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 1 through 10 of 51.00

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  its been a long ride - 1997 Pontiac Sunfire
  By almost done - December 25 - 11:33 am

  at 180K + miles it still has the original alternator, original timing chain, replaced the battery maybe 3 times, replaced the brakes 2ce. Ive taken it places that are made for 4 x 4s, yet suffered only minor brush scrapes to the paint from the tumbleweeds. This car is legend in my office for the abuse it has taken. I live far from dealerships--never had the recall items replaced. Manual transmission has decent acceleration for 4 cylinder. Perfect size for 53"-510" person, very comfortable. Handles sudden stops well--had to slam the brakes and veer one eve to avoid a burro at 80 mph, slid and stopped without spinning or rolling.

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  Best car ever - 1997 Pontiac Sunfire
  By kom_stat - December 24 - 8:16 am

  I use my Sunfire as my work car. I practically abuse this car. I certainly dont baby it. It may get its oil changed every 8-9k, and couldnt tell you the last time I ever checked anything on it for maintenance. Its also been known to see the redline getting on the interstate. Been in two major accidents and now has over 210,000 miles and never given me any trouble. When I say never, I mean never. I havent repaired anything on this car other than body panels but that certainly isnt Pontiacs fault. Also has awesome performance for being an entry level compact car that gets 36mpg even with a lead foot.

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  Sunfire GT - 1997 Pontiac Sunfire
  By Wyatt and nik - October 2 - 10:00 am

  I bought my sunfire second hand. I havent had any real problems. Great car. Great on gas. Real sporty. So far I have had to change the wheel bearings in the front and soon I will need to change the plate on top of the front wheels suspention. They are ceasing the coils at times and you can hear it. It is not dangerous just anoying sound until I can get them replaced. I love my car.

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  fun /nice looking - 1997 Pontiac Sunfire
  By ed tryin - December 27 - 2:00 am

  I had this car since 1998 had 13,000 miles now it has 90,000 miles . Problems water pump $700 oh yea. and electric window motor $230 I love the car its fun to drive red and black top.

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  All the fun, for half the price - 1997 Pontiac Sunfire
  By bundok - November 26 - 2:16 pm

  I really like my car, but Im reluctant to do any modifications to it. Its an SE but it has the 2.4 liter engine and twin Cams. Its very peppy and handles well, though a little splashy. Great car for driving and the occasional (or frequent) driving wild. You wont feel like Mario Andretti in this car, but it definitely has a kick. The alternator has gone out once and my clutch cables snapped and had to be replaced. It has an oil leak Im assuming is from the oil pan gasket thats pretty bad; all of which I chalk up to my own driving and not the cars reliability.

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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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  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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  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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  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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  Steady As She Goes - 1997 Pontiac Sunfire
  By MNKittyMao - April 3 - 10:00 am

  Bought used 11/1999 w/ 30k miles. Had great sporty look w/o high price. Basic package. No probs, just reg maint. Now has 100k+ miles and still runs/handles great. Learned from previous cars the hard way.. take care of them, they will last a lot longer (esp oil, the blood of a car).. and the more bells and whistles the more to go wrong.