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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  reliability - 1997 Pontiac Sunfire
  By 97 sunfire - August 5 - 9:20 pm

  so far i have had this car for quite a while, it was my first, and i would never buy away from pontiac or chevy after owning it, take good care of it, and it will never break down,minor wear and tear but thats normal, for a four cylinder great performance,comfortable to drive for a small car, great on gas, i do alot of driving, 25k yearly, and i have never had this car break down or anything, it has been the best first car i could have ever imagined, high milege and she drives like the day she was new

• 

  good - 2002 Pontiac Sunfire
  By jayownsya - August 3 - 10:00 am

  sporty nice look, you can accessories it. 2.2 ecotec engine is fast and good on gass

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  99 Sunfire se - 1999 Pontiac Sunfire
  By E. - July 13 - 5:56 am

  Nice little car for work/travel. Had to replace tires & Rotors/calipers at 63,000 miles which cost me about $800.

• 

  Good second car for Van owner - 2002 Pontiac Sunfire
  By Mengson - June 21 - 10:00 am

  I needed something small and sporty to hop around in when not in the mood to do so in my van. I got it, and it was at a great discount that offset any depreciation in value. Nice overall package, without feeling too cheap, or looking too typical.

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  I really want a new car - 1999 Pontiac Sunfire
  By summer80 - June 16 - 10:00 am

  As I try to trade my sunfire in, I am finding it very hard. This car does not hold its value. My sunfire is in perfect condition but the new car dealer only wants to give me 3000 and why I asked him and he responds its a Pontiac. So if you want a car that holds its value do not buy this car. I like my sunfire but its a 5 speed and I am just tired of driving it.

• 

  Great Car - 2004 Pontiac Sunfire
  By Arunangshu Hor - June 6 - 1:20 am

  A very good car for the money. I believe Hondas and Toyota are overrated for the cost it takes to own them. Between the honda and sufire, I would suggest Sunfire for price & quality.It has everything basic you need in a car.

• 

  Great car - 1997 Pontiac Sunfire
  By cp2200 - May 30 - 2:00 pm

  I bought the car with about 215,000 on it and Ive put about 35,000 on it so far and no problems. Had to get new tires, replace front brakes, and replaced spark plug wires. I get about 30 mpg to 36 mpg depending on the weather because I live in Wisconsin. Always starts and goes right away everyday. My power steering pump went out but I dont need it anyways.

• 

  A Reliable Cheap Car - 2002 Pontiac Sunfire
  By Luke - May 29 - 9:33 am

  This car has been more than dependable. It has held up through 3 teenagers, a papaer route, pizza delievery, and everything in between. My only complain is the suspension. It just isnt right. it edge wears tires like no other and there is nothing you can do. The Strut bearings go bad super fast, but the ball joints and tie rod ends hold up. Very Dependable. it has never left me stranded. I have has the car a long time, and it has 135k on it, still runs like a champ. been child abused, and killed with miles, hardly ever maintenance it, and its still a good car. For the price, you almost cant beat it, other than insurance. Sport Coupe. I Recommend this car to anyone needing a cheap ride.

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  SunfiresFine - 2003 Pontiac Sunfire
  By newoldtex - May 24 - 10:00 am

  Well designed sporty looking, fun-to- drive yet roomy car. Well thought out, with convenient features. Exceptional left leg room, and plenty of head room, is skip sun roof. Only negative, seat belt strap location due to door post behind you. Of many past cars, I am enjoying this one best. JHS

• 

  Not a bad car... - 1999 Pontiac Sunfire
  By patey99 - May 4 - 10:00 am

  The car has served me well for the last 3 years. Any major problems were covered under warranty. Aside from being on the loud side and typical GM build quality, its not a bad buy for your money.