Used 1997 Pontiac Sunfire Consumer Reviews
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310,000 km and no complaints
Brian, 09/17/2009
1997 Pontiac Sunfire GT 2dr Coupe
5 of 5 people found this review helpful
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.
still going
xxx, 05/26/2009
1997 Pontiac Sunfire SE 2dr Coupe
5 of 5 people found this review helpful
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
1997 Pontiac Sunfire for sale near you
Showing 1 of 1 listings
- SE ConvertibleMSRP: $9,7501,857 mi away
Best Buy For The Buck
Tanja B, 06/09/2002
1997 Pontiac Sunfire SE 2dr Convertible
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
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.
Pocket rocket
pocket rocket, 10/31/2002
1997 Pontiac Sunfire SE 2dr Convertible
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
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.
It is a reasonable car. Not very fast
Eagles, 07/21/2002
1997 Pontiac Sunfire SE 4dr Sedan
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
Overall I think the 1997 Pontiac Sunfire has a reasonable performance. For the most part it has been reliable. The engine does not have a whole lot of pep anymore because of its 83,000 miles. But it runs okay and the exterior is in pretty good condition.
Excellent
daf, 08/26/2005
1997 Pontiac Sunfire SE 2dr Convertible
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
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.
Very reliable and great gas mileage
Max, 10/08/2006
1997 Pontiac Sunfire GT 2dr Coupe
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
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.
it's been a long ride
almost done, 05/23/2006
1997 Pontiac Sunfire SE 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
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.
Great deal
ANJERS, 07/12/2005
1997 Pontiac Sunfire SE 2dr Convertible
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
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!!
fun /nice looking
ed tryin, 03/18/2003
1997 Pontiac Sunfire SE 2dr Convertible
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I had this car since 1998 had 13,000 miles now it has 90,000 miles . Problems water pump $700 oh yea. and electric window motor $230 I love the car its fun to drive red and black top.
We love our "Blue Moblie"
tenkat, 07/08/2011
1997 Pontiac Sunfire SE 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
We've had this car for 13 years and she's on 188,000 miles. She's been amazingly reliable. Just now getting noisy after all the miles we've thrown her way.
not bad, not good
Joshy, 10/24/2002
1997 Pontiac Sunfire SE 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
An OK car for the money. I have had a number of repairs lately (nearly 120K mi. now). Head gasket has gone twice, starter, alternator, fuel injector head along with regular front end parts etc. A little bit gutless and a fair bit of body roll (but what do you expect for the money)
reliability
97 sunfire, 01/19/2006
1997 Pontiac Sunfire SE 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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
i have a sunfire 97
davidjr, 03/02/2004
1997 Pontiac Sunfire SE 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
this david and i have a 97 pontiac sunfire and it is a 1997 and i have thought that the brakes wear to tight but i was not sure becuse i had just put some on and i feel it did not do no good becuse before i got the good brakes when i hit thge breakes before i had felt a shaking sound and i had them changed but i still feel the same thing after about 2 weeks let me know what you think and also i have when i hold the brake and turn the wheel in side of the car is hard to steer
Awesome Car!!!!
FaBulous Sunbaby, 03/12/2004
1997 Pontiac Sunfire SE 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
It accellerates great and with little effort. Going fast around a turn is no problem, grips the road well. I bought this car with 42000 miles on it almost 2 years ago, now it has 75000 miles and still running great. I feel very safe in this car and it is perfect for first time drivers and college students.
better than a tempo
jake the snake, 06/06/2002
1997 Pontiac Sunfire SE 2dr Convertible
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The 1997 Pontiac Sunfire is a nice litte car. It accelerates well, with its 2.4L 150 horsepower engine. The convertible top leaks, but so does every convertible after awhile. The stereo can barley be heard at full volume on the freeway with the top down, hence my speakers are all blown now. It has the smallest trunk in the world. My #2 cylinder died at 93000 miles. A used engine installed cost me $3300. It's fun, pretty and looks like its smiling all the time (not very aggressive looking, at all), but it's not very cheap to maintain and it's about as reliable as compaq tech support.
Sweet Car
Randy G, 11/06/2002
1997 Pontiac Sunfire GT 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I Love My 97 Pontiac sunfire GT. i got it for a graduation present and i Love it. it is very very sporty and Prety fast for its price. i couldent have asked for a better car!!!
96,000 and still going!!
ski1022, 06/01/2004
1997 Pontiac Sunfire SE 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Bought this car brand new and will probably drive it till it dies. VERY reliable car with very minor maintenance. Had the water pump replaced when the car was new but that was covered, but other than that just your basice oil changes, brakes, tires etc.
Don't Buy
Julie Dunagan, 08/06/2004
1997 Pontiac Sunfire SE 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I will never buy another pontiac. After 1 year everything started falling apart.
Upcoming!
GreatCar109, 12/08/2002
1997 Pontiac Sunfire SE 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
From all the reviews i have read on the Pontiac sunfire, i have decided to buy one. A red 1997 SE coupe 5 speed. I hope this car holds up as well as all the other reviews have said, and i am very anxious to purchase it. I have always liked Pontiacs because of the red lights inside, and they have always been peppy and fast.
Great Car
Ford Guy, 01/05/2005
1997 Pontiac Sunfire SE 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Have had this car for a while and never had any problems.
Great car
cp2200, 07/31/2008
1997 Pontiac Sunfire SE 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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.
Sunfire GT
Wyatt and nik, 07/02/2002
1997 Pontiac Sunfire GT 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought my sunfire second hand. I haven't had any real problems. Great car. Great on gas. Real sporty. So far I have had to change the wheel bearings in the front and soon I will need to change the plate on top of the front wheels suspention. They are ceasing the coils at times and you can hear it. It is not dangerous just anoying sound until I can get them replaced. I love my car.
IST CAR
SGIBSON, 03/01/2002
1997 Pontiac Sunfire SE 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
GREAT CAR FUN TO DRIVE
piece of crap
unhappy women, 03/13/2003
1997 Pontiac Sunfire SE 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
What a pain in the butt!! I guess they were having a bad day on the assembly line when my car was made! Everything that could go wrong did, and has!! First the window motors went out (both of them, and apparently they are hard to get out and change,) then the widows started leaking (not just a little, it pours,)both my seatbelts broke and wouldn't retract, my passenger seat is stuck all the way forward, my alternator went out, my light switch broke so my headlights wouldn't work, and my water pump cracked so I can't drive 2 blocks without it overheating all the way in the red! Oh but that's it, not too much ;(
Good bang for the buck.
Johnboy81, 06/23/2003
1997 Pontiac Sunfire SE 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Had this car since it was brand new and its never had a major problem. It definitely out performs imports it's classed with in hp, tourqe, styling and speed. Cornering is great; pulled off many sharp turns on a dime. Drives nicely in rain/snow. The 2.4L engine is quite ballsy and the trans shifts very smoothly. It's safe. I hit a deer doing about 45 once and the only major damage it caused was a small crack in the bumper, w/ barely noticeable stress fractures to the paint at point of impact. I intend to keep this car until I have enough money for a Trans Am or GTO!
Not a bad little car
Nao-Chan, 01/28/2004
1997 Pontiac Sunfire SE 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
We have had very few problems with this car, and it now has 83,000 miles. The olny thing out of the ordinary that we had to replace was the Air conditioning compressor for about $600 @ 76,000 miles. The engine is still strong, and transmission shifts smoothly. My main complaint is the seats, which are unbearable on any trip that requires more than 2 hours driving.
Great car, small price
Hayley Adams, 09/30/2002
1997 Pontiac Sunfire GT 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I loved this car and I would still have it if it had not been totalled in a recent accident. It breaks my heart that I have to buy another car now! This car handles really well, is low to the ground, sporty, and gets good gas mileage. It was a highschool graduation gift and lasted me well through college. I believe that it is a good first car for teenagers or 20- somethings. It has a youthful appearance. I would recommend to anyone. Unless you're taller than 6'0"!!
Sunfire
Ronnysrv, 02/18/2004
1997 Pontiac Sunfire GT 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Over the course of owning the vehicle, I have had several major problems with it. The keyed ignition has consistantly had trouble unlocking at random times when I insert the key and I can't turn it. Usually after fiddling with it, it would turn. Twice it never would, and I had to have it towed to the dealer. The alternator has failed twice and I had to have it rebuilt. The compressor has been replaced.
This car keeps on going!!
D. Stanhope, 12/14/2009
1997 Pontiac Sunfire SE 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought this car at 147,000 miles and I've put 61,000 miles on it and its only stopped me once, alternator! Yeah this bitch is a beast. These little motors from Chevy never last past 200k miles, but I can bet u that mine will go on to 300k easy. Great car, great gas mileage. The a/c still works, never been serviced, ever!
Sunfire-quality & dependable
ci1101, 07/29/2003
1997 Pontiac Sunfire SE 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Most dependable small car I've owned at a very reasonable price. What impressed me most when I first got in to check it out, was the "heavy car feel"---no tinny sounding doors, quiet interior, etc. Biggest problem: defroster for windshield is only one approx. 8" oval in the center---long defrosting time in the snowy, icy winters. Mechanically, I've replaced brakes twice and needed a new starter just a month ago. Not bad for owning it new.
Need a little shine
Harris, 03/13/2002
1997 Pontiac Sunfire GT 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have a 1997 Pontiac Sunfir Gt, and it's fine for just driving around, but i have had some problems with it, my sunroof broke about 2 months after i bought it, my brakes went bad after a short while and my alternator went also. J-body cars(Sunfires and Cavaliers) are also known to have water pump problems.
i love my fire
sunfireredhot, 03/25/2004
1997 Pontiac Sunfire SE 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
i have had my car since it was brand new only 5 miles on it when bought it now has a lil over 110,000 and still going strong looks great and still sporty never had a major problem yet they are built to last thanks for such a great car
I Love My Car
ProudPontiacOwner, 05/18/2009
1997 Pontiac Sunfire SE 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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.
One of the best cars I've owned
holly, 07/14/2004
1997 Pontiac Sunfire SE 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have been consistently impressed with this Sunfire. It ride very smooth and holds the road confidently. The car isn't the fastest accelerating car, but it cruises exceptionally well on the highway. I have only had one thing go wrong with the car that was not a 'normal wear' issue - the parking brake cable stretched around 40K miles.
Good start, but ultimately disappointed
HRC, 11/12/2002
1997 Pontiac Sunfire SE 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I really liked this car at first. I got it my last year of high school and took it to college. It is nice for a younger person. It has great gas mileage. It looks great; sporty, but reasonably priced. After about two years the problems started, though. I had to get the brakes fixed, the check engine light is almost always on (although I've had it taken in to be fixed many times and they can't find a problem or they say they have fixed it), and driving performance has really taken a downturn in the last few months (it is now five years old, so maybe that's not so bad).
Gone But Not Forgotten
Big Grin Lover, 09/30/2004
1997 Pontiac Sunfire SE 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought this car with 39,400 miles on it and drove the car until the tranny gave out on it at 129,500 about 3yrs later, good car only problem before tranny gave out was a coil pack that went out at about 50,000 miles. Car still ran great after was involved in to accidents.
Best car ever
kom_stat, 01/26/2008
1997 Pontiac Sunfire SE 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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.
Mean Manta Green GT
barbay, 09/08/2003
1997 Pontiac Sunfire GT 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
First car I ever purchased new. Had a long commute to work and put over 100 miles a day. The first 5 years were great with little maintenance required just the average wear and tear. After 5 years though I started having problems: First it was the Fuel pump, then the switch for the headlights, the driver side window followed and now the water pump has a leak. All of this has been within the last 12 months. I'd say the car hit 100K miles and started to self destruct.
sunfires have lots of problems
ggirl, 07/26/2002
1997 Pontiac Sunfire SE 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought mine two years ago and I have had many problems like alternator,battery radio, a grove was dug in my roator by my break pads, they are not made very sturdy.
Good Till High Miles
lost_in_new_mexico, 12/04/2003
1997 Pontiac Sunfire SE 2dr Convertible
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought this car in november of 2002. I am now selling it in December of 2003. I bought it with 93K miles on it reading that these cars lasted a while. This is not true. I have put 25K miles on it and in that time I have warped the front brake rotors twice, the spark plug coils went bad, and there is no way to diagnose them without replacing them, and now the torque converter is going out and it is running roughly again. $1300 minimum for the tranny work! Do Not Get This Car!
Ode to my Pontiac
Noumenon, 07/30/2002
1997 Pontiac Sunfire SE 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought my Sunfire used in Dec. 97, w/30k mi. I drove it to 112k mi. and it never broke down or needed mechanical repairs. Just normal maintenance. Most reliable car I ever had. Made it through 6 accidents. The metal body had a good heavy weight to it and I always felt safe in it. (It was finally done in on the 7th accident by a Suburban traveling 50+mph). Excellent gas mileage. Las Vegas to Phoenix on one tank of gas. Hugged the road in tight turns on a mountain grade at high speeds no problem. It could pull a U- turn on a dime. It would accelerate on command in an instant without hesitation. I will truly miss this car.
Good Little Car - 97 Coupe SE
zippy_zion, 09/14/2005
1997 Pontiac Sunfire SE 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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.
Great first car
phv2, 07/03/2007
1997 Pontiac Sunfire SE 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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.
Steady As She Goes
MNKittyMao, 07/09/2003
1997 Pontiac Sunfire SE 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Bought used 11/1999 w/ 30k miles. Had great sporty look w/o high price. Basic package. No probs, just reg maint. Now has 100k+ miles and still runs/handles great. Learned from previous cars the hard way.. take care of them, they will last a lot longer (esp oil, the blood of a car).. and the more bells and whistles the more to go wrong.
Good gas & reliable
Jay, 05/21/2008
1997 Pontiac Sunfire SE 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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.
1997 Sunfire
McPharlane, 01/06/2004
1997 Pontiac Sunfire SE 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Great car to drive. Good handling, great gas mileage, seats are very comfortable for long drives. Would buy another one.
sunfire
sunfiregirl, 08/05/2002
1997 Pontiac Sunfire SE 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
the car goes great, handles well. we love the car.
All the fun, for half the price
bundok, 11/17/2005
1997 Pontiac Sunfire SE 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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.
No thanks
ktrud, 05/27/2010
1997 Pontiac Sunfire SE 2dr Coupe
0 of 2 people found this review helpful
My first car when I turned 18. Bought it at 86,000 mi and sold it at 107,000. Only had it for a little over two years. Cute for a girl, thank god I have a dad to fix all its problems or I'd be in debt for sure. Blew head gasket twice. All the plastic vents broke. Constantly leaked antifreeze after replacing reservoir twice. A/c compressor made loud hissing noise when not activated. Interior buttons and knobs all very cheap and heater core went out. Plastic trim in the interior broke off. Paint started to rust and peel off even though car was kept in the garage.