1996 Pontiac Sunfire review from North America
"Very, very bad investment!"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
This car is total crap I tell you. Do NOT purchase one unless you get one for under 800 bucks and are gonna sell it for 2000.
The struts need replacing, clutch has gone, radio is messed up, dims and flutters like the dash lights and the high/low beams. (electrical problems?), the speedometer does not work... sometimes if you're going over 60kph it starts to kick in.. but other than that useless!
Poor design of seats/seat belts (very hard to get out and in the back seats, or when putting on seat belt it's very awkward to reach the seat belt if you're shorter (I'm 5'8).
I've got a weird clunking noise going on in the motor when I am coming to a stop with brakes on.. BF says it's a sensor or something, but it sounds worse than that.
When I got the car (auction), the key became unusable, it would not start the car or open the locks (right away). Went to the Pontiac GM dealership and they made a new key, which started the car there and unlocked/locked doors... but when I went shopping at Costco, I tried opening my doors and the key was jammed!!! It would not budge... I could take the key out but I couldn't move it either way in the lock... so that was a great day... Phoned my BF and he came and used WD40 on the locks, and finally got that dealt with. Apparently a badly cut key.
General comments?
Good fuel consumption... costs 40 bucks to fill and lasts long. Car is alright when it runs properly!
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| Greatly disappointed that it is no longer available new |
| 1996 - Sunfire SE Coupe 2.2L I-4 Excellent, economy vehicle |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | No |
| Model year | 1996 |
| Year of manufacture | 1996 |
| First year of ownership | 2007 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2008 |
| Engine and transmission | Manual |
| Performance marks | 5 / 10 |
| Reliability marks | 0 / 10 |
| Comfort marks | 0 / 10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 0 / 10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 8 / 10 |
| Overall marks (average of all marks) | |
| Distance when acquired | 250000 kilometres |
| Most recent distance | 252000 kilometres |
| Previous car | Mazda B2200 |
| Date of Entry | 14th May, 2008 |