EDMUNDS.COM 2005 PONTIAC SUNFIRE
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 Summary
What Edmunds.com Says
Despite a peppy engine and a few neat options, this decade-old economy coupe is outclassed by newer competitors.
Pros
Low price, torquey four-cylinder engine, optional satellite radio and OnStar.
Cons
Overall design showing its age, low resale value, poor side-impact and front-offset crash test results.
What''s New for 2005
Other than revised package content, the Sunfire continues unchanged.
Overview
Introduction:
First introduced in the spring of 1981, the Sunbird, a corporate twin of the Chevrolet Cavalier, was designated as Pontiac''s entry-level import fighter going up against foes like the Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla. For more than two decades now, the Sunbird, and its similarly named successor, the Sunfire, have filled that role. The philosophy behind the car is simple: Give customers with limited budgets a well-appointed, reliable car that can still masquerade as a sport coupe. Sedan and convertible body styles were available as well. Improvements over the years attempted to keep the Sunbird competitive, but it hung on without a full redesign through the early ''90s. Finally, in 1995, an all-new car bearing the Sunfire name arrived. Now 10 years later, the Sunfire has received no substantive changes since its 1995 introduction -- as a result, the car seems archaic next to modern competitors. The fact that the sporty GT coupe and the convertible models have been discontinued further reduces the Sunfire''s ability to distinguish itself from the import and domestic competition. And as of 2003, the sedan was scrapped as well, leaving only a base Sunfire coupe. A recent facelift was intended to keep it competitive for a few more years, but there''s only so much you can do to mask decade-old engineering. As far as we''re concerned, budget coupe shoppers would do a lot better with cars like the Ford Focus ZX3, Honda Civic Coupe and Hyundai Tiburon.
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For Pricing information, see Edmunds'' Pricing page. |
Body Styles, Trim Levels and Options:
The Sunfire is available as a two-door coupe only, but three different options packages allow varying levels of feature content. The base package includes a standard AM/FM stereo, rear spoiler and air conditioning, while the midlevel 1SB package adds a tilt steering wheel, carpeted floor mats, an easy-entry front-passenger seat and a CD player to the standard equipment list. The top-level 1SC package decks the Sunfire out with an overhead console, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, cruise control, keyless entry, alloy wheels, ABS and upgraded cloth bucket seats with adjustable lumbar support for the driver. Available options include power windows, side-impact airbags, the OnStar communications system, a sunroof and a Monsoon premium stereo.
Powertrains and Performance:
Unlike years past, there is only one engine available for 2005 -- the 2.2-liter Ecotec four-cylinder. With 140 horsepower and 150 pound-feet of torque, it compares favorably with most other vehicles in its class. It''s made entirely of aluminum and boasts dual-overhead camshafts and four valves per cylinder for maximum efficiency and power. The standard transmission is a five-speed manual with a four-speed automatic available as part of an option package. EPA mileage estimates are 24 city/32 highway for the four-speed automatic and 25 city/33 highway for cars equipped with the five-speed manual.
Safety:
Side-impact airbags and ABS are available on models equipped with certain option packages. Crash tests conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) produced middling results. The Sunfire earned four out of five stars for the driver and front passenger in frontal crash tests, but only one star for the driver in the side-impact test (a Sunfire equipped with side airbags has yet to be tested). The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) gave the Sunfire a rating of "Poor," its lowest, after conducting its frontal offset crash test.
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For more Safety information, see Edmunds'' Safety page. |
Interior Design and Special Features:
The Sunfire''s interior has never been one of its strong points. The seats aren''t very comfortable, and the build and materials quality leaves a lot to be desired. Although most cars in this class lack much design flair, the Sunfire still manages to pale in comparison. The fact that both OnStar and XM Satellite Radio are available gives the Sunfire a slight technological edge over its competitors, but it doesn''t make up for the dated appearance of everything inside and out.
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For more Interior Features information, see Edmunds'' Specifications page. |
Driving Impressions:
Unlike its less technologically advanced predecessors, the Ecotec four-cylinder is a thoroughly modern engine that provides good power and a smooth delivery. The five-speed shifter isn''t the most precise unit we''ve tested, so if you can afford it, go with the smooth-shifting four-speed automatic instead. The handling is acceptable for a car in this class, with reasonably good manners in corners and a compliant suspension that delivers a decent highway ride. But expect a harsher ride over bumps and ruts than you would in newer competitors.
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For more Driving Impressions, Recent Articles and Car Awards from Edmunds'' editors, see Edmunds'' Road Tests page. |
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