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Used 2001 Pontiac Sunfire Consumer Reviews

4.4 out of 5 stars
43 reviews

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Pros
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4.38 out of 5 stars

great car

Tom, 03/30/2008
2001 Pontiac Sunfire SE 4dr Sedan (2.2L 4cyl 5M)
14 of 14 people found this review helpful

I have owned this car for 5 years. I bought it used with 35,000 miles and now has 225,000 on it. Only problem was the fuel pump went out at 150,000. If all cars were this reliable then auto makers would go out of business. Awesome car. The 2.4 L is very peppy and 32 mpg. What more could I ask for? Did I mention this car is an automatic?

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4.13 out of 5 stars

Satisfied with Sunfire

satisfiedwithsunfire, 12/17/2007
2001 Pontiac Sunfire SE 4dr Sedan (2.2L 4cyl 5M)
5 of 5 people found this review helpful

I purchased my Sunfire 09/2000 and it has been a very dependable car. I'm extremely pleased with it. I took it on a long trip and couldn't have been happier. The gas mileage is great, the ride is good for that price range. The interior could use a little more quality, but the outside is attractive. I would recommend this car to anyone looking for dependability with a little sporty look. My car is paid for and I have no intentions of getting rid of it. I'll probably keep it till it dies. It's my baby.

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5 out of 5 stars

BEST CAR GM HAS EVER MADE

eric andres, 09/20/2017
updated 03/21/2018
2001 Pontiac Sunfire SE 2dr Coupe (2.2L 4cyl 5M)
4 of 4 people found this review helpful

I bought my sunfire in 2001 brand new. It is now 2017 and i still have it! It currently has 217,000 miles on it. Only thing i have ever had to do to this car is change the oil and put new brakes and tires on it when needed!! Everything else is still original including the water pump, fuel pump and even alternator! It is the cheapest new car i have ever bought but has been the best! I wish they still made them! I still drive it back and forth to work everyday and leave my new car in garage mostly! The sunfire still runs perfect and doesn't even burn oil yet so that's why i drive it instead of the new car. Trying to shoot for 300000 miles now! The old sunfire should make it since it still running like a new one!! Put 75 miles day on it still from driving back n forth to work!

Safety
5 out of 5 stars
Technology
5 out of 5 stars
Performance
3 out of 5 stars
Interior
5 out of 5 stars
Comfort
5 out of 5 stars
Reliability
5 out of 5 stars
Value
5 out of 5 stars
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4.63 out of 5 stars

Excellent Car!

john_y, 04/10/2012
2001 Pontiac Sunfire SE 4dr Sedan (2.2L 4cyl 5M)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful

Got this car at 120,000 and now is at 150,000 and running stronger than ever! Beastly in all weather, I can get through a foot of snow without a problem and with good handling too. Decent gas mileage (24-27 mpg). Only ever need to perform minor repairs (exhaust, shocks, oil changes, spark plugs). Ice cold A/C, and engine warms up quickly on those cold days. When I got it the two lowest fan blower settings didn't work, but easily fixed by replacing blower motor resistor. Roomy trunk, I can fit a Tuba in it with a bit of room to spare. Not the fastest car in the world (could only get it up to 105) but it gets you where you need to go. Comfortable seats for road trips.

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5 out of 5 stars

Great car, lots of power, fun to drive.

Jamie LinerMan, 03/19/2002
2001 Pontiac Sunfire GT 2dr Coupe (2.4L 4cyl 5M)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful

This car is great its a good handling car, very good pick up and isn't hard on the wallet. Only thing i would change is the quality of some of the interior pices they ratal a little bet at high way speeds.

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4.75 out of 5 stars

Best. Car. Ever.

selinamarie, 09/28/2014
2001 Pontiac Sunfire SE 2dr Coupe (2.2L 4cyl 5M)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful

For my first car, I chose this cute little 2001 Pontiac Sunfire. I had no idea what I was getting into- it was a Craigslist find. I started out with 140 k miles, and now it is at 151 k and still running pretty well. Several cars I've looked at that are newer seem to have issues at this point in the odometer stats. The only major problem I've ever had were the brakes as well as my gear shifter becoming loose. My CD player sucks, and the window motors are going bad, but this is an easy fix. The previous owners said this little champ got them to Arizona and back from New York!

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5 out of 5 stars

Unexpected Sunfire

firewire007, 04/27/2002
2001 Pontiac Sunfire SE 2dr Coupe (2.2L 4cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Was going for a back and forth to work shuttle. Got a car that was fun to drive, both economic and powerful enough for the highway, reliable, well- built, and it even looks good. Fold down rear seat gives extra utility. Car just makes me feel good.

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4.5 out of 5 stars

186k and still strong

Sid, 02/01/2010
2001 Pontiac Sunfire GT 2dr Coupe (2.4L 4cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Bought this car at 186k miles and the car still runs perfect, so far. Seems very reliable, pretty good on gas and fast. Overall not bad at all.

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5 out of 5 stars

I love my black 2001 Sunfire

Zeak Harbors, 03/26/2010
2001 Pontiac Sunfire SE 2dr Coupe (2.2L 4cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

I got my car new with 5 miles and have had it up to this point. I drove the hell out of that car. It's fast with good acceleration has a sporty look that is totally unique and I enjoyed the interior design. Comfortable ride. It handles well as i drive like a maniac and it has had minor problems (oil leak, fuel pump) but is a solid car. It's a tank in the winter. The FWD got me through many awful WV winters. I would run this car until it explodes if the value wasn't so low. I know some have problems but mine was built well enough to last my teenage rambunctiousness and get me though college as well as take me on many vacations. For the price it is the best there is and I would buy it again...

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4.88 out of 5 stars

Great car!

cpet, 01/03/2006
2001 Pontiac Sunfire SE 2dr Coupe (2.2L 4cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

I bought mine new and have owned it for about 5 years - great, great car. I would definitely buy this again. Very reliable - never any major problems, fun to drive, large trunk, very roomy and comfortable even on long trips. Sporty look and quick pick-up. Great car to buy!

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3.13 out of 5 stars

Decent overall, but has some problems

Ken Y., 02/21/2005
2001 Pontiac Sunfire SE 2dr Coupe (2.2L 4cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

My girlfriend purchased her 2001 sunfire in July of 01. This has been a very reliable car, but it has had some recurring problems. Brakes - The front rotors have been replaced 3 times and I have having them replaced again this weekend. Every 15k miles, the brakes begin to pulsate and need service. The rotors can only be turned once, after that they have to be replaced. This is a horrible problem that is present on many GM vehicles, including the sister car the Cavalier. Build Quality - The fit/finish leaves a lot to be desired. Parts look very cheap and after 25 - 30k there are a lot of rattles etc. Overall the car has been very reliable and has never broken down in 95k miles

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3.63 out of 5 stars

review of our Pontiac Sunfire

wworld, 04/16/2002
2001 Pontiac Sunfire SE 2dr Coupe (2.2L 4cyl 5M)
1 of 2 people found this review helpful

This car is too small for me to get in and out of comfortably. It is a good looking little car, but that is the problem, it is too little for me and I am only 5'8". My wife and I are always bumping each others elbows, fighting for our space. We are wanting someone to take over payments on it.

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4.88 out of 5 stars

a o k

gtman, 03/19/2002
2001 Pontiac Sunfire GT 2dr Coupe (2.4L 4cyl 5M)
1 of 2 people found this review helpful

it rocks and i wouldn't sell it ....she's my baby

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4.38 out of 5 stars

Good Car for College

Sara'sSunfire, 05/18/2002
2001 Pontiac Sunfire SE 4dr Sedan (2.2L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

It's no Honda Civic, but it gets good gas milage and is real roomy.

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5 out of 5 stars

I love my Sunfire

SUNFIRErules, 06/21/2002
2001 Pontiac Sunfire SE 2dr Coupe (2.2L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I love it. I've got the bright yellow and a 5-speed manual transmission and it is great. And the most important thing is, i can smoke cavaliers.

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4.63 out of 5 stars

LOVE THIS CAR!!!

dee527, 07/29/2002
2001 Pontiac Sunfire SE 2dr Coupe (2.2L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Absolutely a blast to cruise around in. I got mine with the Sun & Sound Package... Wish I would've got the GT but the SE Coupe is just as nice--peppy engine not race car. Perfect for high school, college and other 20- somethings...

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2.63 out of 5 stars

Visibility Problem

a m e, 08/12/2002
2001 Pontiac Sunfire GT 2dr Coupe (2.4L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Too many Blind spots, not fun driving at night. Front hood is extremely deceivingly large an hard to judge. I will try to get rid of my car, because I have a long commute to work and back.

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5 out of 5 stars

LOVE MY SUNFIRE

michelle tucker, 08/29/2002
2001 Pontiac Sunfire SE 2dr Coupe (2.2L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I love my car and so does everyone else. It is great on gas and is really fun to drive. I am gonna keep it. I just wish I had gotten the grey interior.

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5 out of 5 stars

Double Edged Sword

cjgtom, 09/02/2002
2001 Pontiac Sunfire SE 2dr Coupe (2.2L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I loved mine, but when someone totaled it, there was no way I'd buy another. I had paid more than the payment each month - sometimes doubled it - to get it paid off quicker, but when I settled with the insurance company, I only got a couple of hundred dollars b/c the car depreciates in value so quickly. It wasn't a scam, it just depriciates that rapidly. If you can imagine putting all that $ into it, and either getting a couple of hundred dollars (and that was only b/c I had paid more each month and owed less than I should have at that point) OR most likely oweing the insurance company, then go ahead. I'd think twice, though

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4.63 out of 5 stars

My SuperSunfire

jd77, 08/01/2003
2001 Pontiac Sunfire SE 2dr Coupe (2.2L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I love my Sunfire! This car is small with a BIG attitude. I have the sun and sound package and the only thing I hate is that I am constantly blowing the speakers! I will continue leaving those other 4 cylinders in my rear view!

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5 out of 5 stars

Cool Sunfire

tfr, 08/23/2003
2001 Pontiac Sunfire SE 4dr Sedan (2.2L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Greatest vehicle I have ever owned great quality, never had a problem

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4.75 out of 5 stars

Love my car

JRHD, 09/22/2003
2001 Pontiac Sunfire GT 2dr Coupe (2.4L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Owned my car for 2yrs & 2.5 mnths - over 57,800 miles on it! Holds up well in an accident. Use KN air filter for a little extra hp. Can't wait to get another one!

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2.38 out of 5 stars

Average Car but Cheap

rsyang123, 10/09/2003
2001 Pontiac Sunfire GT 2dr Coupe (2.4L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Bought the car b/c it was extremely cheap w/ all the discounts. Not worth very much for trade-in value. Haven't had any major problems yet but numerous minor defects. Doesn't have the solid feel to it. Poor gas milage - only ~23 mpg for even the highway.

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4.75 out of 5 stars

Great Cheap Car

BrendanP, 11/03/2003
2001 Pontiac Sunfire GT 2dr Coupe (2.4L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I bought this car a week a month ago, and i love it. It is definetely worth the buck, and a great buy if you are young and looking for a car easy to soup up, and cheap too.

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3.63 out of 5 stars

It's a car

HEAVENSPRECIOUS, 04/15/2005
2001 Pontiac Sunfire SE 4dr Sedan (2.2L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

When I first got my car I loved it but after a some months went by i started having issuses with my car, First i had to replace the gas filter and then the fuel pump. and the the odometer stop working. but all that is baby issuses. after i pass all that it is a good car to have. i love driving it school. it rides good the interer is ugly but all in all it is a good car.

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4.13 out of 5 stars

Not bad

Used Sunfire Owner, 12/10/2003
2001 Pontiac Sunfire SE 2dr Coupe (2.2L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Bought it as a used car. So far, so good. Cons: a slight clunking sound in steering column when making a sharp turn. Blind spot on driver's side. Pros: sporty looking, peppy performance and very good road handling, especially during inclement weather. Adequate fuel efficiency. Fun to drive. Good car for a single or couple.

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4.63 out of 5 stars

Happily Sunfired

Tommy, 10/24/2005
2001 Pontiac Sunfire SE 2dr Coupe (2.2L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I was looking for a car to replace my tired '95 Baretta. A no-frills '01 Sunfire, with 66,400 miles, caught my eye. I was very impressed with the power from the 2.2L engine. The 5 speed manual trans shifted smooth... even reverse was noiseless. The body design is subtly sporty. Seating could be more comfortable, but that is a minor concern. After 3 months its the gas mileage that impresses me most. Driving a mix of highway & city, it consistantly gets from 31 to 33 mpg! Overall, this Sunfire is the best used vehicle I've ever owned.

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4.38 out of 5 stars

Good Little Car

GirlieTegRacer, 01/25/2004
2001 Pontiac Sunfire SE 2dr Coupe (2.2L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

So far I am pretty happy with this car. The fuel economy seems to be pretty good since it has a large 4 cylinder engine. It is comfortable and easy to drive and it is a little fun too.

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4.5 out of 5 stars

cool car but.......

tom bellew, 02/19/2004
2001 Pontiac Sunfire SE 4dr Sedan (2.2L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

have had problems with dome light.... it doesn't want to shut off

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4.13 out of 5 stars

Sunfire's Kick Arse

Babyboy2711, 10/22/2004
2001 Pontiac Sunfire SE 4dr Sedan (2.2L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

The sunfire does great on the road.Its fuel is good on highways, but city needs a bit improving.Its fun to drive and very roomy.The sound system is okie, the front small speakers make it a bit worse then a Dodge Neon but still good.

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4.38 out of 5 stars

dependable no frills little car

JJ, 12/21/2004
2001 Pontiac Sunfire SE 4dr Sedan (2.2L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I bought this car used w/ 41000 mi.about 6 mo. ago and have been pleasantlysuprised with it. While not the most robust on the road, it is efficient w/my 34 mpg (and given my daily commute of 90 miles round trip-its vital!). I haven't had any problems with it other than needing brakes and a new battery. Always starts right up and have not had any other problems with it. With the 2.2L engine in mine, its not the most powerful force on the road but it does its job. If you're looking for something to get you back and forth cheaply, this may foot the bill for ya.

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5 out of 5 stars

80,000 miles and still going strong

rdm, 08/02/2005
2001 Pontiac Sunfire SE 2dr Coupe (2.2L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

My car has been great so far. No major problems and the regular maintenance has been inexpensive.

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3.25 out of 5 stars

still going?

ROY, 04/10/2003
2001 Pontiac Sunfire SE 2dr Coupe (2.2L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

It been a good little car but with a lot of problems. After 4 attempts to fix transmission gringing noise problem still persists. A/C lower 2 settings no longer work. Fuel gauge failed and needed replaced. Low on power compared to competitors. Seat are now worn out. This car is only 3 years old with only 42000 miles on it.

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5 out of 5 stars

Sunfire Rocks!

marley, 04/07/2007
2001 Pontiac Sunfire SE 4dr Sedan (2.2L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Amazing how this car has been running solid. No major repairs, no minor repairs, and good gas mileage. It costs half as much as a Honda and the stereo sounds better than my wife's 2005 Lexus!

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5 out of 5 stars

The Best Car Ever!

Karen Guiles, 03/12/2015
updated 09/16/2019
2001 Pontiac Sunfire SE 2dr Coupe (2.2L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

My car is an automatic. I bought my car 11/01/2000 and it had only 7 miles on it and now has 117000. I love the car! It was perfect until the last 2 years. It's had the Fuel Pump, starter and transmission replaced now. Unfortunately, I haven't been able to have it garage kept so the paint is failing. My Son bought me a new car so I'll sadly be finding a new home for my Sunfire. I'm very attached but just don't need 2 cars and don't need to pay Insurance, Registration and Inspection on both. If it's well maintained it will last for years! I no longer own this car.

Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Interior
5 out of 5 stars
Comfort
5 out of 5 stars
Reliability
5 out of 5 stars
Value
5 out of 5 stars
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5 out of 5 stars

little but reliable

Juan-Carlos, 06/12/2003
2001 Pontiac Sunfire SE 4dr Sedan (2.2L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I bought it second hand and they kill me with the financing because was my first car but is a honest little car with attitude (the tail is so nice)and run ok, normal wearing, just need care.

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4 out of 5 stars

GREAT Car!

Miranda, 03/23/2008
2001 Pontiac Sunfire SE 2dr Coupe (2.2L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Great car. Never ever had a problem with it. Could leave it outside unplugged at -40 and it would still start in the morning. Only replaced wear and tear parts. INCREDIBLY safe car. Was T-Boned by a semi truck and lived let alone walked out of the hospital with nothing but bruises. Great crumple zones. SAFE and RELIABLE car. Worth every penny I ever spent on it!

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4 out of 5 stars

Zoom Zoom

Chris, 01/29/2017
2001 Pontiac Sunfire GT 2dr Coupe (2.4L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Runs Great cosmitc flaws Low Mileage Gets around 30 miles to a gallon

Safety
5 out of 5 stars
Technology
5 out of 5 stars
Performance
4 out of 5 stars
Interior
3 out of 5 stars
Reliability
5 out of 5 stars
Value
3 out of 5 stars
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5 out of 5 stars

Dependable

Happy customer, 01/29/2020
2001 Pontiac Sunfire GT 2dr Coupe (2.4L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

2001 sunfire gt 2.4 twin cam. Manual 5 speed..75th anniversary edition..Love my car , had it for almost 20 yrs now some repairs needed as they age..nothing major.. I still have original clutch, and i can no longer see odometer but ill bet has atleast 300,000 or more on it...good job pontiac

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4 out of 5 stars

Still going at 266,000

Cousteau, 03/11/2022
2001 Pontiac Sunfire SE 4dr Sedan (2.2L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I bought this car in 2003 with nearly 40,000 miles on it, from a well-known rental car company. It has been my ONLY car since then, and is now over 266,000 miles. I have, however, pumped a lot of maintenance in it especially the past 5 years; many things from transmission replacement (with a rebuilt one), to motor mounts, to A/C overhaul, to a costly pre-emptive timing chain replacement which may have been a repair shop ripoff and unnecessary; not sure. Also the CD player fritzed and won't play anymore. It's been hit once and a big tree fell on it once but both times had it fixed. The bottom line is, this thing is still on the road -- and with no sign of letting up. P. S. This car is an automatic, not manual.

Performance
4 out of 5 stars
Interior
4 out of 5 stars
Comfort
4 out of 5 stars
Reliability
5 out of 5 stars
Value
5 out of 5 stars
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5 out of 5 stars

Best car I ever owned!

Rose, 09/05/2023
2001 Pontiac Sunfire SE 4dr Sedan (2.2L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

LOVED my Sunny! 2001, very dependable. It was in good condition and had no issues other than the usual car upkeep. Unfortunately he lost his life. I survived with only a whiplash but alas he lost his. ( His frame was bent after being hit almost head on. I turned a bit to avoid accident and he got hit on front drivers side. 😞 )

Safety
5 out of 5 stars
Technology
4 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Interior
4 out of 5 stars
Comfort
5 out of 5 stars
Reliability
5 out of 5 stars
Value
5 out of 5 stars
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2.38 out of 5 stars

Commuter car only!

Andddy P, 07/14/2008
2001 Pontiac Sunfire SE 2dr Coupe (2.2L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 2 people found this review helpful

I am very unpleased with my purchase of this car it does not get the gas mileage it is supposed to i will be lucky to get 20 miles to the gallon. The interior looks like something you would see at a dentists office, and the exterior design makes it seem as if it would have a nice amount of hp but instead this sunflower is equipped with 115 hp. I bought this car 08/07 and it had 9,000 miles on it but i should have looked at more reviews before making my purchase

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5 out of 5 stars

Love My Sunfire!!!!

deitra.d.w@hotmail.com, 10/13/2015
2001 Pontiac Sunfire SE 4dr Sedan (2.2L 4cyl 5M)
0 of 1 people found this review helpful

Safety
4 out of 5 stars
Technology
3 out of 5 stars
Performance
4 out of 5 stars
Interior
4 out of 5 stars
Comfort
5 out of 5 stars
Reliability
4 out of 5 stars
Value
5 out of 5 stars
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