2004 Pontiac Sunfire Review
Pros & Cons
- Low price, torquey four-cylinder engine, optional satellite radio and OnStar.
- Ancient design inside and out, cheap interior materials, poor build quality, low resale value, poor side-impact and front-offset crash test results.
Other years
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Edmunds' Expert Review
Despite a peppy engine and a few cool options, this nearly decade-old economy coupe is outclassed by newer competitors. Shop elsewhere.
2004 Highlights
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.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the 2004 Pontiac Sunfire.
Most helpful consumer reviews
crisco,06/23/2009
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.
Kimberly Ward,10/04/2015
2dr Coupe (2.2L 4cyl 5M)
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.
jk,09/06/2009
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.
holly4troy,12/15/2011
I am in search of another car due to a collision with a deer and am so disappointed because I loved both my Sunfires I have owed. My first was a 2004 yellow Sunfire and most recently at 2005 orange Sunfire. They both were always reliable, never had any problems with either one except for the CD player in my most recent. Never could get it to work properly without it wanted to eat a CD. Other than that, I LOVED both cars and wish I could find another!
** I had to select a model but both were automatic and not 5 speed but automatic was not an option to choose.
Features & Specs
MPG
23 city / 33 hwy
Seats 5
5-speed manual
Gas
140 hp @ 5600 rpm
MPG
23 city / 33 hwy
Seats 5
5-speed manual
Gas
140 hp @ 5600 rpm