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| Ratings |
( Maximum score is 100 ) |
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| Overall: |
 ( 100 )
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| Comfort: |
( 100 )
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| Performance: |
( 100 )
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| Quality: |
 ( 80 )
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| Appearance: |
( 100 )
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| Comments |
Favorite feature: |
powerful engine and sporty look |
Least favorite feature: |
cheap interior |
Advice to buyer: |
If you take care of it |
Detailed review: |
Outside, the '03-'05 Sunfire is beautiful. The exterior styling of the 2-door coupe couldn't be better. It looks much more sporty than it's sister the Cavalier. The silver paint job on my car is very shiny when clean and I get a fair amount of heads to turn as I drive down the street. Most cars in this class aren't about unique style, this one is.
The interior design is nice, but feels somewhat cheap. That is to be expected on a car of this price, however. So far the only problem I've found is that the door handles began to rattle over bumps after a couple months.
The front seats feel very comfortable, and I have no strains or aches after driving for even two hours at a time. In front there is more than enough room (for myself), although tall people may not think so. The back seats are for children or luggage only.
The engine is great. It comes standard 2.2L 16-valve DOHC producing 140hp and 150lb of torque. If that doesn't mean anything to you, then neither will a 0-60mph time of 6.98 seconds. Compare that with the competition. The engine wants every ounce of gasoline you're willing to give it, and in return it'll give you quick acceleration and a governed top-end speed of 110mph in 4th gear at about 5000rpms. This car has enough power to get you moving, but you will feel it when you've got more than one passenger. To further stress that I really think the engine's much better than average, I have won several races on the open road with my Sunfire against other cars in it's class, namely the Tiburon, Scion tC, Civic, Corolla S, and Eclipse.
The Sunfire handles well, and the 5-speed manual transmission is forgiving to novice drivers, making it easy to learn. It shifts smooth, and the drive isn't near as bumpy as you'd expect from a car this size. The steering is responsive and smooth but not overly sensitive. Turning the wheel slightly isn't going to send you into the next lane unless you're meaning to. Dodging potholes is a piece of cake, but if you hit one, you'll feel it. Steering at speeds higher than 80 or 90mph isn't any more sensitive than you'd expect.
The trunk space is adequate. The 6 speakers it comes with sound great but the radio is a different story.
Overall, I'm very pleased with this car, and I'd reccomend it to anyone. It's fun to drive and looks great. |
Also considered: |
2005 Hyundai Tiburon
2002 Saturn SC2
2005 Chevrolet Cobalt
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Vehicle purchased: |
2005 Pontiac Sunfire
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| About This Reviewer... |
Name: |
Matt cstart |
Location: |
Fort Worth, Texas |
Other vehicles owned: |
None
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Review submitted: |
August 10, 2005 |
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