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2003
Pontiac Sunfire

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$14,930
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2003 Pontiac Sunfire 2003 Pontiac Sunfire 2003 Pontiac Sunfire 2003 Pontiac Sunfire 2003 Pontiac Sunfire 2003 Pontiac Sunfire 2003 Pontiac Sunfire 2003 Pontiac Sunfire 2003 Pontiac Sunfire 2003 Pontiac Sunfire 2003 Pontiac Sunfire 2003 Pontiac Sunfire 2003 Pontiac Sunfire 2003 Pontiac Sunfire 2003 Pontiac Sunfire 2003 Pontiac Sunfire

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Expert 2003 Pontiac Sunfire review

our expert's take
Our expert's take
By
Full article
our expert's take

You can still buy an awful lot of car these days for $20,000.

In the sporty two-door segment, your choices include the Acura RSX, the Hyundai Tiburon, the Mitsubishi Eclipse and the Toyota Celica. If your tastes are a little more eclectic, there are the Mini Cooper and the Volkswagen New Beetle. More conservative? The Chrysler Sebring and the Toyota Solara. Value-minded? You can choose from the Hyundai Accent, the Ford Focus and the Honda Civic.

These models all cost roughly the same as or less than the 2003 Pontiac Sunfire coupe we tested at $20,000.

And they’re all better cars.

He: I’m trying to find something kind to say about the Pontiac Sunfire, which received a bit of a face-lift for 2003, but I really can’t think of a single reason to choose this vehicle over any of its competitors. It’s been a while since I’ve given only a single point to one of our test cars, but I was so disappointed by the “new and improved” Sunfire, I couldn’t bring myself to be more generous.

She: I’d like to think that the Sunfire is not as bad as you make it out to be. It certainly has more personality than something like the conservative Civic. You know it’s a Pontiac at a glance, which is a real plus when so many cars today just seem like a total blur on the road. The Sunfire comes equipped with a twin-cam 2.2-liter four-cylinder engine that makes 140 horsepower, so it’s a decent performer, and it returns up to 33 miles per gallon on the highway, according to the EPA. It’s American-made, built in Lordstown, Ohio, a fact that seems to be increasingly important for some buyers. In short, I’m just glad that you haven’t written down all my faults, like you did with the Pontiac.

He: Honey, let me put it this way — you’re no Sunfire. When I went over the car in detail, I wound up with a whole mini checklist of flaws, none of which were really major, but when combined seem really staggering in a single vehicle. The cabin, where you spend most of your time, is the biggest offender. Just to cite a few problem areas, the mouse-fur material on the headliner and visors is puckered and tacky. The new seat fabric is garish and cheap-looking, and the front seatbacks are especially crummy. Individual plastic pieces are sloppily installed — the caps over the seat-belt reels, for instance — and there are uneven gaps nearly everywhere you look. If we saw this kind of stuff on a Korean or a Japanese car, we would crucify it. Sorry, but it’s equally unacceptable on an American-made product.

She: Maybe we just got one bad apple. You can see that the concept was a good one. The cockpit is sporty, not stodgy, with the leather-wrapped shifter and steering wheel. The sculpted door panels give it more of a race car feel — again, more personality than even some of the highly-touted Japanese competitors. Which is not to say that I didn’t have my own issues with the Sunfire. I couldn’t figure out why the driver’s vis or hit the rear-view mirror when you put it down. Or why the front seat belt strangles you when you’re trying to climb in and out of the rear. Or why there are no amenities in the rear seat, like cupholders. I did like the 60/40 split rear seat. But when you tally all the negatives, in my book, the Sunfire is barely average.

He: We don’t see things eye to eye — as usual. Think of what else you can buy for $20,000. The list is amazing. You can get a Dodge SRT-4 for $20,000. You can get a Ford SVT Focus for $20,000. You can even get an Accord coupe for $20,000. Those are all superior cars for the money. In this kind of company, a Saturn Ion is average; the Pontiac Sunfire is subpar. No, I would put it right at the bottom of the list.

She: I’m bothered by the a la carte pricing menu on the Sunfire, and the fact that our test car was loaded with $5,000 worth of options. Everything from anti-lock brakes and side air bags to a CD player and even the console cupholder co extra. So I can only imagine what the base car, at $15,000, looks like.

He: If the Sunfire came fully loaded for $15,000, it would still be a bad deal. Until General Motors Corp. greatly improves the quality, the look and the feel of its small cars, particularly the interiors, it will never be fully competitive with Ford and Dodge — let alone the foreign brands.

Paul’s rating: Unacceptable

Likes: Distinctive front-end styling — you know it’s a Pontiac. Decent engine performance.

Dislikes: Grossly overpriced against much better competitors. Garish, cheap-looking seat fabric. Not enough rear head or leg room. Front passenger seat doesn’t go back far enough. New rear-end styling mimics Hyundai Tiburon. Window switches in the wrong place.

Anita’s rating: Subpar

Likes: Sporty, not stodgy, with spoiler and leather-wrapped steering wheel. Sculpted doors give cockpit a race car feel. American-made, for people who care.

Dislikes: eat belt strangles you when climbing in and out of rear. No amenities in rear seat. Drivers visor hits rear-view mirror. Boring monochromatic interior looks plasticky. Too much a la carte pricing.

2003 Pontiac Sunfire

Type: Front-engine, front-wheel drive, five-passenger coupe

Price (includes $565 destination charge, less $555 package discount): Base, $14,910; as tested, $20,000

Engine: 2.2-liter I-4; 140-hp; 150 lb-ft torque

EPA fuel economy: 24 mpg city/33 mpg highway

Key competitors: Acura RSX, Chevrolet Cavalier, Chrysler Sebring, Dodge Stratus, Ford Focus, Honda Accord, Honda Civic, Hyundai Accent, Hyundai Tiburon, Mini Cooper, Mitsubishi Eclipse, Oldsmobile Alero, Saturn Ion, Toyota Camry Solara, Toyota Celica, Toyota Echo, Volkswagen Golf, Volkswagen New Beetle

12-month insurance cost (Estimated by AAA Michigan. Rates may vary depending on coverage and driving record.): $1,406

Where built: Lordstown, Ohio

2003 Pontiac Sunfire review: Our expert's take
By

You can still buy an awful lot of car these days for $20,000.

In the sporty two-door segment, your choices include the Acura RSX, the Hyundai Tiburon, the Mitsubishi Eclipse and the Toyota Celica. If your tastes are a little more eclectic, there are the Mini Cooper and the Volkswagen New Beetle. More conservative? The Chrysler Sebring and the Toyota Solara. Value-minded? You can choose from the Hyundai Accent, the Ford Focus and the Honda Civic.

These models all cost roughly the same as or less than the 2003 Pontiac Sunfire coupe we tested at $20,000.

And they’re all better cars.

He: I’m trying to find something kind to say about the Pontiac Sunfire, which received a bit of a face-lift for 2003, but I really can’t think of a single reason to choose this vehicle over any of its competitors. It’s been a while since I’ve given only a single point to one of our test cars, but I was so disappointed by the “new and improved” Sunfire, I couldn’t bring myself to be more generous.

She: I’d like to think that the Sunfire is not as bad as you make it out to be. It certainly has more personality than something like the conservative Civic. You know it’s a Pontiac at a glance, which is a real plus when so many cars today just seem like a total blur on the road. The Sunfire comes equipped with a twin-cam 2.2-liter four-cylinder engine that makes 140 horsepower, so it’s a decent performer, and it returns up to 33 miles per gallon on the highway, according to the EPA. It’s American-made, built in Lordstown, Ohio, a fact that seems to be increasingly important for some buyers. In short, I’m just glad that you haven’t written down all my faults, like you did with the Pontiac.

He: Honey, let me put it this way — you’re no Sunfire. When I went over the car in detail, I wound up with a whole mini checklist of flaws, none of which were really major, but when combined seem really staggering in a single vehicle. The cabin, where you spend most of your time, is the biggest offender. Just to cite a few problem areas, the mouse-fur material on the headliner and visors is puckered and tacky. The new seat fabric is garish and cheap-looking, and the front seatbacks are especially crummy. Individual plastic pieces are sloppily installed — the caps over the seat-belt reels, for instance — and there are uneven gaps nearly everywhere you look. If we saw this kind of stuff on a Korean or a Japanese car, we would crucify it. Sorry, but it’s equally unacceptable on an American-made product.

She: Maybe we just got one bad apple. You can see that the concept was a good one. The cockpit is sporty, not stodgy, with the leather-wrapped shifter and steering wheel. The sculpted door panels give it more of a race car feel — again, more personality than even some of the highly-touted Japanese competitors. Which is not to say that I didn’t have my own issues with the Sunfire. I couldn’t figure out why the driver’s vis or hit the rear-view mirror when you put it down. Or why the front seat belt strangles you when you’re trying to climb in and out of the rear. Or why there are no amenities in the rear seat, like cupholders. I did like the 60/40 split rear seat. But when you tally all the negatives, in my book, the Sunfire is barely average.

He: We don’t see things eye to eye — as usual. Think of what else you can buy for $20,000. The list is amazing. You can get a Dodge SRT-4 for $20,000. You can get a Ford SVT Focus for $20,000. You can even get an Accord coupe for $20,000. Those are all superior cars for the money. In this kind of company, a Saturn Ion is average; the Pontiac Sunfire is subpar. No, I would put it right at the bottom of the list.

She: I’m bothered by the a la carte pricing menu on the Sunfire, and the fact that our test car was loaded with $5,000 worth of options. Everything from anti-lock brakes and side air bags to a CD player and even the console cupholder co extra. So I can only imagine what the base car, at $15,000, looks like.

He: If the Sunfire came fully loaded for $15,000, it would still be a bad deal. Until General Motors Corp. greatly improves the quality, the look and the feel of its small cars, particularly the interiors, it will never be fully competitive with Ford and Dodge — let alone the foreign brands.

Paul’s rating: Unacceptable

Likes: Distinctive front-end styling — you know it’s a Pontiac. Decent engine performance.

Dislikes: Grossly overpriced against much better competitors. Garish, cheap-looking seat fabric. Not enough rear head or leg room. Front passenger seat doesn’t go back far enough. New rear-end styling mimics Hyundai Tiburon. Window switches in the wrong place.

Anita’s rating: Subpar

Likes: Sporty, not stodgy, with spoiler and leather-wrapped steering wheel. Sculpted doors give cockpit a race car feel. American-made, for people who care.

Dislikes: eat belt strangles you when climbing in and out of rear. No amenities in rear seat. Drivers visor hits rear-view mirror. Boring monochromatic interior looks plasticky. Too much a la carte pricing.

2003 Pontiac Sunfire

Type: Front-engine, front-wheel drive, five-passenger coupe

Price (includes $565 destination charge, less $555 package discount): Base, $14,910; as tested, $20,000

Engine: 2.2-liter I-4; 140-hp; 150 lb-ft torque

EPA fuel economy: 24 mpg city/33 mpg highway

Key competitors: Acura RSX, Chevrolet Cavalier, Chrysler Sebring, Dodge Stratus, Ford Focus, Honda Accord, Honda Civic, Hyundai Accent, Hyundai Tiburon, Mini Cooper, Mitsubishi Eclipse, Oldsmobile Alero, Saturn Ion, Toyota Camry Solara, Toyota Celica, Toyota Echo, Volkswagen Golf, Volkswagen New Beetle

12-month insurance cost (Estimated by AAA Michigan. Rates may vary depending on coverage and driving record.): $1,406

Where built: Lordstown, Ohio

Safety review

Based on the 2003 Pontiac Sunfire base trim
NHTSA crash test and rollover ratings, scored out of 5.
Frontal driver
4/5
Frontal passenger
4/5
Nhtsa rollover rating
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

4.1 / 5
Based on 23 reviews
Write a review
Comfort 3.6
Interior 4.0
Performance 4.2
Value 4.4
Exterior 4.2
Reliability 4.2

Most recent

  • I bought this car for $2000 in 2022 and it has performed

    I bought this car for $2000 in 2022 and it has performed like a new car. It burns no oil between changes, everything works, the interior has no issues and no tears or rips. The exterior has some rust bottom of gas cap. Put new tires and fuel pump but at my age getting hard to get into. Hate to get rid of it but time for maybe a SUV.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 3.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 4.0
    Value 4.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 4.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • I miss Pontiac

    Well it's 2023 and I still have my 20 year old 2003. Everyone in the family calls it Bluey and when this thing is polished up it still has a beautiful blue mirror shine on it. Always get a thumbs up and always asked if I want to sell it. 110,000 miles .Best every day car I ever owned. This car has only broken down on me 1 time in 12 years where I had to take it to a shop and replace transmission shifting link. It was made of plastic, 125 bucks. Thats it.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Having fun
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 4.0
    Value 4.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • Runs really well

    Was a really good car just want something a little nicer and faster really looking for a Mazda so if you have a trade offer let me know.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Having fun
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 4.0
    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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  • My first Pontiac

    I loved my Sunfire, it was fun to drive,reliable, good on gas, sporty styling, and a beautiful shade of blue. Shortly after buying this car Pontiac went under, so this was my first and last new Pontiac. Unfortunately age and climate took it's toll and had to put the Sunfire into retirement
    • Purchased a New 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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  • My Ride or Die

    I just hit 250k miles on my car last week and it is still running great. I?ve only had to replace the alternator on it in the 10 years I?ve owned it and replace the shifter link). It?s survived the 4 accidents (never at fault), Atlanta?s commute and traffic and is always reliable. I absolutely love my car and will keep driving it even though I can afford a new one. I can?t wait until I hit 300k.
    • 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
    1 person out of 1 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • Long Lasting Vehicle

    This car is cheap and lasts a long time. My car has 205k miles on it and still works. It has its ups and downs, but what car doesn't when it gets to that many miles? It is fairly cheap to repair any of the damaged parts, and it is a smooth riding car.
    • 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 4.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • Funnest Car Ever

    My 2003 Pontiac Sunfire was by the far the funnest car I've ever owned. It was my first car right when I turned 16 I purchased it. And I had it for 8 years. It was a little rocket and handled amazingly. The interior was pretty cramped (it was a two door) but definitely will probably be my favorite car of all time. Now I drive a Honda Accord and it just doesn't have the spunk as the Sunfire did.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 2.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
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  • A reliable little car for the daily commute.

    This is a great dependable little car if your looking for something to get you back and forth to work and getting from point A to point B. I bought mine used, it has the 5 speed manual transmission and it's been very dependable, good performance and great gas mileage. I've always been a big pickup truck type of fella, but I have to admit this little car is fun to drive....it's like driving a glorified go-cart around town and the great gas mileage is very nice too. The only negative thing I can say about this car is; it's not very roomy inside and I do feel a bit smothered, but then again I'm used to driving big roomy pickup trucks and don't never plan on taking this car on long road trip either.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 3.0
    Interior 3.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 5.0
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  • A sea of troubles

    I bought this car used at 93K miles. It was a great car to learn stick shift on, i.e. it was cheap enough that I wasn't TOO worried about messing things up. Then the troubles started. First, the right light sagged. Then there was an electrical issue where the horn didn't work. Then the slave cylinder gave out (which would have cost about as much as I paid for the car had some friends and I not repaired it ourselves). Then the ignition cap. Then the catalytic converter. Then the O2 sensor. All within a year and a half of owning the vehicle. Finally, the frame rusted through and I had to say goodbye to the short-lived steed. It lasted about 1.5 years and 6,000 miles.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does not recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 3.0
    Performance 3.0
    Value 2.0
    Exterior 3.0
    Reliability 1.0
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  • 2003 sunfire

    A great little car that does just what its suppose to do and that is to get from point a to point b and use as little of gas as possible. Had the 2005 and sold it to my daughter. Seating in this car is much more comfortable as the seats are much more padded. (giving up about 2 inches to the wheel because of the padding. Drives perfect as did my 2005. If you have 80k you might consider changing out the struts. You'll be glad you did. my 2003 also has abs,traction control,and a moonroof.Also, if you've got a little extra cash i would advise bigger tires. 205-55r or 60r 15's for the front and 215's for the back. Handles a whole lot better when you get this done as well. Will i buy another one. maybe not because when I'm done with this one their probably wont be another one out there with less than 50k.
    • 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
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  • Love the Sunfire - Owned three of them

    Great car - I step on the gas and it moves. Fun car; love the looks that's why I've owned three of them. Only problem I've ever had was the auto-window switch that I replaced on one car. Very dependable; so sorry they don't make them any more.
    • 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
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • The Best First car a person could have

    i love this care. its the best standard car i've ever driven. its small but i love that about it. its perfect for me. It also saves a ton of money on gas.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    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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FAQ

What trim levels are available for the 2003 Pontiac Sunfire?

The 2003 Pontiac Sunfire is available in 1 trim level:

  • (1 style)

What is the MPG of the 2003 Pontiac Sunfire?

The 2003 Pontiac Sunfire offers up to 24 MPG in city driving and 33 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 2003 Pontiac Sunfire reliable?

The 2003 Pontiac Sunfire has an average reliability rating of 4.2 out of 5 according to cars.com consumers. Find real-world reliability insights within consumer reviews from 2003 Pontiac Sunfire owners.

Is the 2003 Pontiac Sunfire a good Coupe?

Below are the cars.com consumers ratings for the 2003 Pontiac Sunfire. 82.6% of drivers recommend this vehicle.

4.1 / 5
Based on 23 reviews
  • Comfort: 3.6
  • Interior: 4.0
  • Performance: 4.2
  • Value: 4.4
  • Exterior: 4.2
  • Reliability: 4.2
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