Low price, torquey four-cylinder engine, optional satellite radio and OnStar.
Cons
Ancient design inside and out, cheap interior materials, poor build quality, low resale value, poor side-impact and front-offset crash test results.
What’s new
The Sunfire remains largely unchanged for 2004. Dual exhaust outlets are no longer available as a package option, but a CD/MP3 player with RDS and equalizer now comes with the Sun and Sound package.
Edmunds says
Despite a peppy engine and a few cool options, this nearly decade-old economy coupe is outclassed by newer competitors. Shop elsewhere.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2004 Pontiac Sunfire Special Value 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 $3.34 per gallon for regular unleaded in Arizona.
I have had this sunfire for over 10 years and I love it to deaf! I hope I can get another 50,000 miles before I have to replace it. I have had to do the list of repairs over the last 10 years, but mind you I had no car note :)
Alternator
Window motor
Tune up
Windshield motor
Timing belt
Of course, oil changes, brakes and tires.
problem with brakes and tires a lot
3.88 out of 5 stars
crisco, 06/23/2009
2004 Pontiac Sunfire 2dr Coupe (2.2L 4cyl 5M)
It is 2009 now and this car was gotten in 2004. It only has 2900 miles on it and I have had to get the breaks replaced twice now. Both times the life time warranty pads have been replaced and the the rotors as well as some other things. There was a recall after a couple years as the check engine light will come on , but they fixed that. I have had to replace the tire a few times now , … the front tires wear on this car very quickly as well as the breaks. Also the windshield wipers fluid doesn't last at all. Other than that I haven't had any problems. Although that seems like a lot considering the mileage .It has good handling and looks.
5 years and counting...
3.88 out of 5 stars
jk, 09/06/2009
2004 Pontiac Sunfire 2dr Coupe (2.2L 4cyl 5M)
Purchased new in 2004, it now has almost 100,000kms. Anybody expecting luxury and the finest build quality in a Sunfire is barking up the wrong tree. Its an economy car that gets you from A to B. Gas mileage is great in the city/highway, reliability has been good. Biggest issue was having to replace the struts within 1 year of ownership. No problems with transmission or engine. Although … the 4 cyl is a peppy engine, its not refined and is harsh above 4,000RPM. Passing power is good with the automatic, hitting it at 70km/h seems to be its sweet spot. Overall a good, practical and fuel efficient car.
Last Model Sunfire Out with a Bang
4.13 out of 5 stars
Jonny, 07/12/2009
2004 Pontiac Sunfire 2dr Coupe (2.2L 4cyl 5M)
The 2004 Pontiac Sunfire was definitely one for the books. With lots of economical problems with the car's history (the older 1990's models and early 2000 models) I expected some high maintenance work. However, I was disappointed at that end. The car's economical ability is standard. Change bulbs when burnt out, fill gas, change oil. The performance is also outstanding considering … the heavy body style. With a 2.2L Ecotec engine backed by a 4 speed Automatic Transmission (I also drove a 5 speed manual) you will get the power you need to steer through tight corners while still being able to utilize the agility of the power-to-weight ratio. All in all, a fun car to drive.
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