2003 Pontiac Sunfire 2.2 Ecotec from North America

Summary:

Ehhhh, it's an alright car

Faults:

Window motors have gone out & the switches later broke.

Exhaust hanger rusted apart. Replaced at 67,XXX.

Fuel pump had to be replaced at 78,XXX.

Inner tie rods replaced at 152,XXX.

Timing belt chain snapped at 155,XXX, causing the engine to seize. Had to replace the engine.

Front left coil snapped at 160,XXX.

Have had to replace fuel tank straps at 160,XXX.

Clear coat is wearing off the front/rear bumper of the vehicle (silver colored car).

Check engine lights never turns off.

Fog lights don't work.

Have had to replace multiple bulbs outside of the car.

Door locks inside of the car do not work.

General Comments:

My girlfriend purchased this car in 2005 with 43,XXX. The car came from California & now is in Minnesota. Car was great for a few years; then it's been down hill ever since.

The car itself isn't that bad. Decent look with alloy rims; basically your standard car with sporty features. It's built for a chick. Interior is nothing special at all.

Great on gas, but as you can see above with all the problems with our Sunfire, it is time to upgrade.

Would I recommend you buy a Sunfire? Hell no, too many common problems,

I'm sick of my girlfriend nagging about what's going out on it next, so we are looking at selling it soon.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 18th May, 2012

2003 Pontiac Sunfire SE 2.2 ecotech from North America

Summary:

She's may not be much to look at, but she's got it where it counts

Faults:

Fuel pump failed at 160000 km, but was having issues since I purchased it.

Fuel evaporation system leak; still passes emissions test.

General Comments:

Great little car. Bought it for $3000 used, and it has been reliable. Performance is great for its class at the time.

Just replaced the engine coolant, and I am expecting to get another 100 000 out of it.

The seats are awful, and on long drives they really do suck.

All in all, a great car if you're buying used.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 4th May, 2012

2003 Pontiac Sunfire 2.2L Ecotec from North America

Summary:

When I wrecked my Sunfire, I went back to the Pontiac dealership to buy another just like it

Faults:

Transmission output seals leaked at 135000 miles.

General Comments:

The Sunfire is sporty as a stock car.

My Sunfire is upgraded with a Cold Air Intake from RK Sports, and I got all the 25 hp that it was said to get.

The dual exhaust that was put on gave me another 20 hp.

The lowering kit and the aftermarket bushings and engine mounts gave me almost 1.5 seconds on my quarter mile.

As a stock engine, I got 400 miles to the 13 gallon tank racing it.

As a modded car, I can get 420 miles to the tank with a 0-60 in under 6 sec.

I drive the car like a race car, with or with out the mods, and I beat out most of the street racers in my area without a loud exhaust and a loud visual profile.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 30th December, 2009

30th Dec 2009, 16:49

I seriously doubt getting 20 HP out of an aftermarket exhaust without changing exhaust valves around and doing some major engine work. I just don't buy it, sorry.

30th Dec 2009, 19:07

I owned a 2002 Sunfire, which I purchased new in August of 2001, and my opinion is that the Sunfire is pretty basic transportation, nothing more.

3rd Jul 2014, 21:06

I agree, just adding dual exhausts, does not give any more torque, and perhaps 0.5 HP because of less outrush resistance.

In any case, if you wanted more HP, why not get a car with a little more snap, like a Subaru, or a Mazda..?

Good luck.

2003 Pontiac Sunfire Coupe 2.2 Ecotec from North America

Summary:

This car is reliable, great on gas, very fun, and perfect for cruising!

Faults:

Battery died a year and a few months after I got it. Thankfully, I was still able to drive it to Wal-Mart to get it replaced!

Fuel pump went out a couple of months later. The cost to replace it was $600 USD.

Other than these two minor problems, this car has been very reliable and easy on gas.

General Comments:

Very nice looking car! Great mileage! 2.2-liter Ecotec isn't beastly, but is sufficient and peppy for a four-cylinder.

The exterior sparkles with beaming red paint and electrifying chrome wheels. The chrome-tipped dual exhaust that came stock on this model makes it a cut above the bland economy cars that cover America's roads. The standard Sunfire spoiler enhances the stunning curves on this car. Cat-eye headlights and funky taillights help give the Sunfire it's sporty edge.

The interior is nice, and the seats are still in great condition, with no rips or tears. The air vents are easy to move and rotate and spin in all directions. The air conditioning is ice cold and the heat is hot!

Space in this car is good for the driver and front passenger, but rear space is limited for feet and knees. Head room is quite sufficient, however, due to the car's bubble-like roof.

Compared to other popular coupes, the Sunfire's rear-seating is superior. I've ridden in the back of my car before (ridiculous, I know) and I would choose it over my friend's Mustang's back seat any day! This is one of the reasons I chose my Sunfire over my other choices. For a small Coupe, the rear seats are sufficient for one, two, or three people (but I must admit, three people is do-able but quite cramped).

The driver seat is equipped with lumbar (which adjusts the lower back portion of the seat by pushing it out or bringing it in) and it squeaks when it is pushed back. The seats are low to the ground, which help give the Sunfire a sporty feel.

Well sought-after options, such as the CD player and power sunroof, enhance the riding enjoyment. Sadly, while the sunroof and door locks are powered, the windows are not. What the heck?!?

Trunk is spacious. The 60/40 fold down back seats give more options for carrying people and equipment.

Keyless entry and alarm system makes getting in and out, along with protecting your car and everything inside, that much easier.

About a year ago, the area I live in had an awful storm system move through our area. Hail fell, and caused dents all over my beautiful car! The insurance company wound up totaling it, but we bought it back from them considering the hail did nothing to damage the drive-ability of my car, and I needed reliable transportation. Even though I love this car, the hail damage bothers me and I intend to sell it somewhere in the near future. If it wasn't for this, I would continue driving it for at least a few more years.

Driving this car on warm, sunny days with the windows down, sunroof open, and music blasting.. well, that's pure bliss for me.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 24th March, 2009