1996 Pontiac Sunfire SE review from North America
"Reliable car that gets you where you need to go"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
Alternator bearings went bad around 90k miles. replaced with lifetime autozone alternator for $150.
A/c pressure switch connection was loose causing a/c to blow hot air at 105k miles. Cost to fix was $43.
Very loud piston slap engine sound when car is driven in below 32 degree temps. Quiets down when car is heated up. No piston slap sound during spring, summer temps.
Coolant gauge runs a little on the hot side (not in the red) at stoplights/stop signs. I'm thinking it's the fan clutch is not engaging. Haven't fixed yet.
Windshield wiper motor only shoots fluid from one nozzle out of driver side.
Car is easy to break into.
General comments?
Overall, this car is reliable. it starts up everytime and gets you where you need to go everytime.
Out of all the problems I listed, I say the honus is on the manufacturer except
for the windshield wiper motor. I ran it without fluid and probably damaged it.
I plan to drive this car to at least 200k miles. If the car isn't a money pit by then, I'll keep going!
Parts are cheap and so is the cost to work on it.
GM engines and alternators are known for the piston slap and alternator failures. I've learned to live with it.
The car gets very good gas mileage, cheap to insure, but the seats are uncomfortable on long road trips.
Recommended reviews
| 1996 - Sunfire SE Coupe 2.2L I-4 Excellent, economy vehicle |
|
| 1996 - Sunfire GT 2.4 DOHC 150h/p Fast/cheap/fun |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Yes |
| Year of manufacture | 1996 |
| First year of ownership | 1996 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2004 |
| Engine and transmission | 2.2L Automatic |
| Performance marks | 7 / 10 |
| Reliability marks | 9 / 10 |
| Comfort marks | 7 / 10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 3 / 10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 8 / 10 |
| Overall marks (average of all marks) | |
| Distance when acquired | 200 miles |
| Most recent distance | 107000 miles |
| Previous car | Oldsmobile Cutlass |
| Date of Entry | 23rd June, 2004 |