1995-2005 Pontiac Sunfire: Full Review
Updated: 11/23/08
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Learn about the year-to-year changes and reliability for the 1995-2005 Pontiac Sunfire and our price chart details a range of prices based on vehicle mileage and condition.
Pros
- Antilock brakes
- Instruments/controls
- Fuel economy
Cons
- Noise
- Rear-seat comfort
- Rear visibility
Vehicle Highlights
Pontiac shelved its Sunbird subcompact after 13 years and launched a new Sunfire for 1995, sharing its front-drive chassis and mechanical components with Chevrolet's Cavalier. Dual airbags and antilock brakes were standard, along with a tachometer and a tilt steering wheel. At first, Sunfire was available as a 4-door sedan and a coupe. Later in the season came a convertible and a sportier GT coupe. SE models used a 2.2-liter 4-cylinder engine, rated at 120 horsepower. A 150-horsepower, 2.3-liter Quad 4 with dual-overhead camshafts was standard in the GT, optional in SE. A 5-speed manual transmission was standard; 3-speed automatic transmission optional with the 2.2-liter, 4-speed automatic with the Quad 4.
Expert Ratings Summary (view detailed report)
| Category | Pontiac Sunfire SE coupe Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 3 | |
| Fuel Economy | 6 | |
| Ride Quality | 4 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 3 | |
| Quietness | 3 | |
| Controls/Materials | 4 | |
| Interior Room | 3 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 2 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 3 | |
| Value within Class | 3 | |
| Total Score: | 34 |
Learn about the year-to-year changes of the 1995-2005 Pontiac Sunfire. Get full details of the styling and performance changes throughout the history of the 1995-2005 Pontiac Sunfire.
Year to Year Changes
1996 Pontiac Sunfire:
Replacing the Quad 4, was a new Twin Cam 2.4-liter 4-cylinder. Also, traction control became standard on Sunfires with 4-speed automatics. Daytime running lights were installed, too.
1997 Pontiac Sunfire:
A 4-speed automatic now became standard on the convertible; no more manual shift. The soft top also gained intermittent wipers, a defogger for the glass rear window, and standard cruise control.
1998 Pontiac Sunfire:
No changes were made to Sunfire for '98.
1999 Pontiac Sunfire:
Convertibles moved from SE to GT trim for '99. Other models continued unchanged.
2000 Pontiac Sunfire:
Sunfires earned subtle cosmetic changes, including revised lower bodyside trim and a new rear fascia with round back-up lamps. GTs got a reworked nose with integral fog lamps. A revamped console held two cupholders and a padded center armrest. GTs gained a leather-wrapped steering wheel, shift knob, and parking-brake handle. Automatic-transmission models got a lighted console shift indicator, and a Monsoon audio system became available. Convertibles were dropped during the model year.
2001 Pontiac Sunfire:
New standard equipment for 2001 included an in-trunk emergency release, cassette player, and a rear spoiler on coupes.
2002 Pontiac Sunfire:
A 140-hp twincam 2.2-liter 4 cyl replaced a 150-hp 2.4 after the start of '02 production. Also for '02, the SE got a standard tilt steering wheel (the GT already had it) and both gained a trunk release switch for the driver.
2003 Pontiac Sunfire:
Sunfire drops its sedan for 2003, but the surviving coupes get first-time availability of front side airbags. The GT trim level is also dropped, so the line is now based on an SE model that inherits the GT's 140-hp 4 cyl as its only engine. A restyled nose, revised rear-end appearance, new interior trim, rear center shoulder belt, retooled dashboard, and XM satellite radio are other changes for '03
2004 Pontiac Sunfire:
The Sunfire received only minor trim changes in 2004.
2005 Pontiac Sunfire:
For Sunfire's last season, a Sport Appearance Package option was added. It included 16-inch chrome wheels, firmer suspension, sport interior trim, and chrome-tipped dual exhausts.
Our road test for the 1995-2005 Pontiac Sunfire includes a full evaluation from the inside out. We've evaluated every aspect of the 1995-2005 Pontiac Sunfire and highlighted the vehicle's performance with pros and cons. Use our comprehensive road test ratings to decide if this generation 1995-2005 Pontiac Sunfire is right for you.
Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation
The original engine is somewhat coarse under hard throttle, but acceleration is adequate with either manual or automatic shift. The Quad 4 and later Twin Cam engines are better--smoother, quieter, and more powerful. Acceleration off the line is lively, and they work well with the 4-speed automatic. You can expect about 25 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway with either engine. Through twisting roads, a GT corners with minimal body lean and tight grip. Under comparable conditions, an SE exhibited greater body lean, less grip, and slower reaction in its steering. Both Sunfires absorb bumpy surfaces handily, but can toss occupants around a bit on rough surfaces. Interior space is adequate for four adults. A low rear-seat cushion forces an uncomfortable knees-up position, and head room is only marginal. Front head and leg room are a lot better. Gauges are unobstructed and controls operate smoothly. Forward visibility is fine, past a low dashboard. Backing up is difficult because of the Sunfire's high rear parcel shelf. The glovebox in Sunfire can hold a 12-pack of soda cans and front doors have map pockets. Trunk space is ample, too, but the 2-door's trunk opening is too small to easily load bulky cargo.
Value for the Money
Well-equipped when new, Sunfires make good choices in the subcompact league. Except for sportier styling touches from Pontiac, however, differences between Sunfires and Cavaliers are modest.
Well-equipped when new, Sunfires make good choices in the subcompact league. Except for sportier styling touches from Pontiac, however, differences between Sunfires and Cavaliers are modest.
Expert Ratings Summary
| Category | Pontiac Sunfire SE coupe Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 3 | |
| Fuel Economy | 6 | |
| Ride Quality | 4 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 3 | |
| Quietness | 3 | |
| Controls/Materials | 4 | |
| Interior Room | 3 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 2 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 3 | |
| Value within Class | 3 | |
| Total Score: | 34 |
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 Sunfire includes details on average repair costs, manufacturer recalls, and everything you need to know to gauge the long-term reliability of this generation Pontiac Sunfire .
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.
Brake wear:
Original equipment front brake pads do not last as long as most motorists believe they should, so GM offers a revised pad with a longer life lining. (1995)
Dashboard lights:
The antilock brake system's hydraulic modulator is susceptible to failure. (1995)
Engine temperature:
Overheating and coolant loss may be due to rough surface on radiator filler neck. Neck should be sanded smooth and cap replaced. (1999-2000)
Headlights:
Fog lamps may be dim or quit working due to corrosion in the wires located behind the front bumper. (2003)
Oil consumption:
High oil consumption on 2.2-liter engine may be due to a loose baffle in the valve cover. (1998-2000)
Traction control indicator light:
The traction-control system may malfunction and, when it does, the cruise control quits working. (1996)
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 | $540 |
| Alternator | $265 |
| Automatic Transmission or Transaxle | $735 |
| Brakes | $310 |
| Clutch, Pressure Plate, Bearing | $350 |
| Constant Velocity Joints | $875 |
| Exhaust System | $300 |
| Radiator | $240 |
| Shocks and/or Struts | $550 |
| Timing Chain or Belt | $310 |
Our price chart for this generation Pontiac Sunfire details a range of prices in
year-by-year listings based on vehicle mileage and condition.
| Prices | Good | Average | Poor |
|
|
|||
| 2005 | |||
| Sunfire coupe | $6,300-7,300 | $5,500-6,400 | $2,800-3,200 |
| 2004 | |||
| Sunfire coupe | $5,300-6,100 | $4,600-5,200 | $2,200-2,500 |
| 2003 | |||
| Sunfire coupe | $4,400-5,100 | $3,700-4,200 | $1,500-1,800 |
| 2002 | |||
| Sunfire GT | $4,200-4,900 | $3,400-4,000 | $1,400-1,700 |
| Sunfire SE | $3,600-4,300 | $2,900-3,400 | $1,000-1,200 |
| 2001 | |||
| Sunfire GT | $3,500-4,200 | $2,800-3,400 | $900-1,100 |
| Sunfire SE | $3,000-3,600 | $2,300-2,800 | $700-800 |
| 2000 | |||
| Convertible | $3,600-4,400 | $2,900-3,500 | $1,000-1,200 |
| Sunfire | $2,700-3,300 | $2,000-2,500 | $600-700 |
| Sunfire GT | $3,100-3,700 | $2,400-2,900 | $700-900 |
| 1999 | |||
| Convertible | $3,200-4,000 | $2,500-3,100 | $800-1,000 |
| Sunfire | $2,400-2,900 | $1,700-2,100 | $500-600 |
| Sunfire GT | $2,700-3,300 | $2,000-2,500 | $600-700 |
| 1998 | |||
| Convertible | $2,800-3,400 | $2,100-2,600 | $600-700 |
| Sunfire | $2,100-2,600 | $1,500-1,800 | $400-500 |
| Sunfire GT | $2,400-2,900 | $1,700-2,100 | $500-600 |
| 1997 | |||
| Convertible | $2,500-3,100 | $1,800-2,300 | $500-700 |
| Sunfire | $1,800-2,300 | $1,200-1,600 | $300 |
| Sunfire GT | $2,100-2,600 | $1,500-1,800 | $400-500 |
| 1996 | |||
| Convertible | $2,200-2,700 | $1,600-1,900 | $400-500 |
| Sunfire | $1,600-2,100 | $1,100-1,400 | $200-300 |
| Sunfire GT | $1,900-2,400 | $1,300-1,700 | $300-400 |
| 1995 | |||
| Convertible | $2,000-2,500 | $1,400-1,800 | $300-400 |
| Sunfire | $1,400-1,800 | $900-1,200 | $200 |
| Sunfire GT | $1,700-2,200 | $1,100-1,500 | $300 |
|
|
|||
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 Sunfire 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. | 104.1 | 104.1 | 104.1 |
| Overall Length, in. | 182.4 | 181.9 | 181.7 |
| Overall Width, in. | 68.4 | 67.4 | 67.3 |
| Overall Height, in. | 51.9 | 53.2 | 54.8 |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 2835 | 2679 | 2723 |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 9.9 | 12.4 | 13.1 |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- | -- | -- |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 15.2 | 15.2 | 15.2 |
| Seating Capacity | 4 | 5 | 5 |
| Front Head Room, in. | 38.8 | 37.6 | 38.9 |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 42.4 | 42.4 | 42.4 |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 38.5 | 36.6 | 37.2 |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 32.7 | 32.0 | 34.4 |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
|||
Powertrain Options and Availability
Base engine was a 2.2-liter 4-cylinder, developing 120 horsepower. In 1995, a 2.3-liter Quad 4, with dual-overhead camshafts and a 150-horsepower rating, was standard in the GT and optional in the Sunfire SE. For 1996, a 2.4-liter Twin Cam 4-cylinder engine replaced the 2.3-liter four, with the same horsepower rating but five more pound-feet of torque. Any model might have the standard 5-speed manual transmission. A 3-speed automatic transmission was available for the base engine; 4-speed automatic for the dual-cam engine (or for both, after 1995). A 140-hp twincam 2.2-liter 4 cyl replaced a 150-hp 2.4 after the start of '02 production.
| Engines | cu. in |
Horse- power | Torque | Transmission: |
Consumer Guide Observed |
| dohc I4 | 2.2 / 134 | 140 | 150 | 5-speed manual: 25/33 4-speed automatic: 24/32 |
5-speed manual: -- 4-speed automatic: -- |
| ohc I4 | 2.2 / 133 | 120 | 130 | 5-speed manual: 25/37 3-speed automatic: 24/31 4-speed automatic: 25/34 |
5-speed manual: 25.2 3-speed automatic: 22.9 4-speed automatic: -- |
| dohc I4 | 2.3 / 138 | 150 | 145 | 5-speed manual: 22/32 4-speed automatic: 21/31 |
5-speed manual: -- 4-speed automatic: -- |
| dohc I4 | 2.4 / 146 | 150 | 150 | 5-speed manual: 22/33 4-speed automatic: 22/32 |
5-speed manual: 20.4 4-speed automatic: 21 |
| ohv I4 | 2.2 / 133 | 115 | 135 | 5-speed manual: 22/32 3-speed automatic: 23/29 |
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 Sunfire include detailed crash test scores from the NHTSA.
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
| Test | 1999 Sunfire |
|---|---|
| Front Impact, Driver | 4 |
| Front Impact, Passenger | 4 |
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 1995-2005 Pontiac Sunfire directly from the NHTSA and manufacturers.
NHTSA Recall History
1995:
Automatic-transmission indicator may not reflect correct gear position.
1995:
Welds were omitted from lower control arms; excessive loads can result in separation.
1995-96:
Front or rear hazard warning lamps (four-way flashers), or both, do not flash when switch is activated.
1996:
If the key is held in the "start" position for an extended period, high current flowing through the ignition switch can melt internal switch parts.
1996:
Interior lamps might come on unexpectedly while vehicle is being driven.
1996:
Kinked accelerator cable in a few cars can result in unwanted acceleration.
1996-97:
Airbag could deploy inadvertently in a low-speed crash, or when an object strikes the floor pan.
1996-97:
Rear-suspension trailing-arm bolts can fatigue and break.
1996-98:
Faulty power-steering bearings may have been installed on certain vehicles, resulting in difficulty turning the steering wheel. Dealers will inspect and replace all affected parts.
1997:
Spare tire on a few cars may have incorrect rim.
1998:
Wheel lug nuts on a few cars were not tightened securely, resulting in fracture of studs.
1999:
Instrument-panel backlighting may not function after driver adjusts interior-light intensity.
2003:
Due to inadequate contact, rear lamps that provide stop, turn-signal and taillamp functions could stop working; could also prevent cruise control from engaging.
2004:
In a severe crash, upper seat belt anchorage may separate, reducing effectiveness of the belt.
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