2001 Pontiac Sunfire Review
2001 Pontiac Sunfire Review





+70
Used Sunfire for sale
Appraise This CarPontiac Sunfire model years
Pontiac Sunfire types
- Coupe
- Sedan
See Edmunds pricing data
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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.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2001 Pontiac Sunfire SE 2dr Coupe (2.2L 4cyl 5M) 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 $3.11 per gallon for regular unleaded in Virginia.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia
$159/mo for Sunfire SE
Sunfire SE
vs
$168/mo
Avg. Compact Car
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.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2001 Pontiac Sunfire.
5 star(60%)
4 star(28%)
3 star(7%)
2 star(5%)
1 star(0%)
43 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
4.38 out of 5 stars
great car
Tom, 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?
4.13 out of 5 stars
Satisfied with Sunfire
satisfiedwithsunfire, 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.
5 out of 5 stars
BEST CAR GM HAS EVER MADE
eric 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!
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)
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 | $14,250 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 23 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $159/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
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