26th Feb 2003, 13:36
I also have a Pontiac Sunfire 4 door sedan, I was having problems with the engine light coming on, but I got it checked out my O2 sensor was bad had it replaced it works fine now. Also my lights on the clock/radio doesn't light up either do anyone know what is wrong please email with your answer at Angela.Williams@mmoh.com. Thank You.
20th Apr 2004, 15:35
I purchased my 96 Sunfire Gt from the dealer late `95. I have the oil changed quarterly and tune ups annually. By 98 I had to replace my Fuel injection System; by 2000 my engine and 2002 my transmission. This past year my starter/ignition switch needed to be replaced. Today, I was just informed that my water pump needs to be replaced.
While the car looks good after nearly 10 years, repairs have ran me the costs of an additional auto.
6th Nov 2005, 18:45
My '96 Pontiac Sun Fire GT is the greatest car. I absolutely love it. It is my very first car and I couldn't ask for better. I got the best deal on it: $1500. It gets about 30 mpg and with gas prices being so high, it comes in handy. The 5 speed stick shift is taking some time to get used to, but I'm also used to driving my parents' automatics. Overall, my Sun Fire is my baby and I love it.
15th May 2006, 04:14
Hi, I am from the UK and have just bought a 96 sunfire GT. The car is in beautiful condition, the only problem is the engine, it sounds like the crank bearings have let go, I am a mechanic and over the next few weeks I will be rebuilding it, I will give updates on what I find if anyone is interested. regards malc.
16th Oct 2006, 08:13
I just bought my son a 96 Sunfire GT for 1700$ and there is a clunking sound coming from the engine area whenever you give it gas then let off... If anyone has any ideas, it would be greatly appreciated.
Thanx.
16th Nov 2006, 20:04
I own a 2002 Pontiac sunfire. It has 93,000 miles. I am starting to experience water pump problems. At 80,000 the drivers side electric window motor went. This is my second Pontiac owned car. its still a great car. I have had some funky electrical things happening. Indoor light, buzzer work and then don't work. Radio sometimes won't shut off unless I do it manually.
20th May 2008, 13:59
I have a 96 Sunfire GT (purchased new), and this car has been great for the most part. I get really good gas mileage (except on the Garden State Parkway... stupid tolls) and lots of get-up-and-go. I had very few problems until recently when things started to go, but after 12 years, what can you expect. I believe I have replaced an alternator, passenger window motor, fan motor, air-compressor, timing chain, struts, water pump and one of the wheel joint thingies (I don't remember the name).
At 120k miles, I began having some transmission problems, where after the car has been driven for a while (say 40 miles) I am cruising along at 65, and it decides it wants to be in neutral. I have to slow down under 40 and test the accelerator for it to kick into 3rd, then I can go on my way again for maybe another 40 miles or so before it does it again. Needless to say, I don't drive long distances any longer, but it is great for back and forth to work.
I am wary of spending 3 grand for a new trans in a 12 year old car, so I am just hoping it lasts another 6 months or so.
12th Jan 2009, 16:36
3 grand for a tranny for a 96 Sunfire.. hmm.. don't sound right to me. I will take my tranny out and ship it to you if you are paying 3 grand, other than that, someone is trying to take you for a ride.
11th Aug 2009, 10:41
I bought a 96 Pontiac Sunfire GT in 2002. It had 80,000 on it when I bought it. It really surprised me at how fast it was for a 4 banger.
Yeah the water pump is a pain, especially if you change it yourself.
The other problems with it that have happened more than once are the coil pack housing and the water outlet housing.
Now it has 275,000 and this 5 speed will still break traction in 1st, 2nd, and 3rd! No joke!!!
I love this car, but not more than my Nissan 300ZX. It's faster and handles better.
380,000 miles and all it needs is a back seat!!!
23rd Aug 2009, 13:00
Have a 1996 Sunfire. Bought it brand new for my wife who only travels 6 miles to work.
The car has been nothing but a headache. At 19k miles it blew the head gasket. Mind you this was after the car was 4 years old; like I said she doesn't travel far.
So OK had the 5 year warranty, so the dealer fixed it, wanted to trade it in; they only offered me 4k for the car. OK forget that, was paid for, since then has blown the alternator, the A/C, power steering pump and 2 water pumps, the A/C and alternator wear shortly after the head gasket was replaced, so the warranty covered them. Also has been through 3 sets of O2 sensors, and twice the valve cover gasket.
Shame the car still only has 60k miles on it, not a scratch.
7th Sep 2002, 03:04
I love my '96 Sun fire GT, bought it new and haven't had problems with it until 2000. First started hearing a scraping noise when I would turn left. Took car to Colony Tires in Kill Devil Hills NC twice, it was fixed the 2nd time. Then the sunroof messed up. It won't open all the way. I haven't had it fixed. Then the passenger side power window opener stopped working. Bought parts for new motor, had it replaced by a friend, and it's fine now. Then the water pump went out. Had it fixed, no problems now, knock on wood except the panel for the radio/CD/clock won't light up. Can still operate and hear music, just can't see what station the radio is on, or see what time it is. Anyone have any suggestions?