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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A sporty runner - 2005 Pontiac Sunfire
By Gavin Lee - March 26 - 6:13 pmIts not only a sporty car on the road, but also a sporty driver on a run! This car makes me feel younger. The performance and style make this car way above its economy car class.
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Too many issues - 2003 Pontiac Sunfire
By H.Lapham - March 22 - 12:56 amI have had too many problems with this car. Shortage with the turn signals was the only recall on this that I got when there should have been plenty more recalls on it. The seat belts locking up(when they shouldnt),left high beem does not work now has a short in it, all my gauges on the dash board dont work, my drivers side window has a short in it and my locks have messed up on it before. I feel sorry for anyone who has bought this hunk of junk.
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I love my car - 1999 Pontiac Sunfire
By stargrrrl - February 25 - 2:00 amI have had this car for two and a half years and not once has it let me sit. I have never even had a problem starting, even in the dead of winter. It gets me plenty of looks and the pep that it has is just perfect for the daily driver that wants some speed! This is my 4th car and my favorite, I would definately recommend this car to anyone!
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iN lOvE - 2003 Pontiac Sunfire
By Valent1ne - February 25 - 2:00 amI just bought mine yesterday and put about 110 miles on it today on some great hairpin turns and it handles awsome. The stereo is great for a factory system. And you cant beat silver w/ tinted windows.
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2nd time around - 2003 Pontiac Sunfire
By SlickVick - February 20 - 10:00 amI recently traded in my 98 2-dr Sunfire for a 2003 one. WOW: Ive fallen in love all over again. I was little sad as I pulled out of the dealership leaving my green sunfire behind, but I quickly forgot about it when I felt the power behind the 2003 model. It rides great and after having absolutely no problems with my first Sunfire, how could I pass up the latest model? Its a fun car to drive and I look forward to 5 more years of driving excitement!
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fabulous car. - 2005 Pontiac Sunfire
By caismer wisomierski - February 5 - 10:10 ami have never owned a pontiac before,this car not only looks sporty for the money, but,has the pick up i wanted in a car. i really am honest when i say this,,,i love this car, i truly am 100 percent satisfied with the pontiac sunfire,before i bought this car i have not been impressed with any of the other dealership models that are out there.thank you pontiac,i will return to pontiac in the future for another buy.
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Sunfire in Michigan - 2004 Pontiac Sunfire
By jep42 - February 2 - 2:00 amIve had no problems at all with my 2004 Pontiac Sunfire since I bought it. Gas mileage has been close to 30 mpg either in highway or town driving which is a minor disappointment. Car is too small for a family but its great for just my young son and me. The sunroof should be lots more fun in the summer.
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Its a car - 2001 Pontiac Sunfire
By HEAVENSPRECIOUS - February 1 - 4:53 pmWhen I first got my car I loved it but after a some months went by i started having issuses with my car, First i had to replace the gas filter and then the fuel pump. and the the odometer stop working. but all that is baby issuses. after i pass all that it is a good car to have. i love driving it school. it rides good the interer is ugly but all in all it is a good car.
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Sunfire rules - 1999 Pontiac Sunfire
By Dario - February 1 - 10:00 amI love this car. Ive had it for 3 years now, and no problems. I have driven it across the United States, and had absolutly no problems.
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186k and still strong - 2001 Pontiac Sunfire
By Sid - January 31 - 10:26 amBought this car at 186k miles and the car still runs perfect, so far. Seems very reliable, pretty good on gas and fast. Overall not bad at all.
