the sunroof & the stereo (above average). Only drawback is the police love to stop me ---sporty car profiling at its worse as Ive yet to get a ticket!