1997 Pontiac Sunfire SE review from North America

The brake shoes went out about a month after I bought it.

The battery leaked acid and caused me to have to call the dealer to have it towed and then it cost over $200 to have that fixed and for the towing. Then once again it wouldn't start so it had to be towed again for the same problem. Luckily it was still under warranty from the last time.

Then at 37,000 the compressor on the air conditioner went out and it was going to cost over $1000 to have it replaced. I didn't have the money to do it at that time so I had to ride for 2 years with no air conditioner and that is one hot little car. When I could afford to have it replaced it still cost $700.

Then not a month after I had the compressor replaced I had to put it back in the shop for brakes and a tune-up. This ended up costing $300. Not to mention that the spark plugs cost me $8 a piece.

Now not 2 months after I had all of that done it is in the shop as I write this because it jumped timing and cracked the heads, bending all 8 valves in the process. I don't know yet what that is going to cost or how long I will be with out my car. It's been in the shop for a week.

On top of all of this there are the 2 recalls that I have had to have done.

When I first bought my car I really loved it. But as time goes on I am really beginning to hate it. It's to the point that I can't afford to keep it anymore. On second thought, I can't afford to get rid of it either. So I am really stuck between a rock and a hard place with this car. I really have to say that Pontiac has taught me a lesson. I will NEVER own another one. I will also tell everyone that I know not to buy one of these cars.