1998 Pontiac Sunfire SE 2.4 from North America

Summary:

Sporty and cute, definitely a chicks car!

Faults:

The LED on the stereo went out, you have to take the stereo apart to fix it, it would cost around $300. CAD.

The light for the trunk broke when trunk was full, there was no cover on it.

The head gasket wore before 90,000 km.

The alternator had to be replaced at 100,000 kms.

The alternator is not powerful enough to sustain the electronics (bulletin from GM). There is nothing you can do except recharge the battery every so often.

Depending on the color, the paint is very thin, a small rock could scratch it.

All the belts had to be replaced at 100,000 km.

General Comments:

The car overall, is an economical gas saver. However, compared to my previous vehicle (Honda, Accord), it is not as good for mileage.

The seats hug (if you like that). The back seats are compact, not a lot of leg room.

I would suggest this car to other people, if they do not plan to keep the car for its lifetime.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 25th September, 2003

16th Mar 2004, 22:30

Why is it a chick car? Well maybe the Sunbird is, but its identical brother, the Cavalier isn't a chick car, just a commuter/econobox. Since both cars are exactly the same (under the hood, engine and chassis wise, the bodies are slightly different) then the Sunbird can be thought of as a cheap commuter car.

As for the alternators, get this, you can put in a more powerful alternator, you don't need the expensive OEM one! Also to get more life out of it, make sure the battery terminals are clean and make sure the battery is good. Also minimize (or eliminate) the amount of jump starts you have to do. Making an alternator charge a dead battery is murder.

23rd Mar 2006, 11:11

Yes I have a sunfire gt, the paint is very thin, sometimes I see little scratches that I don't know where they came from, it seems that any little rock or stone can do minor paint damage also the body is not as hard as the other cars I been driving... i think the metals they used for the body are very cheap.. if you have a crash about running 70 mph of speed I think the only think they will find is your teeth..sad, but true : (

1998 Pontiac Sunfire SE 2.2 from North America

Summary:

One sweet ride

Faults:

At 89000 miles, the air conditioner compressor went out.

General Comments:

Overall, the car is a dream. sexy body, beautiful interior. lotta horsepower a four cylinder. i was impressed.although, would it have been too much to ask for a lever to pop the trunk from inside the cabin?

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 26th July, 2003

1998 Pontiac Sunfire SE 2.2 Litre 4 cylinder from North America

Summary:

A good reliable car

Faults:

At 68,000 miles I had to have a new transmission installed. Thank God for warranties!

The paint chips VERY easily.

It shifts hard into drive and reverse. Even with a new transmission. Must just be the car.

It also shifts hard while driving.

It rolls on hills and it isn't a stick! Weird huh?

General Comments:

This car has a lot of power for a 4 cylinder. It has a lot of power off the line which isn't common.

The seats could be more comfortable and if you're a fatty... you won't fit. A good friend of mine is like 250 pounds and she has to squeeze herself into my car!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 26th June, 2003

1998 Pontiac Sunfire SE Coupe 2.2 from North America

Summary:

A great bargain

Faults:

I had to get the air conditioning recharged is the only thing.

General Comments:

Overall I love this car to death.

The gas mileage is great for driving back and forth to school and make long trips rather unexpensive.

This car is simply fun to drive, especially with moonroof I have.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 11th March, 2003

1998 Pontiac Sunfire SE 2.4 from North America

Summary:

A nice car for low cost!

Faults:

-The paint tends to chip easily.

-It's hard to shift into reverse from drive or park, but it is easy to shift back into drive or park.

-The dashboard gage lights turn on and off even though there isn't anything wrong. They tend to go on and then off in a few minutes.

General Comments:

-This car is pretty quick and powerful for a 4-cylinder. (I've burned out 25Ft. in it.)

-It is a very comfortable car.

-It has a very nice sporty looking body.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 29th November, 2002