1997 Pontiac Sunfire Consumer Reviews

Best car ever

Written by: kom_stat on 01/26/2008

Vehicle

1997 Pontiac Sunfire 2 Dr SE Coupe

Review

I use my Sunfire as my work car. I practically abuse this car. I certainly don't baby it. It may get its oil changed every 8-9k, and couldn't tell you the last time I ever checked anything on it for maintenance. It's also been known to see the redline getting on the interstate. Been in two major accidents and now has over 210,000 miles and never given me any trouble. When I say never, I mean never. I haven't repaired anything on this car other than body panels but that certainly isn't Pontiac's fault. Also has awesome performance for being an entry level compact car that gets 36mpg even with a lead foot.

Favorite Features

Balance of fuel mileage and speed. Comfort. I'm 6'2" and very comfortable driving.

Suggested Improvements

The interior is a little cheap but if it were upgraded I'm sure the car's price would be too.

2 out 2 people found this review helpful

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Great first car

Written by: phv2 on 07/03/2007

Vehicle

1997 Pontiac Sunfire 2 Dr SE Coupe

Review

I got the car used with 100,000 miles on it. It ran great when I purchased it and continues to start everytime without worrys. Had to fix a few things but nothing major or surprising. Gets real good mileage (28mpg) considering mine doesn't even have overdrive (3- speed tranny. It has good performance for a small ecomony car. I've never had any trouble merging into fast moving highway traffic and it tracks really well in all weather.

Favorite Features

Reliability, mileage, fold-down rear seat, easy to read gauges in night driving.

Suggested Improvements

Cup holder blocks air and heat knob. rear seat could have been a 60/40 split so that the rear could still be used when carrying long items.

2 out 2 people found this review helpful

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Very reliable and great gas mileage

Written by: Max on 10/08/2006

Vehicle

1997 Pontiac Sunfire 2 Dr GT Coupe

Review

All I've replaced are tires, the water pump and belt @112,000 miles, did a tuneup & I change oil every 4000 mi. It has 137,000 miles & I've had it since 72,000. I'm 6'1 200 lbs & sit pretty comfortably. It takes off fast and cuts around tight curves like a gt should. I plan on keeping this car until it dies since I av. 300-350 miles per week going to work. It's paid for, so why not. It started squeaking last month & I think it is either the wheel bearing or strut. I'm still surprised that I can gun that lil red devil and make my head snap into the seat. Its a 5 speed with no performance add-ons, not even K&N. Maybe I should do that and upgrade the chip :D *Best car I've ever had and I'm 34.

Favorite Features

The individual I got it from was the orig owner and opted for 17" wheels and power everything when ordered....very nice. My fav feature is the stereo controls on the steering wheel.

Suggested Improvements

The interior makes some annoying sounds while driving. Probably because of the age and miles. My stereo usually drowns them out though. But to have owned it for 6 years (longest of any other car) I can't really complain.

5 out 5 people found this review helpful

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it's been a long ride

Written by: almost done on 05/22/2006

Vehicle

1997 Pontiac Sunfire 4 Dr SE Sedan

Review

at 180K + miles it still has the original alternator, original timing chain, replaced the battery maybe 3 times, replaced the brakes 2ce. I've taken it places that are made for 4 x 4s, yet suffered only minor brush scrapes to the paint from the tumbleweeds. This car is legend in my office for the abuse it has taken. I live far from dealerships--never had the recall items replaced. Manual transmission has decent acceleration for 4 cylinder. Perfect size for 5'3"-5'10" person, very comfortable. Handles sudden stops well--had to slam the brakes and veer one eve to avoid a burro at 80 mph, slid and stopped without spinning or rolling.

Favorite Features

Endurance-- I bought it new, totally got my $$ out of this car. Took several road trips with 1 smaller driver and 3 larger adults, lots o luggage, went just fine. Handles sand, gravel, long highway miles.

Suggested Improvements

Switch for the a/c-heat control has broken twice (the one that controls whether it blows from front vents or feet), brakes don't make any noise before they die. gas gauge is unpredictable once it hits 1/4 tank. (1/4 tank = maybe empty)

4 out 4 people found this review helpful

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reliability

Written by: 97 sunfire on 01/18/2006

Vehicle

1997 Pontiac Sunfire 4 Dr SE Sedan

Review

so far i have had this car for quite a while, it was my first, and i would never buy away from pontiac or chevy after owning it, take good care of it, and it will never break down,minor wear and tear but thats normal, for a four cylinder great performance,comfortable to drive for a small car, great on gas, i do alot of driving, 25k yearly, and i have never had this car break down or anything, it has been the best first car i could have ever imagined, high milege and she drives like the day she was new

Favorite Features

aftermarket stereo

Suggested Improvements

brakes wear quickly, but so do all other pontiacs and chevys

3 out 3 people found this review helpful

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All the fun, for half the price

Written by: bundok on 11/17/2005

Vehicle

1997 Pontiac Sunfire 2 Dr SE Coupe

Review

I really like my car, but I'm reluctant to do any modifications to it. It's an SE but it has the 2.4 liter engine and twin Cam's. It's very peppy and handles well, though a little splashy. Great car for driving and the occasional (or frequent) driving wild. You won't feel like Mario Andretti in this car, but it definitely has a kick. The alternator has gone out once and my clutch cables snapped and had to be replaced. It has an oil leak I'm assuming is from the oil pan gasket that's pretty bad; all of which I chalk up to my own driving and not the cars reliability.

Favorite Features

2.4L engine. Good A/C. Limited constant maintenance. Uncluttered engine (though changing the spark plugs is a pain in the @$$).

Suggested Improvements

Those door pockets are in the worst place. You can't use them with the door closed. Hard to clean the "nooks & cranny's." Needs a bigger cup- holder that isn't so close to the radio! Trunk opening needs to match the enormous trunk size. Clutch could be a little less springy.

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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Good Little Car - 97 Coupe SE

Written by: zippy_zion on 09/14/2005

Vehicle

1997 Pontiac Sunfire 2 Dr SE Coupe

Review

This is a great little car. I was supprised initally by its good gas mileage and even more by its power. I've only had two problems with it that were easy fixes. 1. The valve cover had a loose bolt and leaked oil 2. I had a leak in my trunk Neither caused any long term problems and didn't cause any ill performance. I have since added a front strut tower bar to help my handling. I'm thinking of modifying it further but am reluctant because there is really nothing "wrong" with it; I just want more.

Favorite Features

I particularly like the look of the front. Great air conditioner. Good speakers. Really fun to drive.

Suggested Improvements

More power, more responsive suspension, shorter throw on the shifter.

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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Excellent

Written by: daf on 08/26/2005

Vehicle

1997 Pontiac Sunfire 2 Dr SE Convertible

Review

Excellent car; great fun sporty little car for the price, with more rear room for kids and dogs etc than most convertibles; one of the best deals around, just not known really for unknown reasons.

Favorite Features

Lots of rear space for a convertible, with 3 seatbelts. Reasonably peppy for an economy car. Quite inexpensive.

Suggested Improvements

Need to continue to manufacture the car, with obvious newer technology.

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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Great deal

Written by: ANJERS on 07/11/2005

Vehicle

1997 Pontiac Sunfire 2 Dr SE Convertible

Review

This is my 2nd Sunfire (1st one was totaled in an accident). It now has 120,000 miles on it and it still runs beautifully! I had my tranny serviced on it the other day just to keep it healthy and my mechanic was very much impressed w/my car. Had it looked over completely and it is still in amazing condition. The takeoff from a stop is suprisingly quick and has lots of balls for such a small engine. Love it!!

Favorite Features

The stereo system, great sound and i love having the controls on the steering wheel! Comfortable seating, i do a lot of sitting in traffic, and being comfortable is important.

Suggested Improvements

The air condintioning controls! It doesn't allow me to just have fresh air coming thru the vents (not like we have a lot of fresh air out here in PHX and ways).

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Great Car

Written by: Ford Guy on 01/04/2005

Vehicle

1997 Pontiac Sunfire 4 Dr SE Sedan

Review

Have had this car for a while and never had any problems.

Favorite Features

The interior still looks like new.

Suggested Improvements

The radio controls could be a little more durable.

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