2001 Pontiac Sunfire SE from North America

Faults:

I bought the car brand new in 2001. I noticed that after all the warranties expired, things started to happen.

Rust on the doors (I've noticed this on a lot of Sunfires actually).

The warning lights were all screwy... they would randomly go on and off and then disappear.

Rattling noises.

The muffler detached from the bottom of the car.

I've had brake problems more than once... too many things to mention.

Also...maybe it's just me... but it seemed that as soon as the gas needle hit the halfway mark... gas just went WAY down and quick. Very strange.

I finally got fed up with spending so much money fixing it, that I decided to trade it in and buy a new car (no more GM's for me!)

General Comments:

Although I had a lot of problems with the car, I will say that it was a decent ride and never broke down on me while driving.

The first five years, it was fairly reliable... and I guess you get what you pay for.

Definitely a good starter car and a good car for teens.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 12th August, 2009

2001 Pontiac Sunfire from North America

Summary:

Good 1st car for students or low income individuals

Faults:

The only major problem that I have had was with the brakes. I've had to replace the whole brake system 2-3 times since I purchased it.

Windshield recently cracked for no apparent reason, as well as the sun visor and rear window crank broke off; from over usage I'm sure.

General Comments:

This is my first car, and I enjoy the look and feel of the car.

I have to frequently change the brakes and tires, however, I do travel a lot for work. This year alone I updated all the brake system, which cost around $1500 Canadian, but it was worth the investment.

I has been in a few small accidents and the body has held up well. The frame is still strong with very little rusting.

I'm looking to purchase a new car, but would definitely recommend a Sunfire to first time car owners and those with a limited budget (students or lower income families).

I rely on this car everyday, and it has yet to let me down.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 11th August, 2009

2001 Pontiac Sunfire GT 2.4 Liter from North America

Summary:

This is my first Pontiac -- and probably my last

Faults:

I replaced the fuel filter 2 months after I bought the car, but continued to have starting problems. When I rapped the fuel tank with a 2 X 4 while my wife turned over the engine, the car started. I then had the fuel pump replaced, which eliminated my starting problems.

The problem I'm having now is the service engine light, the ABS light, and the Trac Off light all come on simultaneously after I've driven several miles, and will stay on until I turn off the engine. After I restart the engine, the warning lights will stay off for approximately one minute, then come back on. The master cylinder needed a little brake fluid, so I added some.

Unfortunately, the warning lights continue to come on after driving several miles. Any ideas?

General Comments:

The 2.4 Liter engine is really peppy, quicker than any of my previous 4-cylinder engine vehicles.

But I do have difficulty climbing into the front seat -- no head room.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 26th March, 2008

16th May 2012, 17:27

Those 3 lights together usually means a wheel speed sensor is gone.

2001 Pontiac Sunfire SE 2.2 from North America

Summary:

Good starter car, but get a warranty!

Faults:

My car won't start all the time. I've replaced my fuel pump module. Still looking into it.

My positive and negative terminals corroded completely and was leaking acid onto my battery.

My windshield washer fluid line cracked and caused all of my washer fluid to drain.

I have a rattle on the front passenger side when I accelerate, which causes the car to shake.

Terrible when idling, feels like I'm getting a back massage (dealership said it was normal and refused to look at my car)

Stupid things like all of my vents broke, parts of my drivers side door are falling off, springs are poking through my interior, both sides are lifting on my back seat, looks like a half circle.

When switching to reverse from park, its hard. Doesn't want to switch gears very well.

Feels like I've lost a lot of power, doesn't pick up well.

General Comments:

It's a good car, but I would get a warranty, do not buy a sunfire without one!

Great on gas, good on highway driving, picks up good.

Things seem to go wrong all at the same time, so be prepared!

Other than the petty things, the only big concern is it not starting!

Overall, it's a good starter car. Every car has its problems. I love it because its my first, so I don't want to give it up, but I don't think I would buy another one.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 1st March, 2008