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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  the hot one - 2005 Pontiac Sunfire
  By greg ihrke - April 24 - 3:43 pm

  This is one hot ride. From day one it has been outstanding performance. Dont buy an automatic transmission get a 5 speed. Why 37 miles to the gallon, it shifts smooth and has cruise control. It comes with everything I need.

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  Should have bought a Honda... - 2000 Pontiac Sunfire
  By Kccase - April 11 - 10:00 am

  This car really isnt worth what little money it is worth anymore. A 2000 model year car that is worth under $6000 is worth under $6000 for a reason. The Sunfire is slow and unreliable umong many other downfalls. Last time I ever buy a domestic...

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  GT is worth the extra money! - 2000 Pontiac Sunfire
  By mags118 - April 11 - 10:00 am

  I cant seem to understand why some individuals complain about Pontiac and the Sunfire in general. Sure, if you have the SE model, the performance wont be as high as a GT. Personally, I love the GT model. It rides great, its pretty smooth, and it has a great get- up-and-go from the minute the light turns green. No problems here!

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  Little Maintenance Requiered - 2004 Pontiac Sunfire
  By Corey - April 3 - 10:00 am

  I have owned my 2004 Sunfire since it had 6 miles on it; oil changes have been at 15,000 miles or more intervals (I use Synthetic. Today well driving to work she just hit 125,000 miles and runs like the day I bought it. The engine runs smooth, still gets 26mpg in the city and 31 on the highway. With all that said I have had few major issues. This year I had to replace the fuel pressure regulator, catalytic converter and the fuel tank purge solenoid. Other than that, 2 set of breaks, 2 ignition modules and 1 set of tires. The car is reliable and has never left me stranded, still has the factory exhaust, serpentine belt, spark plugs and transmission fluid. total Maint cost so far ($2200)

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  Sunfire The best - 2004 Pontiac Sunfire
  By Jon - March 29 - 12:56 am

  I have had this Car since the begining of September of 04. I drive a lot and put on astronmocial amounts of mileage on my cars. I have had foreign cars and find they are are more trouble than they are worth. I had a Honda Accord and didnt like them so I went to American after that car. Having over 70,000 miles on this car it was never in the shop for warrenty work always regular maintence. Although seats arent the best it gives me enough room for driving every day and the cruise control is awsome. This car has a nice in your face front and clean look in the back.

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  hurrah - 2004 Pontiac Sunfire
  By juniper - March 25 - 10:00 am

  its great: fast, reliable. i enjoy driving it and it is comfortable. the new design is way cuter than the older models.

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  i love my fire - 1997 Pontiac Sunfire
  By sunfireredhot - March 24 - 2:00 am

  i have had my car since it was brand new only 5 miles on it when bought it now has a lil over 110,000 and still going strong looks great and still sporty never had a major problem yet they are built to last thanks for such a great car

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  DONT BUY GM - 2003 Pontiac Sunfire
  By dontbuyGM - March 18 - 10:00 am

  Had my car less than 6 months and it started falling apart. VERY POOR quality car. The paint is peeling off all over. Front end of car is messed up, Ive been told it was more than likely damaged at the factory. ****GM mechanics SUCK!! I have had 6 dashes, 4 left panels, 3 right panels, 3 consoles, and the stereo replaced!! ALL because the "GM CERTIFIED MR GOODWRENCH MECHANICS" are careless when they work on my car!!! And guess what GM customer service does NOT care I have called numerous times!! BEWARE OF HOW FAST THIS CAR CAN FALL APART!!! BUY A FORD INSTEAD!! I WISH I HAD!!!!!

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  Great deal on a great car! - 2004 Pontiac Sunfire
  By Sabresfan - March 18 - 10:00 am

  You cant beat the performance for a small car. This vehicle has style, and quality to boot... I love it!

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  My 2nd sunfire - 2003 Pontiac Sunfire
  By HowardPM - March 10 - 2:00 am

  I actually had a 2000 sunfire before this 2003 one, I really like the changes, the new engine is great, I got every package available. The Onstar is cool, it was pretty fun when I called to register it they told me I was the first person ever to call with a sunfire. I also love the XM radio. Only problems Ive had so far are a rattling in the car that the pontiac place cant figure out what it is. A slight defect on the left turn single lens and its now been 2 months since they ordered a peice to fix it. Also there was a rip in the back seat, Ive been waiting 2 months for them to fix also. This is really a dealership issue not a pontiac one though.