2002 Pontiac Sunfire

PONTIAC SUNFIRE - CONTEMPORIZING PONTIAC EXCITEMENT FOR THE 21st CENTURY

Introduced at the 2002 Chicago Auto Show, the 2003 Pontiac Sunfire sports a stylishly aerodynamic appearance, more standard equipment, more standard power and torque, and illustrates the way the division is contemporizing Pontiac Excitement for the 21st century.
Exterior enhancements
Sunfire's exterior styling changes for 2003 begin up front, where the cat-eye headlamps and new, integrated turn signals extend further into the hood - itself redesigned for a stronger look and feel. Integrated fog lamps, dual-port grille and aerodynamic extensions further accentuate Sunfire's sporty character and evoke Pontiac's heritage of excitement and performance.




Emphasizing the sporty look is a new, 15-inch, three-spoke wheel cover design available in a painted finish on Sunfires equipped with the 1SA Preferred Equipment Group (PEG). Sunfire customers who choose the 1SB PEG, meanwhile, may opt for the available aluminum 15-inch wheels. Befitting its more upscale appearance, Sunfire with the 1SC PEG has 16-inch aluminum chrome tech wheels and P205/55R16 performance tires.

More standard power
Also improved for 2003 is Sunfire's performance quotient. The Ecotec 2.2L L4 engine now powers all 2003 Sunfire models. Quiet operation is one of the engine's chief features. Twin balance shafts located in the cylinder block cancel the shaking forces inherent in an inline four-cylinder engine, resulting in a smooth engine from idle to maximum engine speed. The Ecotec L4 generates 140 hp @ 5600 rpm and 150 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm. Other features that help make the DOHC smooth and quiet include a die-cast lower crankcase and a structural cast-aluminum oil pan, which stiffen the block and reduce radiated engine noise. The engine also features an isolated cam cover that reduces the transmittal of valvetrain noise.



Putting that performance to the pavement is a five-speed Getrag manual transmission on the 1SA PEG, while a Hydra-Matic 4T45-E electronically controlled four-speed automatic is standard on the other PEGs. An enhanced traction system, packaged with the four-speed automatic transmission in the 1SC PEG, aids with safety and performance. The system is also available in the 1SB group when ABS is ordered with the 4-speed automatic transmission. (posted on conceptcarz.com)

To ensure that Sunfire handles as well as it looks, the 2003 model's available Sport suspension features revalved shocks and larger sway bars, resulting in optimal handling. Also improved for 2003 is Sunfire's braking system for better durability and performance.

Freshened interior
Sunfire owners are young, active, on-the-go and tend to carry both passengers and cargo. The 2003 Sunfire addresses their needs with a 60/40 split-fold rear seat. With it, Sunfire owners have more cargo-carrying flexibility and seating options. The split-fold rear seat also extends Sunfire's cargo-carrying capacity by enabling longer items - such as skis or snowboards - to be conveniently transported inside the vehicle.

New interior fabric helps complete Sunfire's sporty new look, with a bold graphics splash across either Graphite or Taupe cloth seats. And to extend the Pontiac brand heritage, Sunfire now features a redesigned instrument panel with round air outlets.

Few things are more important to young buyers than their vehicle's sound system - and Sunfire delivers a wealth of audio packages to suit the budget conscious as well as the audiophile.

For those pinching pennies, the 1SA PEG features a standard AM/FM stereo. A sound system with integrated CD player and six speakers comes standard on models outfitted with the 1SB package. Those who choose the 1SC package, meanwhile, will enjoy the convenience of Radio Data System (RDS) and speed-compensated volume in their standard sound system. RDS lets listeners seek and scan stations by their preferred musical programming type, access up-to-the-minute traffic and weather information, receive text information on the radio display, or even have CD play interrupted for emergency traffic broadcasts.

Available with either the 1SB or 1SC PEG is the 200-watt, eight-speaker Monsoon system, which has been tailored specifically to this vehicle's acoustical environment. With eight speakers placed optimally to maximize sound, Monsoon delivers musical excitement, Pontiac-style. The eight-channel amplified system with active crossovers directs low, midrange and high frequencies to the appropriate speakers. The optional Monsoon sound system is ideal for those who place a premium on their sound system.

The 2003 Sunfire also offers XM Satellite Radio as an option on all models. XM radio features 100 coast-to-coast digital channels, including 71 music channels (more than 30 of them commercial-free) from hip-hop to opera, classical to country, bluegrass to blues and 29 channels of sports, talk, children's and entertainment programming. XM also brings to the car, for the first time on radio, a diverse selection of 24-hour news sources previously available only in the home. XM's next-generation sound quality technology provides superior sound remarkably close to compact disc.

For safety-minded consumers, Sunfire has additional features and options for 2003. A three-point seatbelt is standard for the rear center position. In addition to standard front driver and passenger air bags, Sunfire offers optional seat-mounted, thorax side air bags for front-seat passengers. Since the side air bags are mounted to the seat, they are consistently in the correct position, maximizing occupant protection. The available Protection Package features thorax side air bags and the OnStar communications and security service, which is newly available as an option on the Sunfire 1SB and 1SC PEGs.

OnStar is the nation's leading provider of in-vehicle safety, security and information services using the Global Positioning System (GPS) satellite network and wireless technology. OnStar services include automatic notification of air bag deployment, stolen vehicle location, remote door unlock, emergency services dispatch, roadside assistance, remote diagnostics, route support, convenience services and OnStar Concierge. OnStar Personal Calling allows drivers to make and receive hands-free, voice-activated phone calls through a nationwide network in cooperation with Verizon Wireless. Virtual Advisor gives subscribers access to personalized information in a hands-free, voice-activated manner with no screens or displays.

New color choices
Three new exterior colors offer additional patriotic choices for 2003 Sunfire consumers: Victory Red, Summit White and Electric Blue Metallic. They join Black, Flame Yellow, Polo Green Metallic, Light Taupe Metallic, Mayan Gold Metallic and Últra Silver Metallic as exterior color choices.

Source - Pontiac