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:

• 

  Great RELIABLE car that I miss in so many ways - 2002 Pontiac Sunfire
  By moed88 - December 26 - 3:09 pm

  Mine was 4dr automatic trans. Had for 10 years, 135,000 miles. Bought as a commuter car and I give it 5 stars for that purpose. Fit and finish not so great; and cheesy design cues like the body cladding, chrome hub caps, and spoiler werent necessary. But this car ran like a champ. No fluid or oil leaks EVER and timing CHAIN never failed. Mileage was solid 30s in mixed driving (high 20s with a/c on). Any maintenance was very simple and inexpensive. Tires cheap to replace due to small size. Finally sold it b/c P0440 evap code came up and I decided to put money towards a small SUV (Im very outdoorsy). Great Corolla alternative.

• 

  I Love It! - 2005 Pontiac Sunfire
  By I Love It! - December 20 - 6:00 am

  I own an 05 white Sunfire and this was my first car. I couldnt ask for anything better. I absolutely love it. I handles beautifully and Im in love with the exterior. This is an excellent car for the money and I am proud to own it.

• 

  Loving It - 2005 Pontiac Sunfire
  By Doreen - December 17 - 11:06 pm

  It was inexpensive, fun, sporty looking, great on gas and a smooth ride. I cannot be happier with a car that did not break the bank to afford. I highly recommend this car to anyone looking for a reliable, fun car with low car payments!

• 

  Fun little chick car - 1999 Pontiac Sunfire
  By Beanerzz - December 9 - 10:00 am

  This car gives a lot of bang for your buck.. I purchased my 99 Sunfire GT because I was offered a sponsorship from RKSport. It came stock with a 2.4L interference motor, 5 speed manual transmission. With the 150/150 ratio, this car hauls for a 4 cylinder. It also handles the mods I added really well without any major internal modifications to the engine. Now, my engine pushes out close to 310 HP and its wonderful. If youre looking for a great little car to mod up.. you gotta get a Sunfire GT.

• 

  fine little car - 1999 Pontiac Sunfire
  By dick purnell - November 30 - 10:00 am

  Best buy I ever got in a car. Paid about $11,000 and never had a problem with the car. Gets 36 mpg on the highway. easy to drive and handle.

• 

  Will it start?? - 2000 Pontiac Sunfire
  By C.T. - November 27 - 2:00 am

  I have a 2000 Sunfire SE, and w/in the first year it had to have a new battery, and a new starter. In 2002 it had to have the computer reprogrammed due to engine lights coming on, and it had to have the whole steering assembly replaced, this all happened 2 weeks before the warranty was up. I do not trust this car and will never buy one again.

• 

  Perfect Car!!!! - 2005 Pontiac Sunfire
  By Tabitha - November 24 - 4:43 pm

  I actually came over from the ford family. After driving a ford all my life, I was incredibly impressed with the 2005 model and am somewhat disappointed that they will no longer be making this car!!! After researching vehicles for over a year, I decided to make the purchase this year and am MORE than pleased with the end result!

• 

  SUNFIRE worth a look in this class!! - 2003 Pontiac Sunfire
  By gkxp - November 16 - 10:00 am

  I just bought a 2003 Sunfire with the 2.2L Ecotec. The Sunfire is quiet at idle and quick with only a slight rumble from the dual exhaust during acceleration. If you are in the market for a Cavalier or Ion from GM, I would definitely also check out the Sunfire. Also if you are looking at a Civic Coupe, I would STRONGLY recommend a visit to test-drive the faster, more stylish and better equipped Sunfire!

• 

  Major Problems - 2003 Pontiac Sunfire
  By moodylicious - November 14 - 2:53 am

  Have had major problems with the brakes suddenly locking up while at hwy speeds while not being able to shift above 3rd gear. Took five dealer visits before problem was even diagonosed. Was very disturbed about how serious a problem could not be reproduced in the shop. Once nearly got steamrollered by a semi while trying to regain power. Problem finally stopped. Also, power window motors have had been replaced 4 times at $300+ a crack. Would I buy this car again? No.

• 

  Love It - 2000 Pontiac Sunfire
  By Giggles - November 12 - 4:53 pm

  I love my car and I love everything about it. I have had it for over 8 years and have never had any mechanical problems at all. It is one of the most reliable vehicles Ive ever had. Even though it is a small car it handles better than a lot of 4 wheel drive trucks. I dont think I can say enough good things about it. I love the look of it and the interior. I would recommend this car to everyone.