Pontiac Sunfire Review

Pontiac Sunfire Photos

Pontiac Sunfire

The Pontiac Sunfire was introduced for the 1995 model year as the compact car to replace the Sunbird. Not only was the name changed, but dramatic styling changes were included as well. The new styling was shared with the Chevrolet Cavalier, though General Motors did not change the Cavalier name. Also during this time, the J platform was updated structurally to meet more stringent safety standards.

The Sunfire could be purchased as a sedan, coupe, or convertible. All three types came in the standard SE trim level. An upscale GT trim level was available on the coupe and convertible. The GT trim level came standard with the 2.4 liter LD9 engine, 16” alloy wheels, dual exhaust, and a more aggressive looking front fascia. The GT trim level was dropped after the 2002 model year.

Originally the convertible was only in the SE trim level until the 1999 model year where it became only available in the GT trim. The convertible was discontinued after the year 2000.

The Pontiac Sunfire went through two facelifts, once in 2000 and once again in 2003. In the US, the coupe was the only model available from 2003 to 2005. The sedan continued to be sold in Canada and Mexico until the end of the overall production run in 2005 and a few cars were sold in 2006.

Sunfires were built in Lordstown, Ohio (until 2004, before retooling to build the Chevrolet Cobalt and Pontiac Pursuit/G5 models) and Ramos Arizpe, Mexico. The convertible models were built in Lansing, Michigan. Production of the Sunfire ended in June 2005 but a few "2006 models" were sold that year. Over 36,000 Sunfires were sold in the US and 33,724 units were sold in Canada in 2004, each for approximately US$11,500. GM replaced the Sunfire with the G5 for 2007.