Pontiac Sunfire
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{{Infobox Automobile
|name=Pontiac Sunfire
|image=Image:1999 Pontiac Sunfire.jpg
|manufacturer=General Motors
|production=1995–2005
|class=Compact
|platform=FF J-body
|body_style=2-door convertible
2-door coupé
4-door sedan
|related=Chevrolet Cavalier
|predecessor=Pontiac Sunbird
|successor=Pontiac G4 (Mexico)
Pontiac G5 (USA)
Pontiac Pursuit (Canada)
Pontiac Vibe
|similar=Ford Focus
Dodge Neon
Toyota Corolla
Mazda Protege
}}
The Pontiac Sunfire was a compact car made by the Pontiac Motor Division of General Motors. It was introduced as a 1995 model year replacement for the Sunbird. Not only was the name changed, but dramatic styling changes were included as well. The new styling was shared with the Chevrolet Cavalier, though Chevrolet did not change the Cavalier name. Also during this time, the J platform was updated structurally to meet more stringent safety standards. The Sunfire could be purchased as a coupé or a convertible. However, the convertible models were not sold after the year 2000, when Pontiac introduced a refreshed Sunfire. The Sunfire name was recycled from the Canada-only Asuna Sunfire sold only in 1993 (note Asuna was a Canada-only division for General Motors for only 1993).
The Pontiac Sunfire was available in standard and GT trim. In the US, only the coupe was available from 2003 to 2005, becoming the only sports car on Pontiac's lineup between the demise of the Pontiac Firebird in 2002 and the relaunch of the Pontiac GTO in 2004. The sedan was replaced by the Vibe for 2003, but the sedan continued to be sold in Canada until the Sunfire was discontinued.
Sunfires were built in Lordstown, Ohio or Ramos Arizpe, Mexico. Production of the Sunfire ended in June 2005. Over 36,000 Sunfires were sold in the US and 33,724 units were sold in Canada in 2004, each for approximately US$11,500. The Sunfire has, as of 2006, not yet been replaced in the US market, while GM Canada sells a version of the Chevrolet Cobalt as the Pontiac Pursuit.
Engines:
- 1995 - 2.3 L (138 in³) Quad-4 I4, 145 hp (108 kW) and 150 ft·lbf (203 N·m)
- 1995–2002 - 2.2 L (134 in³) 2200 I4, 115 hp (86 kW) and 130 ft·lbf (176 N·m)
- 1996–2002 - 2.4 L (146 in³) LD9 I4, 155 hp (116 kW) and 155 ft·lbf (210 N·m)
- 2002–2005 - 2.2 L (134 in³) Ecotec I4, 140 hp (104 kW) and 150 ft·lbf (203 N·m)
The base model had the 2.2 L engine from 1995 until 2002. The sporty GT model had a much more powerful 2.3 L engine in 1995, which was replaced by an even more powerful 2.4 L engine in 1996. In 2003, both the 2.2 L and the 2.4 L engines were replaced by the new 2.2 L Ecotec. The Ecotec was also available as an option in late 2002.