Overview & Reviews

SE convertible gets a higher level of standard equipment, including an automatic transmission. Coupes get a new front seatbelt guide loop, and a new Sports Interior trim debuts called Patina/Redondo cloth.

• Good looks, zippy powertrain (Twin Cam), comfortable interior, standard ABS, standard traction control with automatic transmission, good value

• Weight, buzzy powertrain (2.2-liter), excessive body roll.

User Reviews:

Showing 21 through 30 of 51.00

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  Ode to my Pontiac - 1997 Pontiac Sunfire
  By Noumenon - June 1 - 10:00 am

  I bought my Sunfire used in Dec. 97, w/30k mi. I drove it to 112k mi. and it never broke down or needed mechanical repairs. Just normal maintenance. Most reliable car I ever had. Made it through 6 accidents. The metal body had a good heavy weight to it and I always felt safe in it. (It was finally done in on the 7th accident by a Suburban traveling 50+mph). Excellent gas mileage. Las Vegas to Phoenix on one tank of gas. Hugged the road in tight turns on a mountain grade at high speeds no problem. It could pull a U- turn on a dime. It would accelerate on command in an instant without hesitation. I will truly miss this car.

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  96,000 and still going!! - 1997 Pontiac Sunfire
  By ski1022 - April 16 - 10:00 am

  Bought this car brand new and will probably drive it till it dies. VERY reliable car with very minor maintenance. Had the water pump replaced when the car was new but that was covered, but other than that just your basice oil changes, brakes, tires etc.

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  Great car, small price - 1997 Pontiac Sunfire
  By Hayley Adams - March 2 - 10:00 am

  I loved this car and I would still have it if it had not been totalled in a recent accident. It breaks my heart that I have to buy another car now! This car handles really well, is low to the ground, sporty, and gets good gas mileage. It was a highschool graduation gift and lasted me well through college. I believe that it is a good first car for teenagers or 20- somethings. It has a youthful appearance. I would recommend to anyone. Unless youre taller than 60"!!

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  sunfires have lots of problems - 1997 Pontiac Sunfire
  By ggirl - June 19 - 10:00 am

  I bought mine two years ago and I have had many problems like alternator,battery radio, a grove was dug in my roator by my break pads, they are not made very sturdy.

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  piece of crap - 1997 Pontiac Sunfire
  By unhappy women - April 19 - 2:00 am

  What a pain in the butt!! I guess they were having a bad day on the assembly line when my car was made! Everything that could go wrong did, and has!! First the window motors went out (both of them, and apparently they are hard to get out and change,) then the widows started leaking (not just a little, it pours,)both my seatbelts broke and wouldnt retract, my passenger seat is stuck all the way forward, my alternator went out, my light switch broke so my headlights wouldnt work, and my water pump cracked so I cant drive 2 blocks without it overheating all the way in the red! Oh but thats it, not too much ;(

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  Mean Manta Green GT - 1997 Pontiac Sunfire
  By barbay - April 8 - 10:00 am

  First car I ever purchased new. Had a long commute to work and put over 100 miles a day. The first 5 years were great with little maintenance required just the average wear and tear. After 5 years though I started having problems: First it was the Fuel pump, then the switch for the headlights, the driver side window followed and now the water pump has a leak. All of this has been within the last 12 months. Id say the car hit 100K miles and started to self destruct.

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  Upcoming! - 1997 Pontiac Sunfire
  By GreatCar109 - March 13 - 2:00 am

  From all the reviews i have read on the Pontiac sunfire, i have decided to buy one. A red 1997 SE coupe 5 speed. I hope this car holds up as well as all the other reviews have said, and i am very anxious to purchase it. I have always liked Pontiacs because of the red lights inside, and they have always been peppy and fast.

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  Awesome Car!!!! - 1997 Pontiac Sunfire
  By FaBulous Sunbaby - August 19 - 2:00 am

  It accellerates great and with little effort. Going fast around a turn is no problem, grips the road well. I bought this car with 42000 miles on it almost 2 years ago, now it has 75000 miles and still running great. I feel very safe in this car and it is perfect for first time drivers and college students.

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  Good bang for the buck. - 1997 Pontiac Sunfire
  By Johnboy81 - June 13 - 10:00 am

  Had this car since it was brand new and its never had a major problem. It definitely out performs imports its classed with in hp, tourqe, styling and speed. Cornering is great; pulled off many sharp turns on a dime. Drives nicely in rain/snow. The 2.4L engine is quite ballsy and the trans shifts very smoothly. Its safe. I hit a deer doing about 45 once and the only major damage it caused was a small crack in the bumper, w/ barely noticeable stress fractures to the paint at point of impact. I intend to keep this car until I have enough money for a Trans Am or GTO!

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  IST CAR - 1997 Pontiac Sunfire
  By SGIBSON - May 13 - 10:06 pm

  GREAT CAR FUN TO DRIVE