1999 Pontiac Sunfire SE review from North America
"Enjoyable to have when it's running right"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
Starter at 85,000 kms.
Ignition wires at 86,000 kms.
Fuel Gauge stopped working correctly at approx 100,000 kms.
Exhaust repaired at 110,000 kms.
Alternator at 120,000 kms.
Front rotors badly warped and replaced at 129,000 kms.
Idler Pulley seized and fell off car at 134,000 kms.
Car no longer heats correctly, runs very cold when driving or very hot when idling and is making a loud growling sound (believed to be water pump)
Odometer sometimes displays random numbers and shapes.
A/C equipped, but has never worked on car.
Trunk leaks profusely from a source yet to be located.
Blower motor resister needs to be replaced, heater fan only works on 3 and 4 settings.
General comments?
Overall I find this car to be unreliable and frustrating.
The exterior is rusting badly around the gas cap, and the front wheel wells and new problems seem to crop up each day.
The headlights are not very bright, even with a good set of bright bulbs.
The plastic portions on the interior (center console, dash, door paneling) seem to creak and groan too much.
In a more positive light, with the 4 speed automatic trans. and a K&N air filter it is a fairly peppy car for a 4 cyl.
The interior is relatively comfortable, however, on long drives (2+ hours) the front seats can become a little painful.
The fabric inside the car seems to be holding up well and has no rips or tears.
Car handles quite well in snowy weather with a good set of winter tires.
The engine, although a little cramped, is fairly easy to work on.
When the car is running properly it is a pleasure to drive, however, the range of problems I have experienced in only 18 months of ownership has soured me on the experience. I don't feel as though I will purchase another Pontiac and will probably sell this one as soon as possible.
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| She's My Lemon |
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| Has its issues, but a good first car overall |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | No |
| Model year | 1999 |
| Year of manufacture | 1998 |
| First year of ownership | 2004 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2005 |
| Engine and transmission | 2.2L Automatic |
| Performance marks | 7 / 10 |
| Reliability marks | 5 / 10 |
| Comfort marks | 7 / 10 |
| Dealer Service marks | |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 7 / 10 |
| Overall marks (average of all marks) | |
| Distance when acquired | 80000 kilometres |
| Most recent distance | 135000 kilometres |
| Date of Entry | 8th December, 2005 |