Used 1998 Pontiac Sunfire Consumer Reviews
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Fantastic Reliable Car
Hamhawk, 10/30/2010
1998 Pontiac Sunfire SE 2dr Coupe
8 of 8 people found this review helpful
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
Love my Sunfire
lina2, 01/27/2012
1998 Pontiac Sunfire SE 2dr Convertible
7 of 7 people found this review helpful
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).
Fun To Drive
Bizkit, 11/08/2004
1998 Pontiac Sunfire GT 2dr Coupe
5 of 5 people found this review helpful
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.
Best GM Car owned to date
'Happy', 08/10/2006
1998 Pontiac Sunfire SE 2dr Coupe
3 of 4 people found this review helpful
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?
What will I drive next
Tea, 05/28/2010
1998 Pontiac Sunfire SE 4dr Sedan
2 of 3 people found this review helpful
i like the car for its gas mileage, but when i go on trips that are 50 mi. or more, it's not fun to drive.
dint buy this car
boo, 06/28/2008
1998 Pontiac Sunfire SE 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I bought this car from a family friend who's mother never drove it, and had recently became too ill to use it. When I purchased it it had less than 70,000 miles. Since then I have had to replace the alternator, radiator, all four tires, the ac, the fuel injector, along with the usual upgrades. Not to mention the window cranks fell off along with the stereo knobs. This car is the worst investment and I wouldn't even want my worst enemy to drive it! I don't drive a lot and use public transportation for work and school yet somehow this car breaks down without fail once a month! Do not purchase!
RECALL,RECALL,RECALL!
jNybody, 04/18/2002
1998 Pontiac Sunfire SE 2dr Coupe
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Car is much less relaible to the Cavalier(2 family members own and BEAT on theirs but ours that is BABIED is a rolling Recall!)...seems weird since same j body family BUTT Pontiac VERY UNRELIABLE.Many problems.... but biggest safety problem is:Dealer failed to perform recall on headlight switch before delivery. It eventually failed along with most of the 97-98's and has been broken over ONE YEAR NOW!! Problem is the manufacurer of switch (Wells) has not supplied the parts to ANYONE! This supply problem is SO bad the NHTSA actually audited/shut down Wells last month for a whole week to determine what the Heck they were(not) doing (our lawyer told us this)
Was a great car
wasgood, 11/08/2008
1998 Pontiac Sunfire SE 2dr Coupe
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I just sold my Sunfire in order to buy a Grand Cherokee. That little car was awesome. I had it for over 5 years and it took me all over. It always started first turn, had plenty of pep, ran on pennies, and all I ever had to do to it was change the front pads twice and the rotors once before I sold it. It had 260,000 k's on it and would of went for a lot more. The shocks needed replacing but that's a wearable part. I felt like I was selling my dog, when I sold it, only because of how reliable it was. Great cheap car.
Definitely, a summer vehicle!
topdown, 04/09/2002
1998 Pontiac Sunfire SE 2dr Convertible
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I love everything about the car except that the roof leaks when it rains...I took it to a dealer in Garland, Texas and they supposedly replaced the seal while under warranty, but it only worked for a couple of weeks then started to fall off again... may be the opening and closing of the top that causes the inconsist performance and the leaking. However, it is a great car with the top down- lots of fun. However, a little hard to see out the back when the top is up.
Can't seem to let it go!
bugsnkitties, 04/27/2002
1998 Pontiac Sunfire SE 2dr Convertible
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I'm one that gets tired of a car after 2 or 3 years. But with this one I can't seem to let it go. Although the roof leaks and makes it stink after the rain. I enjoy driving roof up or down in beautiful northern CA. I agree it's dificult to see out the back when the roof is up. But it's been a reliable car for me since 1998.
Very good car
pontiac1234, 01/29/2009
1998 Pontiac Sunfire SE 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have had my 98 Pontiac Sunfire for about 5 years. It only had 48,000 miles when I got and i have had no mechanical problems what so ever and I'm hitting about 150,000 miles. If you are looking for a good reliable car pick a Pontiac Sunfire or any Pontiac
gotta be a GT
AfraidOfSunlite, 04/05/2009
1998 Pontiac Sunfire GT 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have heard of many horror stories about the dime-a-dozen Sunfire with the eco-tech 2.2 litre. Having purchased the GT with the 2.4, I have had nothing but good things to say about the performance and reliability of the 4- banger. In fact, at 218,000 and counting, I have outgrown the horrible interior, and cannot wait until the darn thing just blows up... but I am starting to think the thing will run forever! It just won't die. There are many drawbacks to an interior with ZERO versatility, and driver user-friendly usability, but I have to remember it was paid in full by 2002, and I have been driving it virtually for free for 7 years and counting! All and all, worth every penny and more!
Hot Rod
Rakyn, 06/05/2002
1998 Pontiac Sunfire SE 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Stylish exterior...quality finish, mine is a opal blue metallic car ..very pretty
OK Car
Jacobjq, 10/30/2009
1998 Pontiac Sunfire SE 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have had this car for about 4 or 5 years. Before that is was my sisters. She got it used right after she got out of high school when it was 2 or 3 years old. I have had it all through high school. For the way a 16 year old drives a car it has held up great. I have done oil changes every 3000 to 4000 miles and had the brakes totally redone. It has been crashed 2 times both in the back. but even after all that and 170000 miles it is still going strong. It dose stall time to time. But not very often. One censer did go bad on it. that is the only major thing that happened to this car. paint it coming of but it is from the crash were it was repainted.
I would definitely buy this car again
Litlangi, 06/02/2010
1998 Pontiac Sunfire SE 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Purchased new, love at first sight. only major problems with it mechanically were do to our own issues with getting regular maintenance done in a timely manor and a transmission recall just after purchase. Other than that just what you would expect as it got older and more miles. We ran it to 260,000+ miles before my oldest son flipped it over on the freeway. He managed to get it slowed down quite a bit before the tire burst and dug into the ground causing it to flip and he walked away with just a bump on the head because it held up. I have no doubt that I would have gotten to 300K before it gave out. I am definitely going to look for another Sunfire when we are ready to replace it.
Not again
molly_90, 07/25/2010
1998 Pontiac Sunfire SE 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I inherited this car, and obviously knew it needed a little work, but was in for more than a little, almost $2000 later and still more. I knew old car, slowly one by one the regular routine, had a civic beforehand and well no comparison both bad on parts and good on others. i wouldn't purchase a Pontiac again, the good thing is its a cheap vehicle to maintain never missed an oil change etc. over 300,000 km and hence the replacement of a lot of things, i myself am a mechanic so its easy, but for someone who wants a a-b car and doesn't want to replace something every other week, I'd look at another option. overall an okay car better for a first one. plus cheap on insurance.
i wrecked my sunfire!!!!
jillian, 08/08/2002
1998 Pontiac Sunfire SE 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
this was my first car. i am a 20 year old college student and i totaled my car going about 35 mph. i hit a truck that was at a complete stop, but i would like to see these cars made a bit sturdier than they are made. i has been a wonderful car though.
bad
april12344, 08/12/2002
1998 Pontiac Sunfire SE 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
this vehicle has been nothing but a big problem since i got it. its air system had to be replaced, 4 batteries, 3 alternatiors and the gas gague broke plus many other small details
It's a lemon
Cindyc97, 08/23/2002
1998 Pontiac Sunfire SE 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This is one of the worst vehicles I've ever owned. I thought GM made better products, but I was sadly mistaken. I had problems from day one, and for the water pump to go bad at 25,000 miles was a grave disappointment!!!
Sunfire
Argon, 08/29/2002
1998 Pontiac Sunfire GT 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This is a very fun car. It has lot of sweet features. I love the moon roof.
Wish I'd gotten something else....
Love/Hate, 09/05/2002
1998 Pontiac Sunfire SE 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I don't want these PROBLEMS. Front end, excessive engine movement, rattling in the passenger door, passenger door sticking, AC problems, stereo display not working half the time, etc. Trying to talk dealership into a new car; mine has been in the shop every month since I got it. Also contacted a lawyer just in case. A month after we purchased it, we were nearly in an accident when we were cut off by someone in a parking lot. We were going less than 10 mph, but slid on ice and hit a curb with the rear tire. The impact BENT the rear axle, and my new car was in the shop for two weeks.
I LOVE THIS CAR
LOUIS A. SCALZO, 01/22/2003
1998 Pontiac Sunfire SE 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
THIS IS ONE OF THE BEST AND MOST FUN CARS TO DRIVE AND OWN ...I AM 53 YEARS OLD AND I LOVE THIS SLEEK LOOKS AND FUN RIDE...THE RIDE COULD BE A LITTLE SMOOTHER AND LESS BUMPY BUT PTHER THAN THAT IT IS A GREAT CAR..I HAVE HAD LITTLE OR NONE IN REPAIRS..BRAKES ONCE, TIRES ONCE,ALTENATOR AND BATTERY ONCE...OTHER THAN OIL CHANGES THAT IS ALL SINCE I BOUGHT IT...OHH AND THE PLUGS ONCE I CHANGED AT 60 THOUSAND MILES..IT HAS 80000 MILES NOW..GREAT CAR..
overall works...not yuppie
WOWe, 07/31/2003
1998 Pontiac Sunfire SE 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I drive Alot (am female w/ a perfect driving record so far) 3000+ mi/ month... I have been in several in-town near misses with this car and it has not let me down with handling, brakes, or any of the major assignments for quick action in short space. I have big friends 6'3 who would rather drive my car than sit in the passenger seat with the burly glove box design. I put a new set of sporty Pontiac tires on it so it doesn't feel like I'm driving a sled in slick water. At 136,000 I finally put a new starter on it and am thinking about new wiper blades. With more than regular oil changes and TLC this car has more to go!
UNRELIABLE MONEY PIT
Evan227, 08/25/2003
1998 Pontiac Sunfire SE 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
THE UNDER WARRANTY FAILURES; 1k transmission drop out a 1k miles !!!!! 15k emissions component failures 25k another emissions component failure 35k more emission component failures THE OUT-OF-WARRANTY FAILURES; 50k radiator leaks & tranny fluid leaks (on the second transmission) & Seat handle broke & steering wheel peels 60k thermometer / cinder replacement (overheating) 70k alternator failure (our GMC truck alternator failed at same mileage) 80k solenoid failure & thermometer / cinder replacement...again... 85k starter failure 88k head gasket leak (warped & cracked head) 3k repair bill on a 4k car... 92k SOLD THE DAMN THING
Manually Great
Motor75, 09/05/2003
1998 Pontiac Sunfire GT 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I find my Sunfire fun to drive -- a gas-friendly yet powerful enough 2.4L Overhead Cam manual engine that enjoys non-straight roads and sports an head- turning design.
car
eddddd, 10/01/2003
1998 Pontiac Sunfire GT 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
its fun, fast, but brakes are bad all the time
I Love My Car
Offthewallmom, 10/08/2003
1998 Pontiac Sunfire SE 2dr Convertible
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I love my car. I have had minimal problems and maximum fun. She handles well in rain and snow. She is zippy, gives me good gas mileage and seems to be very reliable. The only complaint I have is when it is raining outside, if you roll down the window you are going to get wet! I wish they would have had a better design so you could crack open the window(s) and not get dripped on. Oh yeah, also one other thing, there is no place to put a drink. But these aside, I love my car!
Good Car...
Vikesgal, 12/16/2003
1998 Pontiac Sunfire SE 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Have had my car for four years and have had no problems what so ever. Key to any vehicle is routine maintenance. The vehicle is very small..no friends want to sit in my back seat, but I knew this before I bought it. I have over 115,000 miles on the car and it is still running smoothly.
A Good Purchase
Paul, 07/25/2005
1998 Pontiac Sunfire SE 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
In 1997, my wife wanted this car, a small blue Sunfire. She fell in love with the car at first sight. Now in 2005 and the odometer at 387,000km and not a problem with anything yet, other than general maintenance.
Little Blue Sunfire
Kelly1985, 01/23/2004
1998 Pontiac Sunfire SE 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought my 1998 Sunfire about 2.5 years ago, and I have had only a few problems with it. My alternator and transmission went out, but were both replaced and under warranty. I've only received one recall notice. The only other problem I have had is the ABS brakes... but the dealership says they are functioning properly (we won't go there). Regardless, this is a great car! I am in my car for at least 2 hours everyday, so it's like a second home. I would recommend this car to anyone! Mine gets about 25 mpg or more, what more could you want?
Decent convertible
BGor, 12/28/2005
1998 Pontiac Sunfire SE 2dr Convertible
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Fun car to drive - headroom an issue if you are 6' and taller. Over 80,000 miles with no major repairs. Good quality and value for the original price of $17,000.
beware
Stephy, 07/13/2006
1998 Pontiac Sunfire SE 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I love the stereo system, which sounds like something professional- althought it's not. I have also had very few mechanical problems yet with 104K miles. A few things I do not like is that the 98 model has some messed up cruise control. The chain sticks and it's one of the few recalls that they have not figured out. It gets stuck once you set it at a certain speed and then you cannot set it lower than that speed again.
my sunfire was good to me
mybaby , 04/16/2004
1998 Pontiac Sunfire SE 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Let me say I no longer has this car. But i miss it everday. This was my first real car purchase. The only real problems I had was that the plug wires went bad around 45,000. I was upset. My partner hydroplanned it badly once. But that was due to cheap tires. Then when i wrecked it, i reared some at from a stop to a tap the gas. The whole front of the car buckled. that is only reason i got rid of it.
Fun to drive and easy on gas
Bobby Gorleski, 08/19/2006
1998 Pontiac Sunfire SE 2dr Convertible
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Great little car for the money. Pontiac really hit a winner with this peppy convertible. Car looks better with the top down, and for "tall" people- top down is the best! No major mechanical work in 90,000 miles.
happy pontiac owner
ChElSeA, 07/24/2004
1998 Pontiac Sunfire GT 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
i love this car! i have had mine for a couple years and i haven't had that many problems with it. I love the exterior design. It's such a sharp car and great for me to drive.
1998 PONTIAC SUNFIRE
RLYNN, 10/08/2004
1998 Pontiac Sunfire SE 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
THE MOST RELIABLE, DEPENDABLE VEHICLE I HAVE EVER OWNED. IT GETS GREAT GAS MILEAGE, IT IS VERY EASY TO KEEP MAINTAINED, MOST IMPORTANTLY IT HANDLES VERY WELL IN WET LYING AREAS. I HAVE OWNED MY SUNFIRE NOW FOR 6 YEARS.MY HUSBAND AND I PURCHASED A YUKON LAST 2 WEEKS AGO, HE MENTIONED SELLING THE SUNFIRE. NEEDLESS TO SAY I AM STILL DRIVING THE SUNFIRE TO WORK & THE YUKON ON THE WEEKENDS. NOT GIVIN' IT UP YET! THE SUNFIRE IS A REAL GOOD INVESTMENT FOR ANYONE WHO NEEDS SOMETHING DEPENDABLE, AND RELIABLE.
good but not outstanding
angeltearsmc, 03/17/2006
1998 Pontiac Sunfire SE 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This was my first "real" car and it has been pretty good to me. No major problems until last year (A/C compressor failed at 105k) and then replaced the clutch and the water pump both just recently at 120k. Have not received good service from Pontiac dealer though. Only complaint with styling is the cupholders; the ONE in front sits too close to the gearshift and when shifting into 5th gear, I always hit whatever cup is sitting there - gets pretty annoying. Does not handle well in heavy rain or wind, let alone icy conditions. But overall I've been pretty happy with it for the price.
Sunfire is pontiac's worse car to date.
dewy25, 05/25/2006
1998 Pontiac Sunfire SE 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
i have had my '98 sunfire for just over 2 years now .. and its proved to be the worst car i have ever had. Within that time i have replaced the tranny, brakes, tires, starter, TPS... throttle position sensor,both upstream and downstream oxygen sensors, altenator,MAF... mass air flow sensor. Also a friend of mine has an 05 sunfire and she has had the same problems with all the sensors burning up. Anouther words... DONT BUY A SUNFIRE if you're looking for a car that is reliabe.
Sporty & economical
Andrew, 03/23/2007
1998 Pontiac Sunfire GT 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I honestly can say with 200,000K on the car now, I've had no noteworthy issues to report - I just go about the normal PM and drive it (literally). It's fuel efficient yet has got plenty of pep - no mistaking it for a V8 powered Firebird, but it still offers good passing power). Whats surprising is amount of room it offers, even for rear bound passengers. It also offers a decently large trunk.
'98 Sunfire coupe
Kristy, 06/17/2007
1998 Pontiac Sunfire SE 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have only had my '98 Sunfire for a short while, but its handling in both heavy traffic and highways is excellent and is an affordable way to drive a very sporty car. Although the interior is a little sparse, its style is attractive. Wonderful car overall for the price range.
why is this necessary
anthony m hynes, 04/24/2003
1998 Pontiac Sunfire GT 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I've driven the car for five years trouble free. Low cost, lots of fun. Unlike most chryslers it still looks good for its age
Excellent car for the money
Todd, 06/19/2007
1998 Pontiac Sunfire SE 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I purchased this car in 2002, and I am ready for a new car again. This car has been so reliable I am definitely thinking about buying a Pontiac again. Gas mileage has been around 25 mpg and for a small car it has a good zip to it. Handling is fine if your not pushing it in the snow, and I find the bucket seats comfortable for long distances. Although it could use lumbar supports. Trunk space is fantastic and the only mechanical problems I've had is a bad catalitic converter at about 85k miles. I just cracked 100k and no problems yet.
sunfire: a great little car.
saved999, 05/02/2003
1998 Pontiac Sunfire GT 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
My pontiac sunfire gt is the most fun vehicle I've ever owned. Not only does it get great gas mileage, it a dream to drive. For a small vehicle its a great comfort its rommy enough for me and three other adults to sit it. this vehicle hardly everf needs matience and when it does its mostly brake pads or an oil change. I've had my sunfire almost 2 years now and I wouldn't give it up for the world, or unless I needed a larger vehicle for other purposses but I would be heart broken to give it up. Its a little "toy' pontiac put out that can be driven all year round.
Good Ol' GM
SunfireRocks, 12/30/2002
1998 Pontiac Sunfire SE 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I just bought a 1998 Pontiac Sunfire. It has 83,200 miles on it and the only thing that has been replaced are the brakes, tires, and then just regular maintence. THe seller said it was a great car for him, and i hope it is for me. I have to agree with another review because they said the passenger door sticks a little bit, and mine does a little also. Also, i have ABS brakes, and the chatter a little bit, but it could just be a minor adjustment. I just bought a cd player off ebay, and i hope it works out good. All around, its a great car!
Favorite car
Julie, 03/27/2008
1998 Pontiac Sunfire SE 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have had my Sunfire for almost 10 years now, always performed routine maintenance and have never had any major problems or repairs. Its great on gas and handles great. The only thing that has ever really bothered me about the interior design, is the cup holder. There is only one in front and located in an inconvenient place and is not deep enough to keep your drink to stay in place when making turns. I have really enjoyed this little car and will be sad when I finally have to part with it.
good car
hppgrl2, 04/15/2008
1998 Pontiac Sunfire GT 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
if anyone would ask, I would recommend this car. it was my first 'adult' car out of college & I've had it ever since. some usual repairs/$ has been put into it but over all minimal for the 10 years I've had it and the 4-5 that it's been paid off for. Great for 1 person, college student etc. Small for grown man or more than 3 ppl. Love the trunk space, radio buttons on the steering wheel, could use better cup holder as most have mentioned. Stereo has good sound... I have ~147k miles on it
A great coupe car
Marvin, 05/30/2008
1998 Pontiac Sunfire GT 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This car is excellent, I only have a year with is and it's very good I am from Panama and over here theres lots of them and I am another happy owner thanks. Pontiac!!!!!
Not wore out yet
Lloyd Saunders , 01/10/2020
1998 Pontiac Sunfire SE 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
With 504,000km on my 98 sunfire now in 2020 it still doesnt leak or burn oil..... this 2.2 is bulletproof.... 98 2dr coupe 5 speed manual
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Don't Buy This
megan, 11/24/2010
1998 Pontiac Sunfire SE 4dr Sedan
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
This was my first car purchase, I have had this car for 6 years now. It has worked alright. Shabby build I was going about 15mph and had a deer run into the side of the front fender crumpled it up completely and broke the drivers side a-arm and trashed the front clip. Master brake cylinder has severe issues replaced it 3 times and still shorts out. worst economy gas mileage a lifted pickup with a 350 gets better mileage. WASTE OF MONEY!