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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  running like a top at 250,000 km - 2002 Pontiac Sunfire
  By slatts - September 10 - 9:56 pm

  bought this car brand new with out even a test drive. cheap, good gas mlg. cheap price. 290k round trip a day Hwy 401. around 120 to 140 kmh daily. never over 3000 rpm. oil change every 26 days, one set of brakes, plugs and wires. in 5 years no problems runs like a top. passed emissions last week with flying colors.

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  1997 Pontiac Sunfire - 1997 Pontiac Sunfire
  By Travis Johnson - September 7 - 10:00 am

  This car is a good car. Its little but really for its size its roomy inside. Its got good styling. A overall great car.

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  Not great, but definitely good. - 2002 Pontiac Sunfire
  By 2.2L Automatic - September 2 - 1:40 am

  Bought this car used with around 30k miles on it. I added 17" wheels and high performance tires which greatly helped handling. Overall this has been a good car with only two major problems thus far: At 62k miles I had to replace the fuel pump and computer. Was told that the bad computer attributed to the fuel pump problem. Total cost to repair was $480 (Would have been more but thankfully I have connections). I average around 28 mpg which isnt bad for an automatic. This car seems to still have that "hip appeal" because all of my sons teenage friends like it and my son wants this to be his first car. Hell probably get his wish in a couple years!!

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  kills the "metoo car" - 2002 Pontiac Sunfire
  By Desh9583 - August 26 - 2:00 am

  Well the car is a nice car i have to admit it. I shoped around and i looked at the civis and some other cars and this car offers way more. I got power everything including a moonroof, 6 speakers 400 watt cd. The red interior lights are much better then the old green ones on everyother car. You can also hook up this car and it def looks sick.

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  good evey day car - 2003 Pontiac Sunfire
  By Mondrakus Harper - August 20 - 9:16 pm

  I really enjoy driving the sunfire. I gives a sporty look and perform really good when your trying to pass. Its a good car for the price. no more than 12,000 for it thoug.

• 

  Very reliable and great gas mileage - 1997 Pontiac Sunfire
  By Max - August 9 - 5:13 pm

  All Ive replaced are tires, the water pump and belt @112,000 miles, did a tuneup & I change oil every 4000 mi. It has 137,000 miles & Ive had it since 72,000. Im 61 200 lbs & sit pretty comfortably. It takes off fast and cuts around tight curves like a gt should. I plan on keeping this car until it dies since I av. 300-350 miles per week going to work. Its paid for, so why not. It started squeaking last month & I think it is either the wheel bearing or strut. Im still surprised that I can gun that lil red devil and make my head snap into the seat. Its a 5 speed with no performance add-ons, not even K&N. Maybe I should do that and upgrade the chip :D *Best car Ive ever had and Im 34.

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  Review by a 16-year-old - 2004 Pontiac Sunfire
  By LuckyShamrock20 - July 28 - 2:00 am

  I turned 16 last May and recieved a 2003 White Sunfire and I love it. Its a sporty car that is not expensive. I think that it is a great car for someone my age.

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  better than a tempo - 1997 Pontiac Sunfire
  By jake the snake - July 27 - 10:00 am

  The 1997 Pontiac Sunfire is a nice litte car. It accelerates well, with its 2.4L 150 horsepower engine. The convertible top leaks, but so does every convertible after awhile. The stereo can barley be heard at full volume on the freeway with the top down, hence my speakers are all blown now. It has the smallest trunk in the world. My #2 cylinder died at 93000 miles. A used engine installed cost me $3300. Its fun, pretty and looks like its smiling all the time (not very aggressive looking, at all), but its not very cheap to maintain and its about as reliable as compaq tech support.

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  Satisfied - 2004 Pontiac Sunfire
  By wa_drivr - July 23 - 10:00 am

  This is a fun, zippy little car. Good on gas and fun to drive. The sound system, for a stock model, is pretty nice. I commute 120 miles a day and I dont seem to mind!

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  Pontiac Sunfire - 2003 Pontiac Sunfire
  By Cars4me89 - July 21 - 10:00 am

  This is a great car. Especially because of the Pontiac Wide Trac. Pontiac has a reputation for performance and that was definetly met.