14th Jun 2007, 07:32

Well, in my opinion, if you're reading these posts before considering any Pontiac Sunfire built in the 90's, I too would rethink it. Yep - Just like most of us I've had multiple repairs including cracked head gasket (not cheap), muffler straps, alternator, radio, blower control switch, a/c compressor, and then again today the a/c compressor clutch - which the mechanic tried to scam me on and over charge for (could have had a whole new compressor installed for what he TRIED to get). Yes repairs are to be expected on cars over 10 years old, but repeat repairs, stress, and disappointment are what I've experienced with my Sunfire too. This is not one of those old reliable cars that run well with proper maintenance. Only if you're looking to become a fix-all super-mechanic should you look to buy one of these crusty lemons.

14th Jun 2007, 17:41

I think the body might be similar to the old ones, but the engines are completely different I believe.

19th Feb 2008, 10:03

I've got a 1998 Sunfire GT.

My gasket is also leaking, my right wiper doesn't work right, and my windshield washer jet doesn't work.

My locks are no good in winter, it leaks antifreeze, my dash light went out, and the car is plastic, hit a little snow and half the bumper broke and cracked.

10th Jun 2008, 10:48

Hmmmm... I have a 2000 'Fire that I bought brand-new. Now has 109,000 miles on it. The parts on it that did not come from the factory are:

Battery (first replacement, new last year).

Brakes (new at 88,000 miles).

Power Steering Pump (new at 104,000 miles). Anti-Freeze, had that replaced at the same time.

Tires.

And, the regular consumables like wiper blades.

Yep, it does need shocks... will do that soon. This is a great little buggy, I certainly got my money's worth. Way I see it, I should be able to hit 200,000 miles.

22nd Apr 2009, 19:20

I just bought a 1995 Sunfire with 137,000 miles (I know you all are probably telling me I'm crazy).

I've always heard good things about the Sunfire/Cavalier though.

But for the blower speed issue, it is what is called a blower resistor, which is mounted under the dash on the passenger side next to the blower motor. It's kind of a pain to get to right up against the firewall and floor board; the part costs $23.00.

The door locks didn't work when I got it either, sprayed inside locks with PB Blaster, let them soak a few hours, they work fine. No cost, just some preventive maintenance.

The horn issue probably isn't the fuse (every Sunfire/Cavalier that I looked at the horn didn't work). I replaced the horn and it works fine now. I think it might be where they mounted it, up by the right front wheel, I mounted the new one in a different place, hope it will last longer. The horn was a little pricey though, cost me $48.00.

Had to replace right tie rod end, $49.99.

But now it looks like it might need new front struts. They look original, so that can't be bad for 137,000 miles. Things are going to wear out over time.

I also replaced valve cover gasket at $7.00 and about 45 minutes work.

Yes, the air conditioner doesn't work either. Haven't had a chance to look at it yet, hoping it will just need a recharge with some stop leak.

So far it looks like just normal maintenance problems.

But as you can probably tell, I did all the work myself, so had to pay no labor costs.

3rd Mar 2010, 20:15

I got a 1995 Pontiac Sunfire SE model in 2007 with 170,000 miles on it. It has had very few problems until around 205,000 miles on it. The alternator, lower ball joint, radiator, wheel bearing, and the catalytic converter. None of these problems happened until I hit 205,000 miles. Sounds like the problem is the GT model or people trusting the crooked dealers!