Is a Sunfire a sports car?

Although the Pontiac Sunfire has a sporty exterior design, the vehicle isn't a genuine sports car. Rather, the Sunfire is an affordable compact vehicle.

What year did they stop making Pontiac Sunfire?

Introduced by Pontiac in 1995, the Sunfire was produced for one generation and received two facelifts. They stopped making the Sunfire in Canada after the model year 2005.

How many seats does a Pontiac Sunfire have?

The Pontiac Sunfire is available in sedan (four-door), coupe (two-door) and convertible body styles, with each model seating up to five occupants.

How fast can a Pontiac Sunfire go?

The top speed on a Pontiac Sunfire will vary depending on year and performance options. A 2003 Sunfire is cited as having a maximum speed of 190 km/h.

How much is a Pontiac Sunfire?

A pre-owned Sunfire's price may range anywhere from $1,000 to $5,000. The manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) for a new Sunfire was over $16,000.

Pontiac Sunfire | Find out more about the features and specs

Overview of the Pontiac Sunfire

Learn about the Pontiac Sunfire

Summary

The Pontiac Sunfire is a reliable compact car that was produced from 1995 until 2005. Although the vehicle doesn’t come standard with a wealth of advanced technology, many buyers are pleased with the array of safety features. The Pontiac Sunfire also has a polished interior with an emphasis on quality materials and organic design.

More recent models are available in only a pair of trim options, while earlier vehicles offer different looks. Convertible and coupe body (two doors and fixed roof) styles both enjoy the Pontiac Sunfire’s efficient 2.2 L engine to navigate around town with ease.

Safety

The Pontiac Sunfire comes standard with a suite of safety features across model years to make you feel confident behind the wheel, including dual front airbags and child seat anchors. Additionally, the vehicle is outfitted with an ignition disable device that prevents the engine from being started when any key other than the original manufacturer’s is employed. Aside from these standard features, all Pontiac Sunfire models also come with a four-wheel anti-lock braking system (ABS) to help you avoid potential collisions while on the road.

Interior

The Pontiac Sunfire is available in either a sedan (four doors), coupe or convertible body style, with the SE as the base trim on all three. Additionally, an upscale GT trim level can be found on some coupe and convertible Sunfire models. Vehicles made in 2005 offer a new Sport appearance and are available in either the SL or SLX trim level.

Although the Sunfire doesn’t have many high-end interior elements, drivers can expect to find comfortable cloth upholstery. The simple styling features rounded smooth shapes with deep curves to hide seams. The humble design of the Pontiac Sunfire is indicative of the vehicle’s affordable price tag. Despite this, some buyers dislike the Sunfire’s lack of cabin add-ons.

Technology

All standard Pontiac Sunfires are equipped with AM/FM stereo, four speakers and two power accessory outlets. Drivers can enjoy Pontiac’s theatre dimming interior lights that gradually fade when the doors are closed.

Pontiac Sunfire models from 2001 have technological add-ons such as:

Premium Monsoon sound system
Power mirrors to easily adjust side- and rear-view mirrors
Cruise control, so you can maintain a steady speed on those long highway drives

Comfort

Recognized for its affordable price tag and fuel-efficient performance, the Pontiac Sunfire can achieve 10.2 L/100 km in the city and 7.4 L/100 km on the highway. Sunfire models from later than 2002 are powered by a single 2.2 L Ecotec engine that releases 140 HP. Though it lacks the creature comforts of more modern cars, the Sunfire does have the necessities, such as air-conditioning and remote trunk release in some later trims.

Pros and cons of the Pontiac Sunfire

High torque four-cylinder engine
Racy styling in earlier models
Choice of coupe or sedan (convertible ceased production in 2000)

Cabin seating can seem uncomfortable
Excessive body roll in corners
Ceased production in 2005

This is general information and should not be relied on as purchasing advice.

Specifications of the Pontiac Sunfire

Key specifications available across all trim levels

Seats5
Doors2
Fuel typeGas
TransmissionManual
City consumption9.4 - 12 L/100km
Highway consumption6 - 7.5 L/100km
Width1712 - 1738 mm
Length4580 - 4703 mm
Trunk space351 - 374 L
Cargo space351 - 374 L

Exact values depend on trim and engine choice.

Trims available with the Pontiac Sunfire

What is a trim? Trims are different options of the same car with different features and equipment. The specs depend on the trim you choose.This variant of the Pontiac Sunfire 1995 - 2005 is available in 5 trims:

Basic trim features and specs

SL trim features and specs

SLX trim features and specs

SE trim features and specs

GT trim features and specs

Frequently asked questions about the Pontiac Sunfire

Dimensions of the Pontiac Sunfire

Vehicle dimensions
Year	Height from	Width from	Length from
Exact values depend on trim choices.
2005	1347 mm	1738 mm	4703 mm
2004	1347 mm	1738 mm	4703 mm
2003	1347 mm	1738 mm	4703 mm
2002	1347 mm	1738 mm	4616 mm
2001	1347 mm	1738 mm	4616 mm
2000	1347 mm	1738 mm	4622 mm
1999	1347 mm	1738 mm	4622 mm
1998	1347 mm	1738 mm	4622 mm
1997	1350 mm	1712 mm	4620 mm
1996	1351 mm	1712 mm	4580 mm
1995	1351 mm	1712 mm	4622 mm

Towing capacity of the Pontiac Sunfire

Unbraked is when the trailer being towed does not have its own braking system. Braked is when the trailer being towed has its own braking system.

Braked and unbraked towing capacities
Year	Unbraked	Braked
Exact values depend on trim choices.
1997	454 kg	–