2002 Pontiac Sunfire from North America - Comments

The Sunfire has been in the shop from the first month I owned it to date for the same problem over and over.

The first was a fire in the dashboard; the installation of the radio by the dealer had not been grounded since they pulled the dash out, hot air blows constantly even with the air conditioner on. The dealer says nothing is wrong.

The growling noise when you hit the brakes quickly has gotten worse and know the steering locks when it happens; yesterday the dealer said they found nothing wrong. They didn't drive the vehicle more than a mile- mileage into the shop was 35816 and out of the shop 35817.

The Pontiac has problems with the ABS or brakes and warranty or not the dealer just doesn't investigate it.

It appears that you bought your car used. The condition of a used car is subject to how well the previous owner took care of it. Any make or any model of any car can be run into the ground by the previous owner. My Sunfire now has 125,750 and I bought it used at about 87,000. I have yet to take it to the shop. It was a lease turn in with a complete maintenance history available. The previous owner took good care of the car and today, my '02 still runs like new.

I am a "New" Driver of 4 years and a late bloomer in my mid thirties, gaining experience all the time, understanding terminology and performance. As a female driver, natural reaction when my first car had to be changed was to go for the same thing again., not to distrupt my comfort level and to stay with what I knew, however financially I wasn't ready to replace my car when the decision was made to take it off the road. Thus began looking at affordability, comfort, gas consumption and yes a little style. It was clear that the Sunfire was a definite runner for price range and the 2 door 2002 that I settled on seem to fit all the above. I have been driving it since December 1st, 2004 and do feel I can add to the pro's and con's of owning a sunfire. Comfort is a plus the bucket seats are wide enough and shaped right so you don't feel them cutting into your circulation. Gas consumption was reasonable & winter driving I averaged about 430 km's to a tank @.83$/ltr. The disbursment of windshield washer from the wipers is a bonus and really allows you to clear the windshield with ease. Trunk space is fantastic and can hold bags and parcels and groceries from a girls day out. The stereo is crystal clear and easily proframmable. Getting in and out is too bad although a slight negative as I am arthritic. Down fall to me with the car is the windshield on the drivers side the way the frame comes down and creates a blind spot and I would have to agree that the ABS doesn't perform at 100 % - I honestly do not believe this is due to the driving habits of the previous owner. They are quite noisy and I don't think they pulsate the way they were designed too! I do a lot of driving in snowy and icy conditions as I reside in Ontario Canada. Overall as a second car I am starting to grow accustomed to the feel and content with the overall package and presentation of the car.