1997 Pontiac Sunfire Review

310,000 km and no complaints

Written by: Brian on 09/16/2009

Vehicle

1997 Pontiac Sunfire 2 Dr GT Coupe

Review

I love my car. 13 years, 310,000km and no reason to even look at something new. This car runs perfect like the day it was new. New Brakes, Tires, Battery, AC compressor, Waterpump, tuneups but that is expected. Very reasonable and no complaints from me. 2.4 Quad 4 has done very well for me.

Favorite Features

Good torque in 3rd gear merging on the hwy, Great fuel economy in 5th. Like the direct spark, no distributor design. Stainless dual exhaust has lasted very well! Was an amazing eye turning design when it was new. Good job GM! Too bad the new G6 doesn't give me that feeling.

Suggested Improvements

Exterior black window trim bubbling, Rear shock mounts rattle, water pump replacement is a difficult job, should use plastic gas tanks to prevent rust in the fuel filter, front wheel studs not easily replaced, plastic sides on seat bottom break off. But I'm happy, I have never got 310km from a car!

Report inappropriate post

still going

Written by: xxx on 05/25/2009

Vehicle

1997 Pontiac Sunfire 2 Dr SE Coupe

Review

I bought this car with 27 thousand miles on it, now I have 177 thousand miles on it. I had the oil changed every 10,000 miles if its lucky. The quality of this car is amazing. The only things ive had to replace is the bright/dim switch and a water pump. Anything else is routine. (tires, brakes, battery) everyday I go out to drive it it starts. Astounding car and still gets about 30 mpg

Favorite Features

quality, easy to park, gas milage

Suggested Improvements

cup holder placement, amount of cup holders, air conditioning(mine went out)

Report inappropriate post

I Love My Car

Written by: ProudPontiacOwner on 05/17/2009

Vehicle

1997 Pontiac Sunfire 2 Dr SE Coupe

Review

My car gets GREAT gas mileage - 34 mph hiway, 24 mph combined (city/hiway). It is has a manual transmission. In the 10 years I've owned it, I've replaced the brakes (once) the tires (once) the battery (3 times) the alternator (once) and a belt and hose - ie, very low maintenance.

Favorite Features

Suggested Improvements

Report inappropriate post

Great car

Written by: cp2200 on 07/30/2008

Vehicle

1997 Pontiac Sunfire 2 Dr SE Coupe

Review

I bought the car with about 215,000 on it and I've put about 35,000 on it so far and no problems. Had to get new tires, replace front brakes, and replaced spark plug wires. I get about 30 mpg to 36 mpg depending on the weather because I live in Wisconsin. Always starts and goes right away everyday. My power steering pump went out but I don't need it anyways.

Favorite Features

A/C is super cold, and it has a smooth ride.

Suggested Improvements

I would prefer a manual transmission for better gas mileage because I have the 3 speed auto transmission instead of the 4 speed.

Report inappropriate post

Good gas & reliable

Written by: Jay on 05/21/2008

Vehicle

1997 Pontiac Sunfire 2 Dr SE Coupe

Review

I bought this car when it was just reaching 10 years old. I've had to do only minor work on it and it still gets great fuel economy. Runs good, but the fuel pump can be a little noisy. Handles great and an ok ride. Otherwise one of the best cars I've ever bought. Perfect for an home and back type car.

Favorite Features

Fuel economy, exterior, and handling.

Suggested Improvements

Too small for people over 6 feet, very low to the ground, and no real back seat. And cup holder in a bad spot.

Report inappropriate post