1995 Pontiac Sunfire SE review from North America
"Great Looker, Poor Runner"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
- Blown head gasket (3 times!)
- Replace starter ~60000mi
- Replace alternator ~ 90000mi
- 2 spark plugs fell out of head! ~50000mi
- Constant coolant leaks
- A/C controls short out.
General comments?
This was my first new car and may I say what a disappointment. The car was a great looker, but was extremely underpowered. After only 20K miles the head gasket went out. It went out twice more before 50K miles. At $1000 a pop this got a little frustrating. Finally I had the head and engine block planed which seemed to help. At one point I had 2 spark plugs literally blow out of the engine! Was never able to have that explained. I kept the car for 10 years because it was cheaper to play the constant maintenance than have a new car payment. Finally sold it for around a thousand bucks. I have been told by several mechanics that this car and engine were typically very reliable. Maybe I just got a lemon.
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| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | No |
| Model year | 1995 |
| Year of manufacture | 1995 |
| First year of ownership | 1995 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2005 |
| Engine and transmission | Automatic |
| Performance marks | 5 / 10 |
| Reliability marks | 3 / 10 |
| Comfort marks | 7 / 10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 3 / 10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 4 / 10 |
| Overall marks (average of all marks) | |
| Distance when acquired | 0 miles |
| Most recent distance | 130000 miles |
| Previous car | Ford Escort |
| Date of Entry | 25th January, 2005 |