2001 Pontiac Sunfire Review
Price Estimate: $1,287 - $2,144

Appraise my car
Get the Edmunds appraisal report and a no-obligation offer for your car.
By entering your License Plate or VIN, you'll get a more accurate appraisal that may raise your car's value.
Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Racy styling, comfy interior, rev-happy twin-cam engine, good value.
Cons
- Option list can overpower low price, body roll apparent during hard cornering.
What’s new
A standard rear spoiler and a new exterior color are the only new additions to the Sunfire for 2001. The GT convertible is no longer available, leaving the sedan and coupe versions as the only available body styles.
Edmunds says
A ghastly looking attempt at a low-budget sport coupe, the Sunfire is hopelessly outclassed by both its foreign and domestic competition.
For sale near Verona, NJ
5 listings
- 180,000 miles
- No accidents, 6 owners, rental vehicle
- 20 City / 30 Hwy MPG
- Starfire Auto (2,432 mi away)
- Rear Bench Seats
- Fold Flat Rear Seats
Close
Located in Santa Clarita, CA
FOR PARTS OR OFF ROAD ONLY. BRING A TOW TRUCK! ITS COMPLETE. DEAD FUEL PUMP. NOT SURE WHAT ELSE IS WRONG CLICK HERE FOR MORE PICTURES WE ARE ...
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: Yes
Personal Use Only: No
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
23 Combined MPG (20 City/30 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: 1G2JB524117240277
Stock: CT22423P3P
Certified Pre-Owned: No- Photos not available
- 184,087 miles
- No accidents, 7 owners, personal use only
- 20 City / 30 Hwy MPG
- Manic Motors Tracy (2,502 mi away)
- Rear Bench Seats
- Fold Flat Rear Seats
Close
Located in Tracy, CA
DISCLAIMER:!! ATTENTION !! MESSAGE FROM THE OWNER OF MANIC MOTORS !! I MAKE SURE NOT TO HIRE JACK ASS SALES STAFF; IF FOR SOME REASON YOU FEEL LIKE YO...
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: Yes
Personal Use Only: Yes
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
23 Combined MPG (20 City/30 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: 1G2JB524X17203423
Stock: 203423P
Certified Pre-Owned: No
Vehicle overview
Pontiac's Sunfire is supposed to take on the Cavalier, Focus ZX2, Neon and assorted import compacts by offering value, sporty styling and capable performance in a well-rounded package. Sunfire is available as a coupe or sedan SE (base) trim, and as a coupe in the GT (uplevel) series; the convertible is no longer available.
Dual airbags, ABS and an anti-theft system are standard equipment. Base models come with a 2.2-liter four-cylinder engine. Power is rated at 115 horsepower, and can be fed through the standard five-speed manual or optional three- and four-speed automatics. GT models get a slightly larger 16-valve four-cylinder, good for 150 horsepower. The GT's 2.4-liter, twin-cam motor is optional on the SE, and we highly recommend it, particularly if mated to this year's new, smoother-shifting Getrag five-speed manual transmission.
Equipped with the bigger engine and a stick shift, a Sunfire is downright speedy when compared to other four-banger compacts. The automatic raises acceleration times by about a second in the dash to 60 mph. Options on the Sunfire include sharp alloy wheels, a power sunroof and a variety of uplevel sound systems, including the 200-watt Monsoon unit. Equip an SE Coupe to the gills, watch the price soar to the mid-18s, and suddenly Sunfire isn't such a hot deal. But fiddling with the options sheet should land you a sporty, well-equipped coupe priced at around $16,000.
The move to more aggressive-looking fascias and rocker-panel moldings was intended to boost Sunfire's image with young buyers. That goal also fueled the move to better sound systems, as well as improvements in interior functionality, features and storage space for things like compact discs or cassettes. And Pontiac even makes the racy decklid spoiler standard on all models for 2001.
Our only complaint about driving the Sunfire is that when it is pushed to its limits, it tends to exhibit an excessive amount of body roll. We think the GT model should offer a more sporting suspension to back up the car's sporty looks and powerful engine. On the plus side, all the well-equipped models we've tested so far carried an affordable price tag.
We think the Sunfire has merit in the crowded compact marketplace. Feature for feature, Sunfire makes a strong argument against purchasing its slightly larger stablemate, the Grand Am, or its more pedestrian twin at Chevy dealers, the Cavalier. Although the lack of a convertible detracts from its sporty image, the coupe and sedan are still capable and fast cars that deserve a look.
Cost to Drive
Monthly estimates based on costs in New Jersey
$162/mo for Sunfire SE
Sunfire SE
vs
$163/mo
Avg. Compact Car
Reliability
The 2001 Pontiac Sunfire has a 3 years / 36,000 miles basic warranty and 3 recalls. Below you’ll find our owner reviews.
Recalls
3 recalls foundChecking if a car has a recall is simple. Just type the car's VIN number into the NHTSA website (https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls). If there's an unrepaired recall, you'll see it there.
If a recall shows up, just call your local car dealer. They'll know about the recall and will work with the car maker to fix it for free (if the recall happened within 10 years of the car being first sold).
- Recall Number:
- 08E063000
- Number of vehicles affected:
- 3855
- Defect Description:
- DORMAN PRODUCTS IS RECALLING 3,900 INTERMEDIATE STEERING SHAFTS DORMAN PART NOS. 425-151, 425-152, AND 425-153, (SOLD UNDER DORMAN'S "OE SOLUTIONS" BRAND NAME), BALKAMP #'S 7-3057, 7-3058, 7-3059 (SOLD UNDER THE "NAPA" BRAND NAME), AND PLATINUM PARTS #'S 2425151, 2425152, AND 2425153 MANUFACTURED DURING THE MONTH OF SEPTEMBER 2007. THESE REPLACEMENT STEERING SHAFTS CAN BE USED ON THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THE WELD CONNECTING THE INNER TUBE TO THE OUTER TUBE MAY BE DEFECTIVE.
- Defect Consequence:
- IF THE WELD FAILS, LOSS OF STEERING COULD RESULT, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
- Corrective Action:
- DORMAN WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE STEERING SHAFTS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 16, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DORMAN TOLL FREE AT 1-800-523-2492.
- Recall Number:
- 07E021000
- Number of vehicles affected:
- 742
- Defect Description:
- CERTAIN DELPHI FUEL PRESSURE REGULATORS, P/NOS. FP10020-11B1, FP10026-11B1, AND FP10027-11B1, SOLD AFTER JANUARY 9, 2007, AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THE UNIVERSAL PRESSURE REGULATORS (UPR) WERE PRODUCED WITHOUT AN O'RING AND RETAINER.
- Defect Consequence:
- FUEL MAY LEAK, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A FIRE.
- Corrective Action:
- DELPHI WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE UPR FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 23, 2007. OWNERS CAN CONTACT DELPHI AT 877-411-8770.
- Recall Number:
- 04V036000
- Manufacturer Recall Number:
- 04002
- Manufactured from:
- 2000-03-01 to 2001-04-30
- Number of vehicles affected:
- 1415231
- Defect Description:
- ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES. IF THE ENGINE FAILS TO START AND THE DRIVER HOLDS THE KEY IN THE "START" POSITION FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD, HIGH CURRENT FLOWS THROUGH THE IGNITION SWITCH, AND SOMETIMES PRODUCES ENOUGH HEAT TO MELT INTERNAL SWITCH PARTS.
- Defect Consequence:
- IF THE SWITCH IS DAMAGED, A FIRE COULD OCCUR IN THE STEERING COLUMN, EVEN WITH THE ENGINE OFF AND THE KEY REMOVED. THE FIRE COULD SPREAD TO THE INTERIOR OF THE CAR, WHICH COULD INJURE OCCUPANTS OR CAUSE DAMAGE TO ADJOINING STRUCTURES.
- Corrective Action:
- DEALERS WILL INSTALL A RELAY KIT IN THESE VEHICLES TO PREVENT HIGH CURRENT FROM FLOWING THROUGH THE IGNITION SWITCH, AND CHECK THAT YOUR CAR WILL START WITH A PROPERLY CHARGED BATTERY AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THE IGNITION SWITCH. OWNER NOTIFICATION WILL BEGIN ON MARCH 1, 2004. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT CHEVROLET AT 1-800-630-2438, PONTIAC AT 1-800-620-7668, BUICK AT 1-866-608-8080, OR OLDSMOBILE AT 1-800-630-6537. CUSTOMERS CAN ALSO CHECK THEIR VEHICLE ONLINE BY GOING TO WWW.MYGMLINK.COM AND ENTERING THE VEHICLE'S IDENTIFICATION NUMBER.
Warranty
3 years / 36,000 miles Basic Warranty- Basic Warranty
- 3 years / 36,000 miles
- Drivetrain Warranty
- 3 years / 36,000 miles
- Rust Warranty
- 6 years / 100,000 miles
- Roadside assistance Warranty
- 3 years / 36,000 miles
Pontiac Sunfire Owner Reviews
Most Helpful Owner Reviews
Trending topics
great car
4.38 out of 5 starsTom, 03/30/2008
2001 Pontiac Sunfire SE 4dr Sedan (2.2L 4cyl 5M)
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?
Satisfied with Sunfire
4.13 out of 5 starssatisfiedwithsunfire, 12/17/2007
2001 Pontiac Sunfire SE 4dr Sedan (2.2L 4cyl 5M)
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.
BEST CAR GM HAS EVER MADE
5 out of 5 starseric andres, 09/20/2017
2001 Pontiac Sunfire SE 2dr Coupe (2.2L 4cyl 5M)
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!
Great car, lots of power, fun to drive.
5 out of 5 starsJamie LinerMan, 03/19/2002
2001 Pontiac Sunfire GT 2dr Coupe (2.4L 4cyl 5M)
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.
2001 Sunfire Highlights
Coupe
SE
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $14,250 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 23 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $162/month |
Seating | 5 seats |
Drivetrain | front wheel drive |
Warranty | 3 years / 36,000 miles |
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
Related Used 2001 Pontiac Sunfire info
Vehicle reviews of used models
- BMW 7 Series 2021 Review
- Ford F 350 Super Duty 2020 Review
- Volvo V90 Cross Country 2021 Review
- BMW X6 2020 Review
- Honda CR V 2021 Review
- Cadillac XT6 2020 Review
- Lexus NX 300H 2020 Review
Popular new car reviews and ratings
Research similar vehicles
Other models
- Used Mini Cooper-Paceman in Lithonia, GA 2016
- Used Ferrari California in Aurora, CO 2014
- Used Hyundai Ioniq-Hybrid in Saint Joseph, MO 2022
- New Jeep Grand-Cherokee-L for Sale in Valley View, TX
- Used Hyundai Santa-Cruz in Jackson, MS 2026
- Used Mclaren 765LT in Sevierville, TN 2021
- Used Infiniti QX55 in Sheboygan, WI 2025
- New BMW 8-Series for Sale in Destin, FL
- Used Lincoln MKC in Hillsborough, NJ 2019
- Used Pontiac Vibe in Halethorpe, MD 2010