1994 Pontiac Sunbird LE 2.0 from North America

Summary:

Not a bad deal

Faults:

At about 95,000 miles, the heater core blew and I had to have it replaced.

I also replaced the thermostat.

At about 110,00 miles, the radiator blew and I had to have that replaced.

At the current moment, my car just cuts out on me. If I have the air on, it will shut off in about 5 minutes. If the air is off, I can drive for about 45 minutes to an hour, but if I get stuck in traffic or at a lot of lights, it will shut off. I'm not too sure what the problem is.

Also, the dash has separated just above the radio which is a bit annoying.

General Comments:

The car has been reliable besides the current problem that I am having with it which is listed above.

It gets excellent gas mileage.

Although I think the car has been very safe, reliable, and economical, I would not buy another Sunbird.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 5th August, 2004

23rd Aug 2004, 18:10

Update: I originally wrote this review but would like everyone who reads this to know that I fixed the problem with the car cutting out while driving. My problem was the crankshaft sensor. It's located behind the timing cover which means that the timing belt and the water pump need to come off to remove and install the new one. It's about a 4 hour job so it could be pricey.

18th Oct 2005, 20:59

Update #2: I currently have about 155,000 miles on the car and it's still running well. Not sure if anyone had this problem, but according to my mechanic, Sunbirds are prone to blowing the 30 amp fuse for the blower motor, cooling fan, and ABS. My mechanic fixed the problem by isolating the cooling fan from the fuse block and using an in line fuse instead. Summer is over and I hope to sell the car this winter so I may never know if it fixed the problem totally.

1994 Pontiac Sunbird LE 2.0 from North America

Summary:

A great car with good performance

Faults:

Since I've owned this car I have had to replace the starter, catalytic converter and fuel pump. All these were replaced at around 200,000km. I have just now replaced the brakes for the first time since I have owned the car. Other than a bit of body rust theres nothing wrong with it.

General Comments:

The car does not have the best suspension in the world, but it is sufficient for normal daily driving.

I love the gas mileage. On the highway I get about 45 - 50 mpg, which with the age of the engine is rather spectacular in my mind.

It does not burn oil and is very reliable. It starts in any weather and has never failed to get me to where I'm going.

The back seat is a bit cramped for larger people if you have the front seats all the way back.

All in all I'm quite happy with this car and will continue driving it until it finally does give out.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 25th June, 2004

1994 Pontiac Sunbird LE 3.1 V6 from North America

Summary:

Lots of little problems, Hummer-like gas mileage

Faults:

The A/C has stopped working every summer, without fault, since I got the car. I've had it fixed before, but now I'm just learning to live without A/C.

Severe "clunking" noise whenever I make a left turn. My mechanic says it's nothing, but it sure doesn't sound like nothing.

The parking brake is just for show. It's never worked.

The driver's side door won't shut properly and unless you kick it a few times after you push it shut, it'll stay ajar.

The cassette player has a lot of static, and the speakers are very low-quality.

Power door locks don't work well. You can push the "unlock" button all you want, but they won't unlock enough for you to be able to open the door.

General Comments:

Absolutely atrocious gas mileage. The fact that the car weighs something like 100,000 tons doesn't help.

No airbags.

The seats are moderately comfortable, and the backseat is big enough for a 6'2", 180 lb. male.

The steering is deft and precise.

Handles very well on the road at lower speeds, but if I take it above 70 mph, it feels like the car is going to fall apart.

This thing is really quick, and the V6 delivers great performance, especially at 45-55 mph. Although that's not good news for the gas mileage.

The paint job is excellent- no chips and it still shines even if I go for a long time without washing it (although the color of my car- turquoise- is cringe-inducing).

I don't think this car is a lemon- it's got over 124,000 miles and nothing *major* has gone wrong- but the little things really add up to a major annoyance. It cost me $4500, and I've spent at least $5000 in repairs. Plus, this Sunbird will really cost you at the pump.

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

Review Date: 23rd June, 2004

17th Aug 2004, 12:27

I have a 1994 Sunbird LE. For a few months I kept hearing a "clunking" noise whenever I would make a left turn, and my mechanic said the same thing "oh, it's nothing, probably just the struts." Well, we had the car put in the shop because the "head" cracked. While it was in there it was inspected, I got it back and a week later I was making a left turn onto a highway and my right front tire fell off!! It was crazy and amazing that I didn't get hurt. It ended up being the "ball joints." My mechanic said when they checked them they didn't move and were really rusted so he thought they was okay. It's amazing that I'm alive after that one.

26th Jun 2010, 15:25

The severe clunking noise while turning is your anti-sway bar link - a $13 part if you can install it yourself. My daughter's Sunbird did that as well, and after I replaced it, it was fine - no more clunking when turning.

Her torque converter also locks up while driving at low speeds, and then seems sluggish.