2002 Pontiac Sunfire

Summary:

Good car when mileage is low, but not over 100,000

Faults:

I have had this car in the shop every other month for repairs. My car is overheating on the highway or when the weather is hot, and repair shops aren't fixing it!!! It's costing me too much money to keep this car in good condition, and not enough people know how to fix them.

Otherwise I've really loved the comfort and ride of the car.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 29th July, 2009

2002 Pontiac Sunfire SE Coupe 2.2L

Summary:

A good car for the price and for a young person

Faults:

One of the muffler straps broke at 110,000 miles.

I have an small Anti-Freeze leak, which is leaking into the vent of the Ac/Heat.

General Comments:

I am sorry that everyone has had bad experiences with Pontiac Sunfires, but I have owned two and not had any major problems! I had a 1999 model, that I traded in at 68,000 miles for a 2002 model.

The problems I am having right now are because my car has 110,000 miles on it, not because it's a GM/Pontiac. Plus my car is not garaged, which does make a difference, too.

One of the muffler straps broke at 110,000 miles, and I have an small Anti-Freeze leak, which is leaking into the one vent of the AC/Heat.

I believe that once a car is over 50,000 miles beware... anything can go wrong. That's why most car companies only offer 3 years/50,000 miles as the standard warranty.

I don't believe in buying a used car w/o a warranty, or keeping a car after the warranty, if you can help it... cars don't last forever, like in the good old days.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 2nd May, 2007

23rd Feb 2012, 16:19

I am 60 years old, and have been driving since I was 15. I'm here to tell ya that cars did not last forever in the good old days. Time was that cars seldom ran for over 100,000 miles, without a major rebuild. Why do you think the odometers only needed 5 digits, and rolling one over past 99,999 was a cause for celebration. You got maybe 15-17 MPG out of a six cylinder, and maybe 100 HP. Sure, it's a lot more costly to repair a car now, but when you add all the bells and whistles on that we all seem to need now, there's a lot more to go wrong. I can also remember buying gas for 29.9, and a new full size Ford for $3,000.

In reply to 23rd Feb 2012, 16:19

24th Feb 2012, 08:00

It is funny how people perceive that old cars last forever, because they see mint examples at shows and such. They don't seem to realize the work that goes into restoring and keeping an old car in good condition.

2002 Pontiac Sunfire 2.2L Ecotec

Summary:

Underrated and well worth your money!

Faults:

None! Only routine maintainance.

General Comments:

It will never win any looks competitions, but is very reliable and comfortable.

The standard features on this car are a tremendous value (cruise, power sunroof, CD player with 6 speakers, fog lamps).

This car is very gas efficient, especially if driven responsibly. I get 400 miles out of a 12 gallon tank.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 25th February, 2007

25th Feb 2007, 20:08

Well, welcome to the Wonderful World of Pontiac. Regardless of opinions to the contrary, the Pontiac Sunfire is a great car. My best friend bought one after having 2 Corollas, neither of which made it past 100,000 miles. I currently drive a 2001 Grand Am with 60,000 miles that has never had a single repair of any kind and looks and drives like brand new. In addition, my family also has a 1955 Pontiac that has been in the family for THREE GENERATIONS, and has outlived 2 of its previous owners!! It STILL runs great!!

14th Mar 2007, 11:28

Mine is about to cross 100,000k.

The car is fuel efficient, but 400 miles on a 12 gallon tank (33.33 mpg) is a little exaggerated, unless you're go 55 mph on flat ground. Usually, I can get about 32 mpg of highway driving, but during the winter, that can drop to 25 mpg.

A few light bulbs have burned out. The 1st speed of the fan has broken twice. The front axle has begun to squeak and rattle and the engine has been whining in extreme cold weather, but that could also be the driver. The OE tires lasted 80k miles.