1998 Pontiac Sunfire Review
1998 Pontiac Sunfire Review
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Used Sunfire for sale
Appraise This CarPontiac Sunfire model years
Pontiac Sunfire types
- Coupe
- Sedan
- Convertible
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Racy styling, great value, rev-happy Twin Cam engine, comfortable interior
Cons
- Body roll in corners
What’s new
All coupes have a rear spoiler, a new six-speaker sound system is available, the base four-cylinder gets some additional low-end punch and Topaz Gold Metallic is added to the paint color chart. Second-generation airbags are added as standard equipment.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 1998 Pontiac Sunfire SE 2dr Coupe 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 $3.50 per gallon for regular unleaded in Ohio.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio
$172/mo for Sunfire SE
Sunfire SE
vs
$179/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 1998, 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, which receives a boost in low speed torque for 1998. 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 manual 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 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 about $18,500. Creative fiddling with the options sheet should result in a well-equipped sport coupe priced around $16,000.
Pontiac hasn't changed much for 1998. All coupe models get a rear spoiler this year, and one new color is available. In an effort to appease youthful buyers, a new six-speaker sound system is available.
Recently, 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 (perhaps the new sound system will cure this malady). 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 was very affordable.
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, or its more pedestrian twin at Chevy dealers, the Cavalier. 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 1998 Pontiac Sunfire.
5 star(31%)
4 star(55%)
3 star(8%)
2 star(6%)
1 star(0%)
49 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
4.25 out of 5 stars
Fantastic Reliable Car
Hamhawk, 10/30/2010
1998 Pontiac Sunfire SE 2dr Coupe
This was my first car purchase. I was barely a month over 18 in 1998 when I decided I needed to replace my aging 1977 Mustang II. I chose the 98 Pontiac Sunfire because of its sleek look and features. 12 years later I am still driving my little blue car. The 2.4 twin cam engine has plenty of pep and has never let me down, whether driving in the Mojave Desert or in Downtown San Francisco … traffic. The only persistent problems I have had revolve around the cooling system. I have needed to replace the radiator fan and thermostat more times than I can remember (thankfully only a few hundred to repair), the ABS system has failed irreparably, but she has gone over 12 years and over 183,000 miles
3.88 out of 5 stars
Love my Sunfire
lina2, 01/27/2012
1998 Pontiac Sunfire SE 2dr Convertible
I bought my 1998 Sunfire in 2000.
I have been driving it ever since.
It is an awesome little car and I will be sad to replace it this year.
I am only replacing it because my teenagers cannot sit facing forward due to the lack of leg room.
We have not had many problems with it at all.
The most extensive repair was the timing. This is an awesome car for someone on a budget.
The repairs are … very inexpensive (some of which with basic knowledge and a repair manual can be done by the owner).
4.5 out of 5 stars
Fun To Drive
Bizkit, 11/08/2004
1998 Pontiac Sunfire GT 2dr Coupe
Cannot crack windows open in the rain or I get wet. Radio volume knob is a bit annoying. Other than those 2 things though it is a great car. Shifts smooth and handles the curves very well. Strong 4 cyl. engine with just enough HP for a small car.
3.88 out of 5 stars
Best GM Car owned to date
'Happy', 08/10/2006
1998 Pontiac Sunfire SE 2dr Coupe
Very impressed with reliability, gas mileage and exterior paint (red). Have only changed front brake pads, battery and tires after eight years. The car shines almost as good as new. My highway mileage at times exceeds 500 miles to a tank of gas(5 speed manual). What else can you ask for?
1998 Sunfire Highlights
Coupe
SE
Engine Type | Gas |
---|---|
Combined MPG | 25 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $172/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 RatedDriver3 / 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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