When was the last pontiac sunfire made

Furthermore, its seats don't offer much by way of comfort. Still, later models do offer impressive options like OnStar and satellite radio. In editorial reviews, the Pontiac Sunfire scored decent marks for overall handling, though its manual shifter drew some fire for being somewhat imprecise. The Ecotec engine was also praised for its power and smooth delivery.

We'd recommend avoiding this vehicle, but if you've got your heart set on one, choose a , or model to enjoy a Sunfire with the Ecotec, the model's best available engine. I got this car second-hand from a friend, so I know the entire history. Replaced the starter motor twice, the alternator once, brake pads three times, cooling fan once, several batteries, several sets of tires.

Thats it. The car still looks, runs and drives just like new after 17 years and , miles. Great handling, fun to drive, decent power and good gas mileage. My only complaint is that the ABS system seems to screw up on ice and snow. I think Id be better off without it, but its a minor issue. I always buy cheap, old beaters and this is far and away the best one ever. I think this will be the first of my cars to crack , miles. Bought this car used around July , as every 1st time car buyer I was skeptical at 1st but when I drove it for the 1st time I loved it.

Also the previous owner installed a Bluetooth radio so Im always jamming out. Now the car drives sooo smooth. However the check engine light keeps coming on and sometimes when driving all the dashboard lights come on and Im pretty sure its a sensor error somewhere. Every part of this car I want to restore before I eventually sell it but for now I really love this car.

I have a red se and still driving like a champ. Might have a few dents and sun damage but its a cool ass car. However room interior could be better. This car I can clearly tell was made for the younger generation. This car is a smart investment because if you have any problems its pretty cheap to fix than cars nowadays.

For an older car it sure keeps up with time. If you ever see these cars on the road especially any Pontiac brand that owner is probably proud of their car. Even though the car looks like a 40, dollar sportscar, it is about as good as a used car with a new paint job! Ive put more parts on that car in the first 50, miles than I put on my first car used.

I replaced two turn signal controls, the fuel pump, the left and the right power window motors, the pasanger seat adjusting handle, the heater temperature control and the seat belt lock. On top of that, you hear every sound outside.

Its like riding a bus. Did I forget to mention that the car will slide on spit. If it rains slightly, you should buckle up and say your prayers, that is if the buckle works. Ive taken it places that are made for 4 x 4s, yet suffered only minor brush scrapes to the paint from the tumbleweeds. This car is legend in my office for the abuse it has taken. I live far from dealerships--never had the recall items replaced. Manual transmission has decent acceleration for 4 cylinder. Perfect size for 53"" person, very comfortable.

Handles sudden stops well--had to slam the brakes and veer one eve to avoid a burro at 80 mph, slid and stopped without spinning or rolling.

I use my Sunfire as my work car. I practically abuse this car. I certainly dont baby it. It may get its oil changed every k, and couldnt tell you the last time I ever checked anything on it for maintenance. However, if a car platform has an issue, that will hurt the sales of every single model based upon it.

Something that makes proper execution of the relevant steps that much more important. In exchange, car platforms offer even bigger upsides. For starters, it enables car makers to save on costs. In part, this is because it costs them less to come up with a new model, not least because some of the process has already been handled. However, it should also be mentioned that the shared components enable them to get by with a smaller number of inventoried parts, which can make for surprisingly big savings in the grand scheme of things.

Combined, this reduction in costs is one of the factors that contribute to the increased flexibility offered by the use of car platforms. Simply put, car makers can use car platforms to release more models aimed at more markets.

Sometimes, these different markets are in the sense of different consumer bases, which is possible because a single car platform can be used to create different kinds of cars rather than just different models of cars. Other times, these different markets are in the sense of different geographical regions, which is important because different countries can have different rules as well as different preferences.

In any case, it is normal for car makers to release new cars on a regular basis. Theoretically, they could just sell the same car again and again for longer periods of time than they do in the present.

However, there are very good reasons why car makers release new cars at the rate that they do. As mentioned earlier, new technological advancements are being made on a constant basis.

Due to this, car makers need to continue making improvements to their products. Some of them might be tempted to stand still. However, the moment that they do so, they would be overtaken by their competitors, who could gain a competitive advantage in the process. This is particularly true because customers have become accustomed to this pace of releases. Not only did this little compact impress in a straight line, but also as a sensible commuter car, with MPG ratings of 23 city and 33 highway.

Impressive numbers, even for today. The GT scratched the performance itch for anyone looking for a solid commuter with some capable acceleration, with a time of only 7. The Pontiac Sunfire was created as a cheap commuter car with some dynamic styling, and thanks to that public perception of the car, the GT trim flew way under the radar, making for an extremely affordable slice of performance for drivers of all ages. Many GT owners weren't aware that they had a special Sunfire and sold them cheap to high school students and other first-time car buyers who were pleasantly surprised at the affordable performance found in the Sunfire.

Throughout the early s, Sunfire GTs could be found throughout America with simple mods installed that increased the performance of the little four-cylinder even more.

While the economy crashed in America in the mids, people turned to the capable Sunfire GT again, but not just for its performance, but also for its great fuel economy. By , the J platform had reached its conclusion. The GM Delta platform, which would hold the next compact giants for GM, the Chevy Cobalt , and the Pontiac G5, was taking over as the compact car platform, and the Sunfire was discontinued along with the Chevy Cavalier, in What was a fan favorite for Pontiac fans everywhere would be replaced by the Pontiac G5, a solid performer and strong offering for GM, but one that would fall flat in build quality in hindsight.