1996 Pontiac Sunfire SE 2.2L from North America

Summary:

An inexpensive, but great ride

Faults:

The only repair I have had to do on the car was to replace the battery (the car was not starting in the mornings sometimes).

The car has a small exhaust leak that has to be fixed, but it is not anything major.

General Comments:

This car is wonderful.

It has quick, responsive steering and is very stable going around sharp bends.

Acceleration is nice, and it is a blast to drive anywhere - highway, city or country.

The only things I would change would be to add some more power to it (the car isn't quite quick enough for me), and a better Anti-Lock Break System.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 18th March, 2004

1996 Pontiac Sunfire from North America

Summary:

Good for students, but aim for better when you get a job!

Faults:

The battery leaked acid.

The trunk leaks water and is getting moldy.

The headlights slowly died over a period of 6 months and the problem wasn't with the light bulbs (I replaced them several times). It was with the wiring.

The car gets rusty in very weird areas, like inside the cigarette lighter and inside the steering column.

The air bag light and the seatbelt light stay on all the time, even though there's no problem with either (according to the dealership).

Last year, I got in a car accident because my brakes didn't function properly. No one was in the car with me and when I told others that my brakes didn't catch they didn't believe me. I took it to a mechanic who couldn't find a problem with the brakes. Yesterday, I was driving my car with a passenger and the brakes failed again! This time I have a witness that I was trying to stop and the car just wouldn't. I am taking the car back to the dealership tomorrow and hopefully they'll fix the problem.

General Comments:

I find the interior quite comfortable and roomy.

It's easy to drive.

The paint has kept it's sparkle quite well (when clean).

It's very cheap on gas.

Easy to park.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 7th March, 2004

1996 Pontiac Sunfire 2 Door Coupe 2.2L 4 cylinder from North America

Summary:

A well performing, comfortable and stylish car for the money

Faults:

The wipers are broken, and it's simply not worth the money to fix them, it should be a recall.

When I first bought the car I noticed that the heater resistor was cracked, and appears to be a common problem with these cars.

The front and back strut mounts are making ticking and knocking noises. The is nothing major, I just turn the stereo up.

The car has a slight pull to the left, but I am not sure what is.

General Comments:

Very sporty looking car for the money.

Only as 115HP, but can get along just fine.

I have a feeling my next car is going to be a sunfire GT, just to boost the horses up the 150!

This car is very reliable so far, and I hope that it's going to hold up. Right now it is not showing any signs or unreliability.

Good gas mileage, gets me just shy of 600 kilometers per tank.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 10th February, 2004

18th Jun 2004, 12:34

I don't mean to sound mean, but when the windshield wiper motor fails, and is not worth fixing, that does NOT sound like a very reliable car. Aren't wipers VERY important? It does not matter what type of motor fails, if it is so bad that it keeps braking, that is a sign of poor engineering. I wish you luck that the wiper motor is all that fails!

1996 Pontiac Sunfire SE Coupe 2.2L from North America

Summary:

Great Looking, Reliable InexpensiveCar

Faults:

Replaced 2 Water Pumps.

Replaced Valve Cover Gasket.

Light burnt out on radio.

Brake Rotor warping.

General Comments:

Amazing reliability, fun to drive, very economical, great looking and very comfortable seats. I'm over 6' and never feel tired on long distance trips.

It handles very well and the 5 speed manual makes it fun to drive. It drives very well in rain and snow. Paint still looks great and it has never been garaged.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 31st July, 2003

18th Nov 2004, 20:53

I am the writer of this review. I just passed 204,000 miles and this car continues to be outstandingly reliable and maintenance free. The clutch and exhaust are original.

I have replaced the serpentine belt.

Pontiac builds a great car!

Pete.