1996 Pontiac Sunfire SE strippo (deceiving!) review from North America
"200,000 miles on the original clutch, great fuel mileage, rattly interior"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
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.
Recommended reviews
| Piece of crap rub on the carpet and go car |
|
| If you like to take risks, purchase a '95 Sunfire |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Yes |
| Year of manufacture | 1996 |
| First year of ownership | 2005 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2008 |
| Engine and transmission | 2.4L i4 Manual |
| Performance marks | 7 / 10 |
| Reliability marks | 8 / 10 |
| Comfort marks | 4 / 10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 0 / 10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 9 / 10 |
| Overall marks (average of all marks) | |
| Distance when acquired | 110000 miles |
| Most recent distance | 202000 miles |
| Previous car | GMC Jimmy |
| Date of Entry | 7th October, 2008 |