Pontiac is constantly and distressingly updating the Sunfire to reflect the division's evolving styling direction and breath life into the aging Sunfire. And changes improved the Sunfire for 2003. The most noticeable change is with the front end where the cat-eye headlamps and new integrated turn signals extend further into the hood. The hood was redesigned for a more aggressive look. Integrated fog lamps, the dual-port grille, and aerodynamic extensions are designed to give the Sunfire's a sporty character.

In back are redesigned tail lamps and a new body-colored appliqu鮠The back-up lights have been moved from the rear fascia and integrated with the license plate for a cleaner look. The rear spoiler, which comes standard, is designed to further the Sunfire's sports appeal. New wheel covers for the standard 15-inch steel wheels are available in a painted finish. Optional aluminum wheels are available in 15 and 16-inch sizes. New fabric freshens the interior of the 2003 Pontiac Sunfire with a bold design available in graphite (gray) or taupe. The new fabric looks durable. Side-impact airbags are optional for 2003. Mounted on the front seats, they are designed to protect the thorax area of the front passengers. OnStar is also optional. Sunfire drops its sedan for 2003, but the surviving coupes get first-time availability of front side airbags. The GT trim is also dropped, so the line is now based on an SE model that inherits the GT?s 140-horsepower 4-cylinder as its only engine.