Pontiac Sunfire replaced the old Sunbird. Though it is smaller, Sunfire is far more gorgeous and sporty than its predecessor. At first, Sunfire was available as a 4-door sedan and a coupe. Later in the season came a convertible and a sportier GT coupe. Along the way, Pontiac Sunfire has employed a number of engines, but the choices have been pared to just one?the 2.2-liter DOHC 16-valve Ecotec four, bolted to a Getrag five-speed manual transmission or a four-speed automatic. SE models used a 2.2-liter 4-cylinder engine, rated at 120 horsepower. A 150-horsepower, 2.3-liter Quad 4 with dual-overhead camshafts was standard in the GT, optional in SE. A 5-speed manual transmission was standard, 3-speed automatic transmission optional with the 2.2-liter, 4-speed automatic with the Quad 4. It has 140 horsepower and 150 pound-feet of torque that badgers Sunfire to 60 mph in 8.2 seconds. Not only that, it also has an agreeable braking performance of 188 feet from 70 mph.

 

The powertrain update, plus a modest face lift, were enough to provoke another communion with this smallest of Pontiacs. The original Pontiac Sunfire engine is somewhat coarse under hard throttle, but acceleration is adequate with either manual or automatic shift. The Quad 4 and later Twin Cam engines are better--smoother, quieter, and more powerful. Acceleration off the line is lively, and they work well with the 4-speed automatic. You can expect about 25 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway with either engine. Some Sunfire?s drawbacks could be noticed through twisting roads. The GT corners with minimal body lean and tight grip, and under comparable conditions, an SE exhibited greater body lean, less grip, and slower reaction in it?s steering. Both Sunfires absorb bumpy surfaces handily, but can toss occupants around a bit on rough surfaces. Interior space, which measures an average of 12.5 cubic feet in all model trims, is adequate for four adults. A low rear-seat cushion forces an uncomfortable knees-up position, and headroom is only marginal. Front head and legroom are a lot better. Gauges are unobstructed and controls operate smoothly. Forward visibility is fine, past a low dashboard.

 

Backing up is difficult because of the Sunfire's high rear parcel shelf. The glove box in Sunfire can hold a 12-pack of soda cans and front doors have map pockets. Trunk space is ample, too, but the 2-door's trunk opening is too small to easily load bulky cargo. In the Consumer Guide Road Test Rating, Pontiac Sunfire was rated 3 stars for performance, 4 for fuel economy, 4 for ride quality, 3 for quietness, 3 for interior room, 3 for cargo capacity, and another 3 for insurance costs, which totals 23 stars. And if another important factor in the equation is price, Pontiac Sunfire delivers a pretty good deal on a small sports coupe.