With the introduction of the all-new 2005 Pontiac Pursuit, the Pontiac Sunfire has been discontinued. Its sibling Chevrolet Cavalier is also gone, replaced by the Cobalt. You’re left with whatever Sunfire sedans are left on dealer lots, although before production ceased, the Sunfire added a new Sport Appearance Package and four new exterior colours.
The Sunfire comes in SL or SLX trim, both with a gutsy little 2.2-litre Ecotec inline four-cylinder engine. The base transmission is a five-speed manual with an optional four-speed automatic.
Standard features on the SL include fog lights, manual mirrors with left-side remote, 14-inch steel wheels, fixed-delay wipers, electric trunk release, cloth seats, 60/40 folding rear seat, and AM/FM stereo with four speakers.
The SLX adds power mirrors, power locks with keyless entry, tilt wheel, power windows, and CD player with six speakers.
Although it’s not up to the quality of many of its Japanese rivals, the Sunfire holds its own alongside most of the domestic and Korean offerings. While the Cavalier is the same car, the Pontiac’s stylized nose makes it arguably better-looking. The Pursuit is a better vehicle, but the Sunfire is no slouch; for the price tag, it’s a fun little car to drive.
That price tag will mean even more, as dealers slash them to move inventory off the lots. You’ll have to take what you can get, but expect deals that may undercut the cheapest and smallest cars from entry-level rivals.
The Sunfire is built in Ramos Arizpe, Mexico.
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