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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  04 Sunfire - 2004 Pontiac Sunfire
  By MLD - November 24 - 10:03 am

  I have had this car for 3 years it is a good car i have had a few problems with it for the motor mount crushing to the sunroof leaking to now the ac/heat works when it wants to and it sometimes hard to start the cd player has been replace do to it stop working but other then that i have enjoy driving my car when it not getting worked on it has a great take off very fast for a 2.2

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  Own one more than a year - 2003 Pontiac Sunfire
  By Monica - November 20 - 10:33 am

  I have not been pleased with this vehicle at all! The car had electrical problems from day one! No headlights, taillights, brake lights, you name it it broke. Trunk would not latch after a few months after purchase. The plastic interior cracks and falls off. Now the car has internal engine problems. Been broke down for a few weeks and it will cost over a grand to fix one of the problems. I have called GM several times but they say there is nothing they can do. I would not recommend this vehicle to anyone. I never owned a new car until this one. I will never buy another Pontiac after this experience.

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  Much better than expected! - 2000 Pontiac Sunfire
  By benswing - November 17 - 8:00 am

  After 110,000 miles, 2 minor fender benders and loads of road trips I still love my first car. Even the SE engine has some pep with an upper engine mount and a K&N air filter. She is relatively quick off the line and gets me where Im going with a touch of style. Not the cleanest lines in a car, but not a boring Civic/Camry/Escort/etc. Only issues in 8+ years has been a hose replacement, and the vibrations are more noticeable than Id like, but not bad overall. Ive been very pleased with the reliability, fun and comfort for the price.

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  Great car! - 2001 Pontiac Sunfire
  By cpet - November 14 - 4:40 am

  I bought mine new and have owned it for about 5 years - great, great car. I would definitely buy this again. Very reliable - never any major problems, fun to drive, large trunk, very roomy and comfortable even on long trips. Sporty look and quick pick-up. Great car to buy!

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  sunfireSE01 - 2002 Pontiac Sunfire
  By beknj - October 25 - 2:00 am

  Have had this car for 13 months now- bought it new and have 21,000+ miles on it. enjoy the "sun and sound" package (CD, sunroof) and the stereo sounds great. ABS and air conditioning were standard while traction control was standard with 2.2L 4-speed auto (have it also). For the money, this coupe delivers a handsome and reliable vehicle to those who want functionability without a $20k price tag.

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  Great price for a sporty coupe - 2002 Pontiac Sunfire
  By wrmason3 - October 20 - 10:00 am

  Despite the increasing competition, I wanted a gas-sipping coupe with a sporty look that will keep profits in my country of residence (American built and designed). With all the rebates and price cutting going on, I compared specs and decided that I was going with a winner. I havent been disappointed yet. It is a really peppy little car, and feels significantly different with the new Ecotec 140 hp engine than the 98 Cavalier my wife once drove (which was a good car with no problems, part of my reason for going with a J- body again).

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  ECOTEC Sunfire 03 - 2003 Pontiac Sunfire
  By VLAD - October 5 - 10:00 am

  After my 98 Neon got stolen (which is kind of weird thing to happen. Who seals Neons?) I almost had to buy this car. Its fun to drive, good accleration and alright looking exterior. I smoked my friends Chrysler Sebring! :D I got it with Cavalier LS Sport chrome rims, which improved handling. Rear end sucks. It looks ugly (maybe if they had rear spoiler bigger and brought out a little bit more, that would help I guess)

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  still going - 1997 Pontiac Sunfire
  By xxx - October 2 - 6:16 pm

  I bought this car with 27 thousand miles on it, now I have 177 thousand miles on it. I had the oil changed every 10,000 miles if its lucky. The quality of this car is amazing. The only things ive had to replace is the bright/dim switch and a water pump. Anything else is routine. (tires, brakes, battery) everyday I go out to drive it it starts. Astounding car and still gets about 30 mpg

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  Great Cheap Car - 2001 Pontiac Sunfire
  By BrendanP - September 15 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car a week a month ago, and i love it. It is definetely worth the buck, and a great buy if you are young and looking for a car easy to soup up, and cheap too.

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  Great Car - 2002 Pontiac Sunfire
  By Chris from FL - September 15 - 2:00 am

  This is my second sunfire SE coupe. I purchased this car in April 02 with 2 miles on it --- now it has 32,000 on it. This car is great. it has the sun & sound package and it gets 33 MPG on the highway and 26 MPG in the city. No problems runs great. looks good and less money than a civic ( I compared prior to purchase ). It has good performance for a small engine. just put custom wheels on it. looking forward to many trouble free years.