1995-2005 Pontiac Sunfire: Year-to-Year Changes
Updated: 11/23/08
Reviews & Ratings
Pricing
Explore
Specifications & Safety
Related to Pontiac Sunfire
Related Reviews
View Another Vehicle
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.
Advertisement
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.
