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Pontiac Sunfire
| |
| Pontiac Sunfire | |
|---|---|
| Pontiac | |
| Production | 1995-2005 |
| Class | Subcompact |
| Body Style | 2-Door Coupe 2-Door Convertible 4-Door Sedan |
| Length | 180.9" |
| Width | 68.7" |
| Height | 53" |
| Wheelbase | 104.1" |
| Weight | 2500-2800 lbs |
| Transmission | 5-Speed Manual, FWD 4-Speed Automatic, FWD |
| Engine | 2.2L (134 cid) I4 2.4L (138 cid) I4 |
| Power | 120-150 hp |
| Similar | Chevrolet Cavalier |
| Platform | J |
The Pontiac Sunfire was introduced in the 1995 model year as the subcompact car to replace the Sunbird. Not only was the name changed, but dramatic styling changes were included as well. The new styling was shared with the Chevrolet Cavalier, though Chevrolet did not change the Cavalier name. Also during this time, the J platform was updated structurally to meet more stringent safety standards. The Sunfire could be purchased as a 2-door coupe, 4-door sedan or a convertible. The Sunfire name was recycled from the Canada-only Asüna Sunfire sold only in 1993.
The Sunfire was available in standard or GT trim. The GT package was 2-door only and included a sporty front bumper, fog lights, twin exhausts, 16-inch alloy wheels and the more powerful 2.4 engine. In 2000, a revised front and rear fascia was introduced, which included relocating the reverse lights in the lower valance panel. The convertible would be dropped after 2000, and the 4-door sedan was dropped after 2002 - only the coupe remained from 2003 to 2005.
The base model had the 2.2L (134 cid) I4 engine from 1995 until 2002. The sporty GT model had a much more powerful 2.3L engine in 1995, which was replaced by an even more powerful 2.4 L engine in 1996. A 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission could be had with either engine. In 2003, both the 2.2 and 2.4 engines were replaced by the new 2.2 and 2.4L Ecotec - base engines remained at 120 hp while the 2.4 dropped 10 hp to 140. The Ecotec was also available as an option in late 2002. 2003 models got another new nose with an actual grille with the parking lights beside the headlights and a revised taillight panel, which relocated the reverse lights beside the license plate once again. No real changes to speak of for either 2004 or 2005, which would be the Sunfire's last. It would be replaced in 2007 by the G5.
Main Competitors
- Acura Integra/RSX
- Dodge Neon
- Eagle Summit
- Ford Escort/Focus
- Honda Civic
- Hyundai Accent
- Kia Sephia
- Mazda 323/Protege
- Mercury Tracer
- Mitsubishi Mirage
- Nissan Sentra
- Plymouth Neon
- Subaru Impreza
- Toyota Corolla
- Volkswagen Golf
