1996 Pontiac Sunfire 2.2

Summary:

Average first car

Faults:

Replaced the alternator after a new one was purchased by the previous owner.

Power locks sometimes fail.

General Comments:

Stereo system was convenient to change.

Easy to maintain.

Great first car with average fuel mileage.

It isn't a good car for performance.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 7th January, 2010

1996 Pontiac Sunfire SE 2.4L

Summary:

Greatly disappointed that it is no longer available new

Faults:

Replaced an O-ring on the fuel rail at 115,000 miles.

General Comments:

I bought the car with 80k on it. 45 days after I bought it (with a 30 day warranty) there was a failure of a sensor on the ABS brakes. Although it was past the warranty period, the dealer fixed it no questions asked. Beyond that I had to replace an O-ring on the fuel line to the cost of 29 cents.

Outside of regular maintenance, I have not had to spend any money on this car. I have changed the oil every 2000 miles and switched to a synthetic oil at approximately 90k.

One set of tires (only the third set including previous owner) and a new battery. I have not even had to replace a headlight, tail light or any other type of light sine I purchased the car.

This car is fun to drive and is a TANK in the snow. I have driven in as much as 8 inches of snow with no problem at all. I still have my Mustang convertible, and I find myself driving the Sunfire convertible while the Mustang has not been driven in over six months. It is by far the best car I have even owned.

I was told it would self destruct at 120k, and it's still going strong and a blast to drive every day, be it bad or good weather.

I have made several long trips in the car, and it could use a little bit better seating, but it's not a luxury car, so I would say the comfort was excellent considering the type of car it is.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 16th July, 2009

1996 Pontiac Sunfire SE 2.2

Summary:

This is a great investment

Faults:

This car has gone through thick and thin. My dad bought me this car when I was 17. This was my first car. He bought it for $1500 at 147k.

First winter driving I got into 2 accidents, I hit a guard rail, and then I rear ended a truck. Then in the summer I hit some tar and rocks, and I went into a field with it.

This car is still running, and only had to fix some minor wear and tear.

Water pump.

Alternator.

Brake line.

A muffler.

New spark plugs and wires.

That's about it!

General Comments:

I love the gas mileage. I put on almost 40,000 miles on this car in a year and a half.

I'd say this car is pretty decent for being 13 years old, and going though all that abuse.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 18th February, 2009

1996 Pontiac Sunfire

Summary:

Sweet 4 banger that is decent off the line

Faults:

Car has been great so far.

My alternator was having a small bit of trouble, but that's about it.

General Comments:

The car is great nice and quick off the line. I used an accelerometer and managed to pull a 7.8 second 0-60 on 87 oct, not bad for a car I picked up for 2 grand, that's completely stock BTW.

A lot faster than the 2.2, I even pulled a new 2004 4 banger Eclipse and an Integra with this Sunfire LOL; not bad for an economy car.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 16th December, 2008

1996 Pontiac Sunfire SE strippo (deceiving!) 2.4L i4

Summary:

200,000 miles on the original clutch, great fuel mileage, rattly interior

Faults:

Original engine seized @ 202,000 miles.

Passenger seat slide mechanism failed on original owner after 5 years of ownership.

Original owner had head-gasket fail @ 70,000 miles.

Rattles aplomb on the inside.

Cheap brake rotors yield cheap results. Buy premium replacement rotors and pads. OE specs not satisfactory!!!

General Comments:

Engine died with original clutch intact.

Car was very good for acceleration between 40mph and 80mph. Granted I would drop it into third gear to get it to fly, but considering this is an econo-box... I feel it important to throw out there.

Excellent fuel economy! I was able to consistently pull 35mpg out of this bauble with a 75%/25% mix of highway/town driving.

Good road holding, but with performance tires I found this car could fishtail.

The interior is the very definition of "rattly"

I was pretty abusive to this motor. I never hesitated to spin it to redline and did so daily. Don't hold the seized engine in mine against this model.

The car wasn't great for in town handling and driving feel.

Car was fantastic for highway driving. It loves corners more than straight lines.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 7th October, 2008