1996 Pontiac Sunfire 2 Door from North America - Comments

There was a Carbon block, which cost $30.00 to remove.

The Brakes seem to wear out a little quickly, and are costly to replace, about $350 for front and $250 for back.

The plastic covers on everything in the interior are not very sturdy, and get knocked out/broken very easily.

Don't ever hit anything, because almost everything is plastic, so one crack in it and you're looking at huge repair bills.

This car has great pick up compared to other cars in it's class. It's quick to respond and fun to drive. It does great even when you miss oil changes (I've gotten away with 8000 - 9000 between changes).

It's safe, and maneuverable, you'll never have trouble getting into or out of tight spots.

Generally, this car has been super reliable, and a great car to drive and be seen in.

First let me just say that those Sunfires are not quick. 0-60 times are about 14 seconds. Last time I checked that's not very fast. But they do look very good. The front end seems to have a almost evil look. Plus those cars will run for a long time, unless you change the oil every 8,000 miles like this nut. All cars need regular oil changes and other little fluid changes the will prolong the live of the vehicle.

Every 8,000 miles IS regular.

It just isn't frequent enough.

Agree with you, the guy/girl is a nut.

Some poor sucker will buy that car.

350.00 for front brakes and 250.00 for back. I think i'd check where you're getting your work done. Rotors are only 25.00 each and pads are only 30.00. Rear shoes are only 35.00 so I think i'd shop around before i'd pay that shop to do a brake job again.

I have a 1996 Sunfire se model 2.2. This car has been excellent to me. It has 178,000 miles now and always starts up. I fill very confident in going long distances. I to have change the oil later then the maintenance schedule (7-8000). I love this car. The brakes I did them myself about $60. I couldn't believe the negative comments about this car. I most of been lucky with mine. I just recently got a transmission flush and mechanic said it looked very good. When its cold a little engine noise, but not much. Only in winter months.

I have to agree that this isn't the best car I have ever owned. I've had it for a few years now it's a 1996 Sunfire GT. Yes it might look nice and the black and red interior is nice on the eye, sunroof... it has it's ups, but it is certainly not worth all the money I have put in. I am very greatful that my dad is a mechanic and that my husband knows his way around cars because they have saved me a lot of money on a lot of money. Some normal things have needed replacing like brakes, rotors, shocks, tierod, balljoints that are the parts that my dad and husbanbs could do as well as frequent oil changes. However when my exaust let go right at the Y connection (dual exaust) we could not find one anywhere and the dealer announced to me that they no longer made it that it would have to be custom made which was not worth it to me seeing that I am going to sell the car in the near futur anyhow... so my dad put on a single exaust (I was a little sad, it did not look as nice). Then my transmission was leaking and it's a closed transmission that was apain in the ass thank god I only pay for parts and not labor when my dad can do the job. Then the water pump in the engine let go that was a job for the dealer with tones of labor$$$$ which cost more than the actualle part... my heather was not working, my crank sensor let go... and found out that friends with the same cars except they have 2001-2002 had the same problems, it's nice to know they have improved their cars. I could go on and on. We finally bougth a new car we went with Toyota Corolla because we are kind of sick and tired with Pontiac for now. My husband was bringing the sunfire to my dad's garage this morning so he could put the computer on it because the oil light keeps on coming on. and after deductions they will see with the computer if it's the oil pressure pump that's done which requires opening the engine and a lot of $$$ so we might just sell the DAMN thing.

So YES I AGREE IT'S A PIECE OF CRAP AND I WOULD NEVER RECOMMEND IT TO ANYONE... ESPECIALLY SEEING THAT THEY DID NOT EVEN IMPROVE WITJ THE YEARS.

Let me tell you about my Pontiac Sunfire. I have 232000 miles on it and feel so confident I would go out of state with this car. I have had it for 6 years now and haven't put much money in it at all. I only replaced the shocks, alternator, plugs, fluids, air filter, and brakes. Which most of this is just typical maintenance. It leaks a little oil, so about each 6 weeks I add a quart of oil. This has been going on since 168,000, and I just change the oil every 10000-12000 miles. I would definitely buy this car again.

I replaced all my brakes and front rotors myself, and spent less than a hundred dollars.