1999 Pontiac Sunfire GT review from North America
"She's My Lemon"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
The real question is, what HASN'T gone wrong with this car?!
The brakes have had to be replaced so many times that I have lost count.
My dual exhaust system currently has a hole in it right at the Y joint (of course!)
The alternator has been rebuilt - I couldn't bring myself to spend the money on buying a new one.
The wire connection to the battery failed four times over the course of a four month period. I might also mention that the battery is brand new.
The entire electrical system in the car was assembled by a monkey on crack.
For example, the digital display on my odometer, clock and radio station display works 10% of the time.
My automatic sunroof has literally been stuck open at the worst of times (ie. in the middle of a torrential downpour).
The base trim around the driver and passenger side windows has eroded (or something) making it look as though someone has taken a lit cigarette to a variety of spots down each side.
The gas tank had to be replaced due to severe leakage.
It feels as though my right wheel bearings are going - although I have yet to confirm this with my mechanic.
Rear window defrost does not work.
A/C and heating is either on full blast or off. The two fan options in the middle of the dial do not work.
Auto-door lock fails in the winter thereby forcing me to manipulate it with a blunt object in order to move it enough to allow me to close the drivers-side door.
General comments?
Acceleration is very good considering the degree of abuse this car has taken.
The seats are comfortable.
The cup-holder is in a very awkward position so much that when I put the car in park, I am unable to remove a bottle or cup.
Gas to km ratio is impressive.
The vehicle is relatively cheap to fix - THANK GOD.
Recommended reviews
| Great sporty, inexpensive car |
|
| Enjoyable to have when it's running right |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | No |
| Model year | 1999 |
| Year of manufacture | 1999 |
| First year of ownership | 2000 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2006 |
| Engine and transmission | Automatic |
| Performance marks | 6 / 10 |
| Reliability marks | 4 / 10 |
| Comfort marks | 8 / 10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 0 / 10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 7 / 10 |
| Overall marks (average of all marks) | |
| Distance when acquired | 48000 kilometres |
| Most recent distance | 218000 kilometres |
| Previous car | Hyundai Excel |
| Date of Entry | 31st August, 2006 |