Pontiac Sunfire

The Pontiac Sunfire is a compact car by Pontiac that was introduced for the 1995 model year 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 redesigned Chevrolet Cavalier. Along with the fresh new look the J platform was updated structurally to meet more stringent safety standards for the 1996 model year.

Pontiac Sunfire
Overview
ManufacturerGeneral Motors
Production1994–2005
Model years1995–2005
AssemblyLansing, Michigan, United States (convertible only)
Lordstown, Ohio, United States
Ramos Arizpe, Coahuila, Mexico
Body and chassis
ClassCompact/sport Compact
Body style2-door convertible
2-door coupe
4-door sedan
LayoutFF layout
PlatformJ-body
RelatedChevrolet Cavalier
Powertrain
Engine2.2 L LN2 I4
2.2 L L61 I4
2.3 L LD2 I4
2.4 L LD9 I4
Transmission5-speed manual
3-speed automatic
4-speed automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase104.1 in (2,644 mm)
Length1995–97 Sedan & 2000–05 Coupe: 182 in (4,623 mm)
1998–99 Sedan: 181.7 in (4,615 mm)
1995–99 Coupe & Convertible: 181.9 in (4,620 mm)
2000–02 Sedan: 181.8 in (4,618 mm)
2003–05 Sedan: 183.2 in (4,653 mm)
WidthConvertible & 1995–97 Coupe: 67.4 in (1,712 mm)
1995–97 Sedan: 67.3 in (1,709 mm)
1998–2005 Coupe & Convertible: 68.4 in (1,737 mm)
Sedan: 67.9 in (1,725 mm)
Height1998–2005 Coupe: 53 in (1,346 mm)
1998–2005 Sedan: 54.7 in (1,389 mm)
1998–2005 Convertible: 53.7 in (1,364 mm)
1995–97 Coupe: 53.2 in (1,351 mm)
1995–97 Sedan: 54.8 in (1,392 mm)
1995–97 Convertible: 51.9 in (1,318 mm)
Curb weight2,605 lb (1,182 kg)
Chronology
PredecessorPontiac Sunbird
SuccessorPontiac G5

The Pontiac Sunfire went through two facelifts in its 11-year run. Once in 2000 which was a small redesign featuring the heavy plastic cladding look that was prevalent with Pontiac at the time, and more streamlined update in 2003. In the US, the coupe was the only model available from 2003 to 2005. The sedan continued to be sold in Canada and Mexico until the end of production on June 22, 2005. The last J-body car, a 2005 Sunfire, rolled off the assembly line on June 22, 2005. GM replaced the Sunfire with the G5 for the 2006 model year in Canada and the 2007 model year in the United States.

  • 1995-1999 Sunfire coupe
  • 1995–1999 Sunfire convertible
  • 2000–2002 Sunfire sedan
  • 2001 Sunfire GT coupe
  • 2003–2005 Sunfire sedan

Engines
1997 Pontiac Sunfire Twin Cam engine
2003 Pontiac Sunfire Ecotec engine
  • 1995 – 2.3 L (138 cu in) Quad 4 (RPO: LD2) I4, 150 hp (116 kW) and 150 lb⋅ft (203 N⋅m)
  • 1995–1997 – 2.2 L (134 cu in) 2200 (RPO: LN2) I4, 120 hp (89 kW) and 130 lb⋅ft (176 N⋅m)
  • 1998–2002 – 2.2 L (134 cu in) 2200 (RPO: LN2) I4, 115 hp (86 kW) and 135 lb⋅ft (183 N⋅m)
  • 1996–2002 – 2.4 L (146 cu in) Twin Cam (RPO: LD9) I4, 150 hp (112 kW) and 155 lb⋅ft (210 N⋅m)
  • 2002–2005 – 2.2 L (134 cu in) Ecotec (RPO: L61) I4, 140 hp (104 kW) and 150 lb⋅ft (203 N⋅m)

The base model had the 2.2 L engine from 1994 until 2002. The GT trim level had an optional, more powerful 2.3 L Quad 4 engine from 1994–1995, which was replaced by the 2.4 L LD9 engine in 1995. The 2.3 and 2.4 litre engines were optional in the 2 and 4 door LS trim level. In 2003, both the 2.2 L and the 2.4 L engines were replaced by the 2.2 L Ecotec engine, and would be the only powertrain available for the remainder of production. The Ecotec engine was also an option for the 2002 model year.[1]

Trim Levels

The Sunfire could be purchased as a sedan, coupe, or convertible. All three variations came in the standard SE trim level. An upscale GT trim level was available on the coupe and convertible. The GT trim level came standard with the 2.3 litre LD2 engine from 1994 to 1995 or the 2.4 litre LD9 "Twin Cam" engine (1996–2002), 16-inch alloy wheels, dual exhaust, and a more aggressive looking front fascia. The SE trim was the standard for the Sunfire which included the 2.2 litre 2200 OHV Engine. The 2.3/2.4 DOHC Engine was optional. Both the SE and GT trim levels were dropped after the 2002 model year, along with the 2.2 OHV and 2.4 DOHC engines. The 2.2 litre Ecotec was the only available engine as of the 2002 model year.[2]

Originally, the convertible was only in the SE trim level until the 1999 model year where it became only available in the GT trim. The convertible was discontinued after the 2000 model year. All Sunfire convertibles were assembled at the "Genesis" Lansing, Michigan Plant.[2]

Safety

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) gave the Sunfire a Poor rating in its frontal crash test.[3]

2004 National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Crash Test Ratings (coupe):[4]

Frontal Driver:

Frontal Passenger:

Side Driver:

Side Rear Passenger:

Rollover:

2002 National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Crash Test Ratings (sedan):[5]

Frontal Driver:

Frontal Passenger:

Side Driver:

Side Rear Passenger:

Rollover:

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References
  1. "2002 Pontiac Sunfire Review, Prices, Photos". New Car Test Drive. Retrieved 2010-04-02.
  2. "Pontiac Sunfire Review". Edmunds.com. Retrieved 2010-04-02.
  3. "IIHS-HLDI: Chevrolet Cavalier". Iihs.org. 2005-09-29. Retrieved 2010-04-02.
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