1997 Pontiac Sunfire Review
1997 Pontiac Sunfire Review
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Used Sunfire for sale
Appraise This CarPontiac Sunfire model years
Pontiac Sunfire types
- Coupe
- Sedan
- Convertible
See Edmunds pricing data
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Good looks, zippy powertrain (Twin Cam), comfortable interior, standard ABS, standard traction control with automatic transmission, good value
Cons
- Weight, buzzy powertrain (2.2-liter), excessive body roll.
What’s new
SE convertible gets a higher level of standard equipment, including an automatic transmission. Coupes get a new front seatbelt guide loop, and a new Sports Interior trim debuts called Patina/Redondo cloth.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 1997 Pontiac Sunfire SE 2dr Convertible and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.36 per gallon for regular unleaded in Ohio.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio
$161/mo for Sunfire SE
Sunfire SE
vs
$174/mo
Avg. Compact Car
Vehicle overview
Pontiac has a winner here. The Sunfire is poised to take on the Neon, Cavalier, Escort and assorted import compacts by offering excellent value, sporty styling, and reasonable performance in one well-rounded package. For 1997, Sunfire is available in coupe, sedan and convertible body styles.
Dual airbags and ABS are standard equipment on the Sunfire. Base models are powered by a 2.2-liter four-cylinder engine that was carried over from the old Sunbird. GT models get a twin-cam motor good for 150 horsepower. The twin-cam is optional on the SE, and we highly recommend it, particularly mated to a five-speed transmission. However, one benefit of the four-speed automatic is the standard traction control system that comes with it.
Equipped with the twin-cam and a five-speed manual transmission, the Sunfire is downright speedy; about as quick as the Neon Sport Coupe. The automatic raises acceleration times by about one second in the dash to 60 mph. Options on the Sunfire include sharp alloy wheels, a power sunroof, and a variety of sound systems, among others. Equip an SE Coupe to the gills and suddenly the Sunfire isn't such a value at $18,000. Creative fiddling with the options sheet should result in a well-equipped sport coupe priced around $15,000.
Pontiac has concentrated on the convertible model for 1997. A four-speed automatic is standard, though buyers can opt for a manual transmission when stepping up to the twin-cam engine. Controlled-cycle wipers, rear window defogger, and cruise control all move from the options list to the standard equipment list of the SE Convertible. All Sunfires meet 1997 side-impact standards (surprise), and coupe models have a new front seatbelt guide loop. Three new colors debut, and the optional sports interior can be trimmed in Patina/Redondo cloth. Color or pattern, Scully?
Last year, we drove a Sunfire SE Convertible for a week, and only had complaints about excessive body roll, an ineffective climate control system when the top was down and the windows were up, and very weak stereo speakers. Otherwise, our twin-cam five-speed test car was a hoot, prompting a friend with a 1991 Mustang LX 5.0 automatic to quip "I better get some different gears in this thing. I can't have Sunfires keeping up with me." Best of all, our well-equipped test car came in under $20,000.
We think the Sunfire has what it takes to succeed in the crowded compact marketplace. If anything, the Sunfire makes a strong argument against purchasing its slightly larger stablemate, the Grand Am. If a sporty coupe, sedan or convertible is on your shopping list, check into the Sunfire.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 1997 Pontiac Sunfire.
5 star(53%)
4 star(37%)
3 star(10%)
2 star(0%)
1 star(0%)
51 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
4.75 out of 5 stars
still going
xxx, 05/26/2009
1997 Pontiac Sunfire SE 2dr Coupe
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
4.63 out of 5 stars
310,000 km and no complaints
Brian, 09/17/2009
1997 Pontiac Sunfire GT 2dr Coupe
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.
5 out of 5 stars
Pocket rocket
pocket rocket, 10/31/2002
1997 Pontiac Sunfire SE 2dr Convertible
Fun car to drive...dependable and
loaded with safety features standard.
Power convertible top has always
worked great with no leaks.
Maintenance is affordable and the car
still has lots of value and fun left.
5 out of 5 stars
Best Buy For The Buck
Tanja B, 06/09/2002
1997 Pontiac Sunfire SE 2dr Convertible
This car is really fun to drive, and
incredibly reliable. It is no joke
when I say that this car has NEVER
broken down on me. Thsi year I had to
replace the shocks, and I am now
having minor problems with the power
windows.This is the very best and most
reliable car I have ever owned. I
bought it used in 1997 with 400km on
it.
1997 Sunfire Highlights
Coupe
GT
Engine Type | Gas |
---|---|
Combined MPG | 23 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $171/month |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 12.4 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | front wheel drive |
Safety
NHTSA Overall Rating
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverallNot RatedDriver4 / 5Passenger4 / 5
- Side Crash RatingOverallNot Rated
- Side Barrier RatingOverallNot RatedDriver1 / 5Passenger2 / 5
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront SeatNot RatedBack SeatNot Rated
- RolloverRolloverNot RatedDynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of RolloverNot Rated
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
- Small Overlap Front Driver-Side TestNot Tested
- Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side TestNot Tested
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – OriginalPoor
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – OriginalNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Roof Strength TestNot Tested
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintNot Tested
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