Body style: Coupé (two-door)
Segment: Coupe
Production years: 2000, 2001, 2002
Pontiac introduced a facelifted version for its small-sized Sunfire lineup in 2000, continuing its struggle against imported sport compact vehicles.
While Pontiac was known for some sporty models, such as the Firebird or the GTO, the Sunfire was yet to make a name for itself. After it replaced the Sunbird with the Sunfire, the small-sized coupe also adopted a sleeker look, and the refreshed version went even further, adding some cues from its bigger brothers. Unfortunately for Pontiac, its main competitor was its sibling, the Chevrolet Cavalier coupe, which was sold in five-time higher volumes than the Sunfire.
The car's front fascia received a lower apron that resembled the one installed on the Firebird, with a V-shaped lower section split in three areas by oblique slats. Depending on the version, the small coupe featured two air intakes in the bumper's upper section that helped cool the engine. Still, its headlights were not exactly up to date, sporting a rectangular shape, and leaned on the hood. From its profile, the cab-rearward profile was ended by a short, sloped-down deck. A wing was available as an option.
Inside, the affordable coupe was fitted with cheap plastic materials on the dashboard, but the overall design was good. The tilt-forward front bucket seats were bolstered for some side support, and the instrument cluster was fitted with easy-to-read dials for the speedometer, tachometer, fuel level, and coolant temperature. In the back, the automaker offered room for two, but with minimal headroom and legroom.
Under the hood, Pontiac installed a choice of engines carried over from GM's parts bin. The five-speed manual was standard across the range, while a four-speed automatic was available at extra cost.
ENGINE SPECS - 2.2L 5MT FWD (116 HP) | |
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Cylinders: | L4 |
Displacement: | 2189 cm3 |
Power: | 86 KW @ 5000 RPM 117 HP @ 5000 RPM 115 BHP @ 5000 RPM |
Torque: | 135 lb-ft @ 3600 RPM 183 Nm @ 3600 RPM |
Fuel System: | Multipoint Injection |
Fuel: | Gasoline |
Fuel capacity: | 15.3 gallons (57.9 L) |
PERFORMANCE SPECS | |
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Top Speed: | 109 mph (175 km/h) |
TRANSMISSION SPECS | |
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Drive Type: | Front Wheel Drive |
Gearbox: | 5-Speed manual |
BRAKES SPECS | |
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Front: | Ventilated Discs |
Rear: | Drums |
TIRES SPECS | |
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Tire Size: | 195/70R14 |
DIMENSIONS | |
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Length: | 182 in (4623 mm) |
Width: | 68.4 in (1737 mm) |
Height: | 53 in (1346 mm) |
Front/rear Track: | 57.6/56.4 in (1,463/1,433 mm) |
Wheelbase: | 104.1 in (2644 mm) |
Ground Clearance: | 5.9 in (150 mm) |
Cargo Volume: | 12.4 cuFT (351 L) |
WEIGHT SPECS | |
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Unladen Weight: | 2606 lbs (1182 kg) |
FUEL ECONOMY (NEDC) | |
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City: | 23.5 mpg US (10 L/100Km) |
Highway: | 36.8 mpg US (6.4 L/100Km) |
ENGINE SPECS - 2.2L Ecotec 5MT FWD (190 HP) | |
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Cylinders: | L4 |
Displacement: | 2189 cm3 |
Power: | 104 KW @ 5600 RPM 141 HP @ 5600 RPM 139 BHP @ 5600 RPM |
Torque: | 150 lb-ft @ 4000 RPM 203 Nm @ 4000 RPM |
Fuel System: | Multipoint Injection |
Fuel: | Gasoline |
Fuel capacity: | 15.3 gallons (57.9 L) |
PERFORMANCE SPECS | |
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Top Speed: | 118 mph (190 km/h) |
TRANSMISSION SPECS | |
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Drive Type: | Front Wheel Drive |
Gearbox: | 5-Speed manual |
BRAKES SPECS | |
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Front: | Ventilated Discs |
Rear: | Drums |
TIRES SPECS | |
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Tire Size: | 195/70R14 |
DIMENSIONS | |
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Length: | 182 in (4623 mm) |
Width: | 68.4 in (1737 mm) |
Height: | 53 in (1346 mm) |
Front/rear Track: | 57.6/56.4 in (1,463/1,433 mm) |
Wheelbase: | 104.1 in (2644 mm) |
Ground Clearance: | 5.9 in (150 mm) |
Cargo Volume: | 12.4 cuFT (351 L) |
FUEL ECONOMY (NEDC) | |
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City: | 24 mpg US (9.8 L/100Km) |
Highway: | 33.1 mpg US (7.1 L/100Km) |
Combined: | 28 mpg US (8.4 L/100Km) |
ENGINE SPECS - 2.4L 5MT FWD (150 HP) | |
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Cylinders: | L4 |
Displacement: | 2392 cm3 |
Power: | 110.3 KW @ 5600 RPM 150 HP @ 5600 RPM 148 BHP @ 5600 RPM |
Torque: | 155 lb-ft @ 4400 RPM 210 Nm @ 4400 RPM |
Fuel System: | Multipoint Injection |
Fuel: | Gasoline |
Fuel capacity: | 15.3 gallons (57.9 L) |
PERFORMANCE SPECS | |
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Top Speed: | 118 mph (190 km/h) |
TRANSMISSION SPECS | |
---|---|
Drive Type: | Front Wheel Drive |
Gearbox: | 5-Speed manual |
BRAKES SPECS | |
---|---|
Front: | Ventilated Discs |
Rear: | Drums |
TIRES SPECS | |
---|---|
Tire Size: | 195/70R14 |
DIMENSIONS | |
---|---|
Length: | 182 in (4623 mm) |
Width: | 68.4 in (1737 mm) |
Height: | 53 in (1346 mm) |
Front/rear Track: | 57.6/56.4 in (1,463/1,433 mm) |
Wheelbase: | 104.1 in (2644 mm) |
Ground Clearance: | 5.9 in (150 mm) |
Cargo Volume: | 12.4 cuFT (351 L) |
WEIGHT SPECS | |
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Unladen Weight: | 2800 lbs (1270 kg) |
FUEL ECONOMY (NEDC) | |
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City: | 22 mpg US (10.7 L/100Km) |
Highway: | 31.8 mpg US (7.4 L/100Km) |