1996 Pontiac Sunfire SE from North America - Comments

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.

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.

I'm the original poster. I have 152k miles on the sunfire currently. still as reliable as ever. the original posting is still correct.

I have the same car and the same problems with mine.

My coolant gauge tends to run a little hot for a bit, then it goes back down to the normal temperature. I took it to a mechanic and they said it was fine; the fans were kicking on and everything. He said he may have thought that the gauge was reading the wrong temperature, he said it happens sometimes.

I got a head gasket replacement a few months ago because it was overheating in the red all the time.

It is a very reliable car and I haven't had any major issues with it, just minor wear and tear.