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 Michelle3975 - October 29 - 2:00 am

  I have a 2000 Pontiac Sunfire and the resale stinks! Its only 4 years old, has only 47,000 miles, is in excellent shape, and only Im being offered $3800 from dealers. Please be very careful when buying this car. Its an awesome car, but as soon as you drive it off the lot, the value is gone. FYI.

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  Satisfied with Sunfire - 2001 Pontiac Sunfire
  By satisfiedwithsunfire - October 20 - 9:16 pm

  I purchased my Sunfire 09/2000 and it has been a very dependable car. Im extremely pleased with it. I took it on a long trip and couldnt have been happier. The gas mileage is great, the ride is good for that price range. The interior could use a little more quality, but the outside is attractive. I would recommend this car to anyone looking for dependability with a little sporty look. My car is paid for and I have no intentions of getting rid of it. Ill probably keep it till it dies. Its my baby.

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  Best. Car. Ever. - 2001 Pontiac Sunfire
  By selinamarie - October 16 - 5:01 pm

  For my first car, I chose this cute little 2001 Pontiac Sunfire. I had no idea what I was getting into- it was a Craigslist find. I started out with 140 k miles, and now it is at 151 k and still running pretty well. Several cars Ive looked at that are newer seem to have issues at this point in the odometer stats. The only major problem Ive ever had were the brakes as well as my gear shifter becoming loose. My CD player sucks, and the window motors are going bad, but this is an easy fix. The previous owners said this little champ got them to Arizona and back from New York!

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  310,000 km and no complaints - 1997 Pontiac Sunfire
  By Brian - October 16 - 2:40 pm

  I love my car. 13 years, 310,000km and no reason to even look at something new. This car runs perfect like the day it was new. New Brakes, Tires, Battery, AC compressor, Waterpump, tuneups but that is expected. Very reasonable and no complaints from me. 2.4 Quad 4 has done very well for me.

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  Its not just a car its a Sunfire - 2005 Pontiac Sunfire
  By adc1990 - October 7 - 1:06 am

  I just purchased this 2004 Pontiac Sunfire its a bronze color but it looks more like a brown/ silver color. This car can get to high speeds quickly for a affordable car. Hear the engine roar with the Sunfire. So far its been nothing but good to me its always reliable. Everything on the car is impeccable, it works to the "t" and Pontiac didnt miss a beat. The design is alright nice bulky interior, seats are fairly comfortable. This car makes you feel good when you drive it, it rides nice and smooth and everything about the car is awesome. I would say the one downfall is the stereo. Its not the best my speakers sound like crap so Im replacing them and the stereo and putting my 12" in the back.

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  Dont Buy One - 1999 Pontiac Sunfire
  By Upset Owner - October 5 - 10:00 am

  Two blown head gaskets in under 30,000 miles, do I need to say any more? I forgot to mention that it had to be return after 4 miles for a loose wheel. There are too many small problems to list.

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  2004 Sunfire!! - 2004 Pontiac Sunfire
  By Linda Owens - September 12 - 10:00 am

  Just purchased our sunfire 1 week ago and loved it the first drive!!! Surprisingly smooth and very comfortable ride for such a light- weight car and only 4 cylinders...havent had to shift gears in years but HOW can I miss w/ that cute little arrow to remind me if im not sure when to!!! It is GREAT!!!! (Wonder if Detroit Dragway still has the powder-puff derby ? ;-)

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  2004 Sunfire is understated for Value - 2004 Pontiac Sunfire
  By G Smallfield - September 5 - 10:00 am

  A very good car for the money. I own a Jag/2003, Honda Civic EX 2002/ Transam 2000/ Suburban 1999 and of course a 2004 Sunfire. I believe Hondas and Toyota are overrated for the cost it takes to own them. Between the honda and sufire/ sunfire for price quality. I has options like traction control/ side air bags that the Honda Civic doesnt even offer. The seats are softer than Mercedes or Jaguar. It is cheap on the interior, but everything you need is there. A $18,000 Sunfire with $4000 rebate and $3500 GM bucks ends up costing $9677 with taxes and tags. Try that with a Honda! Considering it is $6500 cheaper than a Honda or Toyota.

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  Okay for economic reasons - 2003 Pontiac Sunfire
  By Heather - August 18 - 11:53 am

  I bought this car in 2003 when I as a single mother who needed a new car. It was not the best decision I have ever made. The car is very uncomfortable and loud on the road. The gas mileage is great but I will not buy another one. There are better economic choices.

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  Sunfire SE 2dr 2.4L - 1999 Pontiac Sunfire
  By Rick B. - August 17 - 12:40 am

  Car has served its purpose in the almost 10 years of ownership. The car has a pretty strong rust problem I dont notice on other Sunfires. Our body ground from the battery cable rusted out and that caused some wacky problems with dashboard lights. That was the only time it left me stranded and wouldnt start. The back speakers are an issue on all 99 Sunfires. Apparently the wiring breaks and then the rear speakers work when they make contact. Instead of finding the break, I ran new wires. We also have an oil consumption issue nobody can figure out without taking the heads off. Its been burning oil for at least 50,000 miles, about 1 qt for every 2000 miles.