Used 2003 Pontiac Sunfire Coupe Consumer Reviews
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I love my Car
the car has been amazing reliable for me, i use it as a daily driver and my work car ( i deliver pizza ) and to be honest for a car with 230,000 on it, its solid the engine is very strong and amazing, its got ample performance and has been bullit proof this far (knock on wood) iv only had to replace the fuel pump and spark plugs, people complaining about brakes is just stupid, they wear thats what they do, iv replaced the brakes probley a good 6x but no biggie, its cheap its a sunfire :), im purchasing a 2008 chrysler 300 limited and still keeping my sunfire cuz it will probley last longer then that car will, its treated me well and i treat it well, il be happy to get it over 500,000km's :)
amazing
It is an amazing vehicle to own, its stylish, decent speed, great fuel economy, good trunk space, good for off-road. I know that because when i owned the car i preferred to go down the dirt roads. the only problem with the car is that the headlights are not very bright
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Reliable and Fun
I bought my sunfire about a year and a half ago used, it had 30,000 miles. It now has 50,000 and I haven't had any major problems with the car. It is fun to drive and handles well. I've driven it from WI to FL and back and it was an excellent drive, very peppy car. Reliable, but poor build quality
Host of Problems
We bought this car new from the dealer. Since then the headlights have gone out twice under warranty, then paid +$300 to get them fixed again, now the fog lights are out (issue is in a wiring harness that keeps corroding, and even if they replace the entire harness, the same issue will happen because the harness still is built the same way - with poor wires; GM states that it is not their issue, but if you research this, just about every one of them has this problem; sounds like it should be recalled and a completely new harness designed). The fuel pump will go out about every 50k-60k miles. Now the window will not roll down. Many calls to GM's product assist/complaint line go non-returned.
Pontiac Sunfire
This is a great car. Especially because of the Pontiac Wide Trac. Pontiac has a reputation for performance and that was definetly met.
Love my car
I bought my Pontiac Sunfire in 2003 brand new and I am still happy. The only repairs were minor with a gas cap and wire harness. The Sunfire is no longer manufactured. With high gas prices my car is perfect.
Pros and cons
I saw this car on the lot and really liked the looks of it. it was used but only had about 8000 miles on it so it really seemed new to me.I took it out for a test drive and liked the car.The dealor wouldnt negotiate his price.Like I said , it was a nice looking car and peppy enough for me.I can zip in and out of traffic easily.I wasnt sure how the upholstery would hold up. It didnt. After 1500 miles it started to tear on the front seat There is lots of plastic on the car.I have replaced 3 wheelcovers because of cracks. there was a recall for the directional lights. I replaced them 3 times in 6 months, After a rain, If I opened the trunk, water would drip down my back. Door lock problems.
Reliable Car for me
I bought my Pontiac Sunfire used w/29k miles. It now has 77,000 and I have not had any major issues at all. I still get great gas mileage and over 30 mpg on the highways. It's fun to drive and noise is not a factor. The engine is strong and peppy for a 4 cylinder.
great economy car
I`ve had this car for almost 2 years. bought it at 31`000miles and it`s now at almost 80`000. The car still runs like new, no oil leaks, or burning oil. Only thing I`ve had to do is change the brakes and maintenance. Stock sound system is decent. It`s pretty peppy for a 140hp. Handles very well for what it is. Love this car. Haven`t had any issues, would buy another one
over all
This has been a very good car. over all repairs were good. In 5 years 1 front strut replaced,Motor for powered windows and fuel pump ( my fault for running on emtpy). Other reviews show that the fog lights have gone out and it has to do with the wire harness mine also has the same problem.I have to get rid of it for it is to close to the ground for getting in and out and it is a very rough ride. Not a car for someone with children.
Cheap Car. Reliable for first 80K mi.
This was the first car that I ever bought. Bought it with 32K miles on it. CD player broke after having it a week. Was fixed for free under warranty. Replaced brakes twice, but they are like $15 each. Seats are uncomfortable and front seat belt strap hits you across the neck. Car handles rough and shocks/struts start to go bad. Doesn't have much power. Car handles HORRIBLE in the rain and windy weather. Slow oil leak started around 60K but not a major issue. Fog lamps stopped working around same time. Driver's side door started catching on frame and wouldn't open. Have to get rid of it now at almost 85K because transmission is bad, but has been reliable up until that point.
Too many issues
I have had too many problems with this car. Shortage with the turn signals was the only recall on this that I got when there should have been plenty more recalls on it. The seat belts locking up(when they shouldn't),left high beem does not work now has a short in it, all my gauges on the dash board don't work, my drivers side window has a short in it and my locks have messed up on it before. I feel sorry for anyone who has bought this hunk of junk.
iN lOvE
I just bought mine yesterday and put about 110 miles on it today on some great hairpin turns and it handles awsome. The stereo is great for a factory system. And you cant beat silver w/ tinted windows.
DONT BUY GM
Had my car less than 6 months and it started falling apart. VERY POOR quality car. The paint is peeling off all over. Front end of car is messed up, I've been told it was more than likely damaged at the factory. ****GM mechanics SUCK!! I have had 6 dashes, 4 left panels, 3 right panels, 3 consoles, and the stereo replaced!! ALL because the "GM CERTIFIED MR GOODWRENCH MECHANICS" are careless when they work on my car!!! And guess what GM customer service does NOT care I have called numerous times!! BEWARE OF HOW FAST THIS CAR CAN FALL APART!!! BUY A FORD INSTEAD!! I WISH I HAD!!!!!
2003 Pontiac Sunfire
Have had this 2003 Sunfire for about a month now. Awesome fun! I'm 44 and wanted an inexpensive car just to run around in. This one might end up being my primary car it is so much fun. I have the 1SC package with everything except power windows. Recommend it for any individual. I let our 17 year old daughter drive it a couple times, now I might not get it back!
I LOVE my Sunfire :)
I bought my 2003 Sunfire brand new with like 134 miles on it. It now has 106k and it still runs great! Its very reliable, I never worry about driving long trips. I know my baby will make it!! I had to get the left front strut replaced once while it was under warranty but no problems since. I replaced both window motors because they both stopped working. But my husband did it himself so it didn't cost very much. But other than that, No problems!!! I wish they still made this car so I can buy another one :)
personal ownership
I bought this lil car right from the showroom floor-I love the look, I love the ride and as fas as being dependable well no problems getting to or from where I want to go an in comfort too, as well as being a blast to drive. I am used to driving old muscle cars with big healthy motors mind you. Heat when I need it and icy cold when it is 110 degrees outside...I would not trade it for anything else
My Review
I've had a love-hate relationship with this car. I've only owned it for a year and have had to bring it back to the dealership 6 times to get various parts fixed. I used to drive a Bonneville and I really miss the V6 that I had in that car. I do not plan on owning this car for much longer, I spend a lot of time in my car and I need something bigger and has more features.
Stuff that shouldn't break does
This car is poorly built. The drivetrain so far (50K miles) is fine, but just about everything else has been a disaster. After just a year, both power window motors broke, which cost >$800 to fix. The original brake shoes wore out after only 10K miles, yet the 2nd pair is still fine after 40K. On the roof the clear coat is bubbling and peeling, which started when the car was only 4 years old. The radio sometimes does not turn on when the car does. The whole body is tweaked, so sometimes the doors won't close. Several wheels and the back axle are bent. The suspension is way too soft so the weight distribution is impossible to manage, causing poor handling. Mine doesn't have anti-lock brakes..
A mixed bag
I like the style of the car, as well as the fuel efficiency, but I think it is very cheaply built compared to other cars I've had. The windshield wipers won't go all the way down anymore. Screws are coming undone on the interior and the plastic that covers where the seatbeats attach has broken off and looks unsightly. It's been fairly reliable except that the check engine light comes on and off randomly.
Sunfire 2003!!!
I love my car. The Sunfire is the coolest looking car on the market today. I love the radio, the seats, the performance. I feel safer in this car than I did in my Dodge Neon (1998 model). I wish that people would not give this car such a hard time. It is a great car for a great price. The only thing that I may not be happy with about this car is that it is hard to open the driver's visor without messing up the rearview mirror.
Very Very Mediocare
It's braking is soft and very unpredictable. I've almost been in serious accidents because the breaks did not respond.Handling is just okay but traction is good because of the widetrac. The paint is horrible and the dirt wont wash off the glued on side panels. All the instruments are cheap and the screen for the clock and cd player overheats and sometimes feels like it will light on fire. The only thing that is really good is the stock cd player. Safety wise its a tank, but I dont know how it would be in a big accident. Overall I would not recommend the car unless you will buy it, rip the system out of it and re-sell it.
not the sweetest thing
I personally have not been impressed with this car. I think that it is a very attractive car on the outside & that is what attracts a lot of people to this vehicle, but I would recommend talking to someone who owns one before purchasing one. I wish that I had!!!
ECOTEC Sunfire 03
After my 98 Neon got stolen (which is kind of weird thing to happen. Who seals Neons?) I almost had to buy this car. It's fun to drive, good accleration and alright looking exterior. I smoked my friend's Chrysler Sebring! :D I got it with Cavalier LS Sport chrome rims, which improved handling. Rear end sucks. It looks ugly (maybe if they had rear spoiler bigger and brought out a little bit more, that would help I guess)
Love my Sunfire
I love my Sunfire! I think that it is so much cooler looking than the Honda Civics that the rest of the college kids are driving around my home. The only complaint I have is that there is too much lumbar in the seats and they cannot be adjusted! When I have to take it from TN to MI my back is killing me by the time we get there. But, it still does the trip like a charm. I only have to fill it up twice for the 10 hour drive. I also wish that it was offered with a V6 engine.
Love Pontiac
I bought a 2003 sunfire and fell in love with it on the test drive. Since I bought it I have changed things that way I can race it. The only issues that I have had are the o2 sensers and the converter. I have almost 200k on it and not one drop of leakage. I have lowered it and uped the hp and it runs like a champ and handles better than any other car that I have drove and I run a low 11sec in the quarter mile. I race my car with a stock engine and it has never let me down. This is by far the best 4cylinder that is out there. Better than the Vtec and the Zetech. Just do your regular maint. on it and it wont let you down. I love my car and it loves me and shows me every race.
JUST OUT OF THE BOX!!!
Just got my new sunfire last week and I love it. I've been driving vans, and SUV's for the past 7 years and it's really nice to have something that handles so well and sporty looking too. It's as close to a firebird as I will probably ever get and I truly hope it turns out to be as good on fuel as I hope. I actually got 30 miles per gallon on my 1st tank of gas.Sure beats the heck out of 15. Hope it gives me good service for a long time.
Major Problems
Have had major problems with the brakes suddenly locking up while at hwy speeds while not being able to shift above 3rd gear. Took five dealer visits before problem was even diagonosed. Was very disturbed about how serious a problem could not be reproduced in the shop. Once nearly got steamrollered by a semi while trying to regain power. Problem finally stopped. Also, power window motors have had been replaced 4 times at $300+ a crack. Would I buy this car again? No.
SunfiresFine
Well designed sporty looking, fun-to- drive yet roomy car. Well thought out, with convenient features. Exceptional left leg room, and plenty of head room, is skip sun roof. Only negative, seat belt strap location due to door post behind you. Of many past cars, I am enjoying this one best. JHS
Big Bang for Little Bucks!
This is my first new car. I have driven many other makes and models over the years, but the 2003 Sunfire is by far the best bang for the buck! It is absolutly stunning in it's appearance. I have the Blue color and I get at least 2 - 4 complements everyday either on the color or the look of the car. The transmission is so smoth (Auto). I live in the mountains of NH, and I can do a steady 80 up hill and not even feel any hesitation or shifting. The only other car I ever drove that was faster was a 70's Pontiac Catalina. And from the front it looks so tough coming at you. I LOVE it and won't ever give it up! Pontiac fan for life.
2003 PONTIAC SUNFIRE
I love to drive my sunfire because it is great on gas and for a 4 cylinder engine it has a lot of power. The sporty appearance is great and it has a roomy trunk. The sound system with cd player is awesome. The automatic transmission shifts really smoothly. Best thing about GM cars is the transmission.
Great car
Have had this car 3 years and really do enjoy it! It rides great, but a lot of road noise! Is very sporty looking and great gas milage! Had only one recall so far and no mechanical problems at all! I would buy it all over again!
good evey day car
I really enjoy driving the sunfire. I gives a sporty look and perform really good when your trying to pass. Its a good car for the price. no more than 12,000 for it thoug.
4 door model
Our car is a 2003 4 door model, which i guess was sold only in Canada. It's actually been pretty reliable except for the power windows. I've had to replace the motors in several of the windows,some multiple times, and now this spring they are acting up again.Its about $300 a shot for the motors. Two of the interior door panels have popped loose and the digital clock/radio light has died. I'll be getting rid of it soon.
2003 Electric Blue Sunfire, Solid Car!!!
I just purchased this car and I feel that it is the best car i've driven. The Ecotec 2.2L engine has lots of power with 140hp and 150lbs of torque. It has good handling as well. The price is amazing for a brand new car after all the rebates. Who cares its based on an old platform they got it right this year. I think of that as a pro not a con.
Sunfire Review
Well the Caar is a blast to drive. I have only had one repair since new the cable for my heating system and seal on my dash where the air comes out for my defrost. I was most impressed with the performance. I like the sunfire due to it has a nice new styling and It fits the sport tuner class.
A lot of car for the money
I bought this car 5 years ago with 32k miles. It now has 90k. I did have to replace the fuel pump at about 50k which is very hard to get to and have changed the brakes once. Other than that no major issues. It has the feel and look of a sports car with the economy of a compact. I am now selling it because I want a truck, but I believe it has a lot of life left in it. Also, reading the other reviews I noticed the ones having the most problems are base models, ones like mine with the dual exhaust and other upgrades tend to be more reliable and a lot nicer cars, however they are harder to find.
Great Car, going on 6 years, no problems
We have had this car in our family since new in 2003 and have have absolutely no problems with it. Runs perfect, starts right up, minimal maintenance and no repairs necessary. We got a great deal on it; $13,000 fully loaded (dual exhaust, power windows, doors, sunroof, spoiler, 6 speaker monsoon sound system). considering that this is an entry level, commuter car, it has been worth every penny. Great gas milage too. 27-31 (normal driving.. some highway, some back roads, some bumper to bumper traffic)
Sunfire - Great car, fun to drive
I bought this 2003 Sunfire for my wife to use for her daily commute to work - 80 miles a day round trip. With 40,000 miles in less than two years it has run like a top the whole way. No mechanical reapirs have been necessary. It is driven 90% highway miles and gets from 31 to 33 miles to the gallon consitantly.
Great Value car
Car is def. mechanically sound, solid engine and tranny(standard). Interior build quality is less than par, but for the performance factor, you get what you get. The exterior wasnt thought out 100%, the fact that its front wheel drive and comes stock with a rear spoiler, is counterproductive. As long as maintainance is under control, the vehicle will last as long as you last. Oil changes on any smaeller engine aluminum, or otherwise, with higher rev ranges, should be done every 2000-2500 miles as a rule. Performance again is great, the power to weight ratio is above average for the class of car. Plenty of torque for getting going, not too much(spin tires in snow) good horse power.
rental vehicle
i just got a rental vehicle, pontiac sunfire. It's an awesome vehicle, the tires spin when the light turns green and i am impressed with its 0-60 performance.
Great car, no problems at 120k
My dad first purchased the Sunfire new in 2003 as a 2nd vehicle to commute to work. He got it with all the bells and whistles (which only is power windows, A/C, sunroof, monsoon sound system, dual exhaust and spoiler) for only $13,000! I ended up taking the car off his hands and it has NEVER failed me. 120k mile and I have never ever had one problem with it. Of course I keep up with oil changes, tires, brakes and the like. The car still looks current and modern and it does perform well for only having 140 horses!
good
I just LOVE my 2003 sunfire!!!
Good car
I have had this car for three years. I have had very little trouble with it. Just replaced the tires and the brakes; with routine oil changes, I have had no problems. Great fuel economy car.
Test Drive
Since I'm looking around for the best driving,looking and overall performance; I test drove the 2003 Pontiac Sunfire to see how it stacked up to the rest of the cars that I was seriously thinking of buying.
Not So Great
These cars have an extremely poor build quality. My center console lid has broken, had to replace one window motor, and another soon, vent selectors don't work, the plastic cladding on the outside of the door gets caught on the fender. The list goes on and on. I've had this car for just over two years, and I simply cannot wait to get rid of it.
The mean looking sunfire
Trade in my 98 4 door sedan for the 2003 fell in love with it. Very quick and fast, love the stereo system
The sunfire is Hot!!!
The sunfire was my first new car and I must admit that it wasn't the car that I had planned on getting. Once the sales rep suggested that maybe I should give this car a test drive. I was in love!!! My sunfire is fully loaded and black, its beautiful adn the ride is soo smooth. I travel a lot and the mileage that you get per gallon is wonderful. I love my Sunfire, I love it so much I named mine, her name is Baby Girl.
Having doubts
very good looking car. milage, excellent. price, a bit high for the quality of workmanship. Too much plastic. Metal very light and flimbsy...feel like tin. I do not expect to be able to keep this car for more than 3 years, unlike other cars that I've own for over 15 years, I own a 92 Grand Prix SEL...excellent car! I also own a Volkwagon Vanagon '86, still running like sa clock. And like that you may see, I take care of my cars and if they are made to last...they will last with me. I do not feel this will be the case with the Sunfire. Having my doubts, hoping I am wrong. Thank you, Sue
Love my Pontiac Sunfire
This was my third Pontiac Sunfire. This one had "all" possible options. I love the vehicle; very dependable; great style; love how "peppy" the vehicle is when you step on the gas.