1990-1994 Pontiac Sunbird: Full Review
Updated: 11/23/08
Reviews & Ratings
Pricing
Explore
Specifications & Safety
Related to Pontiac Sunbird
Related Reviews
View Another Vehicle
Learn about the year-to-year changes and reliability for the 1990-1994 Pontiac Sunbird and our price chart details a range of prices based on vehicle mileage and condition.
Pros
- Fuel economy (4-cylinder)
- Acceleration (V6)
- Handling/roadholding (SE, GT)
Cons
- Acceleration (4-cylinder)
- Rear-seat room
- Engine noise
Vehicle Highlights
GM's smallest American-built car, the Sunbird, shared chassis and powertrains with the Chevrolet Cavalier. Sunbirds were available as a 2-door coupe in LE, SE, and GT trim. Both the 4-door sedan and 2-door convertible models came only in an LE trim level. Nearly all Sunbirds came with a 96-horsepower, 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine as standard equipment. The lone exception was the GT model, which featured a 165-horsepower turbocharged version of the same engine. The turbo was also optional for the convertible.
Expert Ratings Summary (view detailed report)
| Category | Pontiac Sunbird GT Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 4 | |
| Fuel Economy | 6 | |
| Ride Quality | 5 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 4 | |
| Quietness | 4 | |
| Controls/Materials | 4 | |
| Interior Room | 4 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 3 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 3 | |
| Value within Class | 5 | |
| Total Score: | 42 |
Learn about the year-to-year changes of the 1990-1994 Pontiac Sunbird. Get full details of the styling and performance changes throughout the history of the 1990-1994 Pontiac Sunbird.
Year to Year Changes
1991 Pontiac Sunbird:
The Pontiac Sunbird gains a new entry-level model and shelves the 4-cylinder turbocharged engine used in GT and convertible models for its first V6. The new base Sunbird is available in both coupe and sedan body styles, and joins the LE, SE, and GT coupes and the LE sedan models. Sunbird's first V6 is a 3.1-liter unit that provides 140 horsepower and 180 pound-feet of torque. A 5-speed manual transmission is standard on both the 2.0-liter 4-cylinder and optional 3.1-liter V6, with a 3-speed automatic being the optional gearbox.
1992 Pontiac Sunbird:
Antilock brakes become standard on all 1992 Sunbirds and a new fuel-injection system adds more power to the base engine. Last year's new base model carries the LE designation for '92 in both the coupe and sedan versions of the Sunbird. The standard 2.0-liter 4-cylinder now delivers 110 horsepower--14 more than last year. Finally, the convertible top gains a new glass rear window and an optional defroster midway through the model year.
1993 Pontiac Sunbird:
Base models are now available with a V6, and there's a new sport-appearance option package for the midline coupe versions of the Sunbird.
1994 Pontiac Sunbird:
The GT coupe is retired for '94 as Pontiac moves to consolidate the Sunbird lineup in anticipation of the arrival of all-new models in 1995.
Our road test for the 1990-1994 Pontiac Sunbird includes a full evaluation from the inside out. We've evaluated every aspect of the 1990-1994 Pontiac Sunbird and highlighted the vehicle's performance with pros and cons. Use our comprehensive road test ratings to decide if this generation 1990-1994 Pontiac Sunbird is right for you.
Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation
While the 4-cylinder provides adequate acceleration with the 5-speed, the optional 3-speed automatic saps much of its strength. With either transmission the 4-cylinder has a loud, coarse growl--but also good fuel economy. Expect over 30 mpg on the highway with the manual and close to 30 with the automatic. The V6 is a better choice with automatic and gives Sunbird impressive acceleration. Where other subcompacts absorb bumps, these cars just bang over them. You'll not only feel bumps, you'll also hear them as well. Also, you are assaulted by road and engine noise at highway speeds. The GT's Level II suspension sharpens handling without sacrificing much ride comfort. Sunbird's dash puts climate controls within easy reach. The seats, however, are too soft and shapeless to provide much support. They're also mounted so low that shorter drivers may have a difficult time seeing over the tall cowl. The interior has adequate space for four adults, though leg room is at a premium in back unless the front seats are moved forward. Trunk space also is adequate and all but the convertible are available with a folding rear seatback. The convertible, with its power top, is pleasant on a sunny day, and the addition of a real glass window and defogger beginning in '92 is a real plus.
Value for the Money
While the Sunbird isn't as refined as the Japanese competition, you can find a V6 in both 4-door and convertible models, which you can't find anywhere else.
While the Sunbird isn't as refined as the Japanese competition, you can find a V6 in both 4-door and convertible models, which you can't find anywhere else.
Expert Ratings Summary
| Category | Pontiac Sunbird GT Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 4 | |
| Fuel Economy | 6 | |
| Ride Quality | 5 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 4 | |
| Quietness | 4 | |
| Controls/Materials | 4 | |
| Interior Room | 4 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 3 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 3 | |
| Value within Class | 5 | |
| Total Score: | 42 |
Each vehicle report contains one rating chart for representative model. Consumer
Guide® rates in ten key areas: Performance, Fuel Economy, Ride Comfort, Steering
and Handling, Interior Noise, Controls and Materials, Driver Room, Passenger Room,
Cargo Capacity, and Insurance Costs. These ratings compare the particular vehicle
rated to ALL other vehicles, not a vehicle's standing in a particular class. In the
ratings table, "1" is the lowest rating and "10" is the highest rating.
Our reliability study for this generation Pontiac Sunbird includes details on average repair costs, manufacturer recalls, and everything you need to know to gauge the long-term reliability of this generation Pontiac Sunbird .
Trouble Spots
Consumer Guide's® Auto Editors have scoured repair bulletins and questioned mechanics to search
for commonly occurring problems for a particular vehicle. In some cases we also give possible manufacturer-suggested
solutions. In many instances these trouble spots are Technical Service Bulletins posted by the manufacturer,
however, we have our own expert looking at additional vehicle problems.
Automatic transmission:
TH-125 automatic transmissions may shift late or not upshift at all. The problem is a stuck throttle valve inside the transmission. (1990-94)
Transaxle leak:
The right front-axle seal at the automatic transaxle is prone to leak and GM issued a revised seal to correct the problem. (1992-94)
Consumer Guide® Estimated Repair Costs
This table lists costs of likely repairs for comparison with other vehicles. The
dollar amount includes the cost of the part(s) and labor (based on $50 per hour) for the
typical repair without extras or add-ons. Like the pricing information, replacement
costs can vary widely depending on region. Expect charges at a new-car dealership
to be slightly higher.
| Item Name | Repair Cost |
| A/C Compressor | $445 |
| Alternator | $190 |
| Automatic Transmission or Transaxle | $865 |
| Brakes | $210 |
| Clutch, Pressure Plate, Bearing | $575 |
| Constant Velocity Joints | $530 |
| Exhaust System | $360 |
| Radiator | $410 |
| Shocks and/or Struts | $400 |
| Timing Chain or Belt | $155 |
Our price chart for this generation Pontiac Sunbird details a range of prices in
year-by-year listings based on vehicle mileage and condition.
| Prices | Good | Average | Poor |
|
|
|||
| 1994 | |||
| Convertible | $1,800-2,300 | $1,200-1,600 | $300 |
| Sunbird | $1,200-1,600 | $700-1,000 | $100-200 |
| 1993 | |||
| Convertible | $1,600-2,100 | $1,100-1,400 | $200-300 |
| Sunbird | $1,100-1,500 | $700-900 | $100-200 |
| Sunbird GT | $1,400-1,800 | $900-1,200 | $200 |
| 1992 | |||
| Convertible | $1,400-1,800 | $900-1,200 | $200 |
| Sunbird | $1,000-1,400 | $600-800 | $100 |
| Sunbird GT | $1,300-1,700 | $800-1,100 | $200 |
| 1991 | |||
| Convertible | $1,300-1,700 | $800-1,100 | $200 |
| Sunbird | $1,000-1,300 | $600-800 | $100 |
| Sunbird GT | $1,200-1,600 | $700-1,000 | $100-200 |
| 1990 | |||
| Convertible | $1,100-1,600 | $700-1,000 | $100-200 |
| Sunbird | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Sunbird GT | $1,000-1,400 | $600-800 | $100 |
|
|
|||
This chart details a range of prices in year-by-year listings for vehicles in three condition levels:
Good: a clean low-mileage, solid-running vehicle that needs little or no repair.
Average: a car with normal miles on the odometer, perhaps a few scrapes or dings;
engine might need a minor repair or two, but runs acceptably well.
Poor: might have potentially dangerous problems with the engine and/or body, or
abnormally high mileage; definitely in need of mechanical attention. Valuations
reflect wholesale prices paid by dealers at auction, and retail prices on used-car
lots. Each range covers all trim levels and engine types for a vehicle with a typical
amount of equipment--usually an automatic transmission, air conditioning, stereo,
etc. Fully loaded vehicles may cost more. Average mileage is 12,000 miles per year. Keep
in mind that these are guidelines only. Actual selling prices vary- especially from
region to region.
Specs for this generation Pontiac Sunbird include everything from fuel mileage to seating capacity to options availability.
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | 2-door convertible | 2-door coupe | 4-door sedan |
| Wheelbase, in. | 101.3 | 101.3 | 101.3 |
| Overall Length, in. | 180.7 | 180.7 | 180.7 |
| Overall Width, in. | 66.2 | 66.2 | 66.2 |
| Overall Height, in. | 52.4 | 52.2 | 53.9 |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 2661 | 2484 | 2502 |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 10.4 | 12.6 | 15.2 |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- | -- | -- |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 13.6-15.2 | 13.6-15.2 | 13.6-15.2 |
| Seating Capacity | 4 | 5 | 5 |
| Front Head Room, in. | 38.2 | 37.8 | 38.8 |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 42.1 | 42.1 | 42.1 |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 36.5 | 36.1 | 37.4 |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 32.0 | 32.0 | 33.7 |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
|||
Powertrain Options and Availability
Base engine for nearly all Sunbirds is a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder. It provides 96 horsepower at 4800 rpm and 118 pound-feet of torque at 3600 rpm in 1990. The addition of fuel injection in 1992 results in a boost to 110 horsepower at 5200 rpm and 124 pound-feet at 3600 rpm. The Sunbird GT features a turbocharged version of the same engine in 1990 (optional as well for the convertible), but switches to a 3.1-liter V6 the following year. The turbocharged version delivers 165 horsepower at 5500 rpm and 175 pound-feet of torque at 4000 rpm. The Sunbird's first V6, later optional on models by '93, provides 140 horsepower at 4200 rpm and 185 pound-feet of torque at 3600 rpm.
| Engines | cu. in |
Horse- power | Torque | Transmission: |
Consumer Guide Observed |
| ohc I4 | 2.0 / 121 | 96-110 | 118-124 | 5-speed manual: 26/36 3-speed automatic: 23/32 |
5-speed manual: 25.7 3-speed automatic: 22.4 |
| ohv V6 | 3.1 / 191 | 140 | 180-185 | 5-speed manual: 19/28 3-speed automatic: 20/28 |
5-speed manual: -- 3-speed automatic: 21.9 |
| Turbocharged ohc I4 | 2.0 / 121 | 165 | 175 | 5-speed manual: 21/30 3-speed automatic: 21/28 |
5-speed manual: -- 3-speed automatic: -- |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
|||||
Built In: USA
Drive Wheels: transverse front-engine/front-wheel drive
Detailed safety information for this generation Pontiac Sunbird include detailed crash test scores from the NHTSA.
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
| Test | 1993 Sunbird |
|---|---|
| Front Impact, Driver | 4 |
| Front Impact, Passenger | 5 |
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Sideimpact crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%; 1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.
Learn about official auto recalls, reliability issues, and vehicle problems for the 1990-1994 Pontiac Sunbird directly from the NHTSA and manufacturers.
NHTSA Recall History
1991:
Front-door interlock striker may fail.
1991:
Front-door shoulder-belt guide loops may be cracked.
1992:
Accelerator cable may have been kinked during assembly; can cause high-effort operation, or sticking or broken cable.
1992:
Secondary hood-latch spring in some cars is improperly installed or missing.
1992-93:
During cold weather, water entering throttle cable may freeze and cause cable to bind.
1993:
Flawed rear brake hoses can cause reduced brake effectiveness.
1994:
Drive-axle spindle nuts on a few cars may be overtorqued.
Car Buying Resources
Search
Local Listings
Vehicle
History Report
FREE CARFAX Record Check
Looking at a used car, check for costly hidden problems before
you buy.
