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2001
Pontiac Sunfire

Starts at:
$14,250
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New 2001 Pontiac Sunfire
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Not rated
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NHTSA tested vehicle score
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Available trims

See the differences side-by-side to compare trims.
  • 2dr Cpe SE
    Starts at
    $14,250
    23 City / 29 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas L4
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 4dr Sdn SE
    Starts at
    $14,550
    21 City / 28 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas L4
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 2dr Cpe GT
    Starts at
    $16,525
    21 City / 28 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas L4
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs

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2001 Pontiac Sunfire 2001 Pontiac Sunfire 2001 Pontiac Sunfire 2001 Pontiac Sunfire 2001 Pontiac Sunfire 2001 Pontiac Sunfire 2001 Pontiac Sunfire 2001 Pontiac Sunfire 2001 Pontiac Sunfire 2001 Pontiac Sunfire 2001 Pontiac Sunfire 2001 Pontiac Sunfire 2001 Pontiac Sunfire 2001 Pontiac Sunfire 2001 Pontiac Sunfire

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Expert 2001 Pontiac Sunfire review

our expert's take
Our expert's take
By Cars.com editors
Full article
our expert's take

Vehicle Overview
The Sunfire loses its convertible body style for 2001, while the two-door coupe and four-door sedan versions of this front-drive compact return with minor changes. The Sunfire is built from the same design as the Chevrolet Cavalier, which also drops its convertible body style.

The Sunfire is Pontiac’s lowest-priced model, and the automaker is considering whether it needs a small passenger car. The Sunfire may be replaced around 2003 by a car-based sport wagon along the lines of the Aztek.

Exterior
The Sunfire has different front and rear styling than the Cavalier and presents a sportier personality. All models have a standard rear spoiler, and the SE coupe and sedan come with side ribs and rocker-panel moldings. The GT model comes only as a coupe and has standard fog lights.

Interior
All models have seats for five, a floor-mounted transmission shift lever and a standard center console that includes a padded armrest; storage slots for coins, tapes and CDs; and two cupholders for the front seats. A cassette player is now standard on the SE models, matching the GT.

Under the Hood
SE models come with a 115-horsepower 2.2-liter four-cylinder engine. A dual camshaft 2.4-liter four-cylinder with 150 hp is standard on the GT coupe and optional on the SEs. Both engines are shared with the Cavalier and are available with a four-speed automatic or five-speed manual transmission.

Performance
The Sunfire and its Cavalier cousin aren’t the most refined or best performing subcompacts, but both are good values among small cars. They come with a generous helping of standard features, including antilock brakes, air conditioning and a rear window defogger — items that are optional on some rivals.

 

Reported by Rick Popely  for cars.com
From the cars.com 2001 Buying Guide

2001 Pontiac Sunfire review: Our expert's take

Vehicle Overview
The Sunfire loses its convertible body style for 2001, while the two-door coupe and four-door sedan versions of this front-drive compact return with minor changes. The Sunfire is built from the same design as the Chevrolet Cavalier, which also drops its convertible body style.

The Sunfire is Pontiac’s lowest-priced model, and the automaker is considering whether it needs a small passenger car. The Sunfire may be replaced around 2003 by a car-based sport wagon along the lines of the Aztek.

Exterior
The Sunfire has different front and rear styling than the Cavalier and presents a sportier personality. All models have a standard rear spoiler, and the SE coupe and sedan come with side ribs and rocker-panel moldings. The GT model comes only as a coupe and has standard fog lights.

Interior
All models have seats for five, a floor-mounted transmission shift lever and a standard center console that includes a padded armrest; storage slots for coins, tapes and CDs; and two cupholders for the front seats. A cassette player is now standard on the SE models, matching the GT.

Under the Hood
SE models come with a 115-horsepower 2.2-liter four-cylinder engine. A dual camshaft 2.4-liter four-cylinder with 150 hp is standard on the GT coupe and optional on the SEs. Both engines are shared with the Cavalier and are available with a four-speed automatic or five-speed manual transmission.

Performance
The Sunfire and its Cavalier cousin aren’t the most refined or best performing subcompacts, but both are good values among small cars. They come with a generous helping of standard features, including antilock brakes, air conditioning and a rear window defogger — items that are optional on some rivals.

 

Reported by Rick Popely  for cars.com
From the cars.com 2001 Buying Guide

Safety review

Based on the 2001 Pontiac Sunfire base trim
NHTSA crash test and rollover ratings, scored out of 5.
Frontal driver
3/5
Frontal passenger
4/5
Side driver
1/5
Side rear passenger
2/5

Factory warranties

Basic
3 years / 36,000 miles
Corrosion
6 years / 100,000 miles
Powertrain
3 years / 36,000 miles
Roadside Assistance
3 years / 36,000 miles

Consumer reviews

4.3 / 5
Based on 14 reviews
Write a review
Comfort 4.4
Interior 4.0
Performance 4.3
Value 4.5
Exterior 4.2
Reliability 4.3

Most recent

  • Best car ever

    I really hope they make a new one I love this car so much it's a great car to get around in I traveled in this car from state to State wow how amazing.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • Best car ever!

    Have 2001 with 85k miles. Only ever needed battery, oil changes and routine maintenance. Reliable car for getting around town and then some! Strangers gave even offered cash to "take it off my hands." No thanks. He is paid for and actually reluctant to get a new one. May not be as happy with it.
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    3 people out of 3 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • Best car I've ever owned

    I got this car for free and have been fixing it up for the past year; now, it gets ~26 mpg and that number has only gone up every few months. I only want to upgrade my car so that I will have 4 doors instead of 2.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 3.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 3.0
    Reliability 4.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • Very useful car!

    when I recieved this car from my grandfather earlier this year, I discovered that he had really beat this thing up... I mean REALLY neglected and abused it. There was obvious water damage inside the car and the brake lines were totally gone but the thing still ran like a champ. After a deep cleaning and a couple visits to the garage shop, (brake lines being the most expensive fix) I totally love my car and love how well it works. I would totally recommend for any new driver/
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 5.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • most reliable car I ve ownwd

    I don t write english good but I try to splain. buy this car past month in forth whorth, texas with 123,000 miles and bring to mexico 600 miles $50 dls gas, oil ok. only put in mexico a new timer chain. I think is the last report fron this car because I fix the papers and now is a "mexican car". I agree with the coments of previus owners is an excelent car, I never mistake is my 75 car in my life. in my 60 s.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • worry free car

    This great car has all the "big Car " options without the worry of gas prices,my car gets 34 mpg and I appreciate that now days.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • Good, solid car

    My parents bought this car practically new with 7K miles. Now almost ten years later, it has 93K miles on it and still runs like the day it was bought. All I had to do was do all the little stuff with maintaining a car, i.e changing the oil, transmission fluid, etc... Its going to be a sad day whenever I have to trade it in. Bottom line, its not the most attractive looking car with all the bells and whistles you get today with a standard car, but it gets you to point A to point B, with respectable gas mileage, if you treat it well.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 3.0
    Performance 3.0
    Value 4.0
    Exterior 3.0
    Reliability 4.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • Good Starter Car

    I've had my 2001 Sun Fire SE for the last three years. Other than regular maintenance (oil, brakes, alignment), the only problem I've had is cosmetic damage. I feel the body is of poor quality, as well as the interior materials. I bought it used with very little physical damage, but three years later, the appearance just got worse and worse. I live in Arizona, so sun damage is expected, but every Sun Fire I've seen has a very noticeable amount of sun damage, no matter the color. So, my complaint is that the car needs to have constant repair & maintenance after a few years on the road. The inside is worn down (seats, visor, dash board) and repair can be expensive. I definitely love my Sun Fire & will be sad to see it go.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 3.0
    Performance 4.0
    Value 4.0
    Exterior 3.0
    Reliability 3.0
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  • Take a lickin' and keeps on tickin'

    I bought this sturdy little car in 2003 used from a dealer with 39,000 miles on it. 7 years later and 100,000 more miles on it, this little car has been nothing but reliable. The timing chain broke on it (should have been changed at 80,00 miles) and the serpintine belt needed replacement, but that was to be expected especially since I've beat this car up, with maybe an oil change once a year and never a tune up. It's never left me stranded due to mechanical problems, and is one of the best cars GM ever made. Gas mileage is a dream, and if you're looking for a good used car for a great price, you'll be happy you got a Sunfire. I love mine, and even tho I need a bigger vehicle, I won't trade it in, just keep it until my grandkids need it.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • Awesome little car

    I bought my 2001 Sunfire 6 years ago and have never had a problem with it, and other than replacing batteries, tires and brakes, a few oil changes and a tune up this car is the most dependable vehicle I've ever had. IT has never left me stranded and It's so affordable, I'm hesitant to buy another car, but if I do it will be another Pontiac
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • Outstanding car

    I purchased this car for my daughter her freshman year in college in 2002 with 13,000 miles. It is now 2009 and has over 87,000 miles. this has been a fantastic car for her. It has always been dependable. She has driven it from Virginia, Ohio and Florida. We've put on two sets of tires, two sets of brakes rotated and changed oil every five thousand miles and a tune-up. I can't wait until she buys a new car so I can get it back.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 3.0
    Interior 3.0
    Performance 3.0
    Value 4.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 4.0
    1 person out of 1 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • I love this car!

    I bought my car in October of 2006. In the 2 years I've had it I haven't had any problems at all. I wash it, keep the oil changed, and I don't mishandle it. I used to drive a 16 year old ford ranger, so this car has been heaven since I bought it. The only thing I wish it had was power locks and power windows. Other than that, I love my car and will drive it until it dies or I can afford a hybrid.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 4.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 5.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
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FAQ

What trim levels are available for the 2001 Pontiac Sunfire?

The 2001 Pontiac Sunfire is available in 2 trim levels:

  • GT (1 style)
  • SE (2 styles)

What is the MPG of the 2001 Pontiac Sunfire?

The 2001 Pontiac Sunfire offers up to 23 MPG in city driving and 29 MPG on the highway. These figures are based on EPA mileage ratings and are for comparison purposes only. The actual mileage will vary depending on vehicle options, trim level, driving conditions, driving habits, vehicle maintenance, and other factors.

Is the 2001 Pontiac Sunfire reliable?

The 2001 Pontiac Sunfire has an average reliability rating of 4.3 out of 5 according to cars.com consumers. Find real-world reliability insights within consumer reviews from 2001 Pontiac Sunfire owners.

Is the 2001 Pontiac Sunfire a good Coupe?

Below are the cars.com consumers ratings for the 2001 Pontiac Sunfire. 92.9% of drivers recommend this vehicle.

4.3 / 5
Based on 14 reviews
  • Comfort: 4.4
  • Interior: 4.0
  • Performance: 4.3
  • Value: 4.5
  • Exterior: 4.2
  • Reliability: 4.3
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