2005 Pontiac Sunfire: Road Test
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2005 Pontiac Sunfire ▼
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- MSRP: $10,895 -$15,205
- Invoice: $10,187 -$14,065
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Our road test for the 2005 Pontiac Sunfire includes a full evaluation of the 2005 Pontiac Sunfire from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2005 Pontiac Sunfire, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2005 Pontiac Sunfire help you decide if a 2005 Pontiac Sunfire is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| Base w/1SB, auto. | Base w/1SC, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 4 | 5 | 4.1 |
Adequate for most situations. Automatic transmission generally smooth and prompt, but manual-shift action balky.
FUEL ECONOMY
| Base w/1SB, auto. | Base w/1SC, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | 6 | 6.7 |
Not impressive for a smaller car. Recent automatic-transmission test models averaged 19.7 mpg in town, 24.2 in mostly highway driving. Pontiac recommends regular fuel.
RIDE QUALITY
| Base w/1SB, auto. | Base w/1SC, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 4 | 3 | 4.6 |
Average for the class with standard suspension, though most bumps and ruts induce thumping. Ride turns stiff and jiggly with 1SC sport suspension.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| Base w/1SB, auto. | Base w/1SC, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | 6 | 5.4 |
Base models corner with adequate grip, moderate body lean. 1SC option's sport suspension enhances agility, but not to true sports-sedan level. Braking class-competitive with ABS--but that and traction control add $400 to required $1200 1SB option or require the $2495 1SC package.
QUIETNESS
| Base w/1SB, auto. | Base w/1SC, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 3 | 3 | 4 |
Engine OK for noise and refinement, but hardly a class leader. Wind and road noise evident on highway, but no more than in most rivals.
CONTROLS
| Base w/1SB, auto. | Base w/1SC, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 5.5 |
Cabin materials look low-buck even for this price level, and fit/finish is poor. Low-set climate controls are hard to see and reach.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| Base w/1SB, auto. | Base w/1SC, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 3 | 3 | 5 |
As roomy as most competitive coupes. Seats are set low to provide decent head room, but that complicates entry/exit. And seat padding feels skimpy.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| Base w/1SB, auto. | Base w/1SC, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 2 | 2 | 3.6 |
Adequate for two kids, perhaps three if they're toddlers, but cramped for adults, and seat comfort subpar for anyone. Typically awkward coupe entry/exit.
CARGO ROOM
| Base w/1SB, auto. | Base w/1SC, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 3 | 3 | 3.9 |
Trunk aperture won't swallow large objects, but trunk itself has reasonable room. Standard split-folding rear seat enhances cargo-hauling versatility, but can't be locked to isolate trunk. Small-items storage good but not great.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| Base w/1SB, auto. | Base w/1SC, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 3 | 3 | 5.8 |
Sunfire touts "expressive" styling and dollar value, but lacks the space efficiency, refinement, and workmanship of most rivals. Worse, ABS, traction control, and front side airbags are available only in costly option groups. Cavalier charges far less for those safety musts and offers the sedan body style most small-car buyers prefer, but is also far from class-competitive.
Total Score
| Base w/1SB, auto. | Base w/1SC, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 36 | 38 | 48.6 |
Total Score: 37
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