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.

For a more contemporary look, Sunfire features redesigned rear taillamps and an all-new, body-colored applique. The back-up lights have been moved from the rear fascia and integrated with the license plate for a cleaner look. The standard rear spoiler complements the rear styling and appeals to Sunfire's younger market.

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.

At 305 pounds fully dressed, the Ecotec 2.2L is the lightest engine GM has produced in its displacement class, and is very compact. It's also more powerful and fuel-efficient than major competitors, according to published output figures and EPA mileage ratings. When this engine is mated to the manual transmission, it earns approximately 33 miles per gallon on the highway. Just as importantly, thanks in part to its high-compression application (compression ratio 10.0:1), the Ecotec 2.2L delivers superb performance for its size, with a broad, flat torque curve that customers interpret as 'good driveability.'

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.

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 Ultra Silver Metallic as exterior color choices.

by Pontiac

With frugal buyers in mind, Pontiac launched their budget-friendly Sunfire to shoppers interested in cheap, basic transportation. Debuted for the 1995 model year, Pontiac introduced the Sunfire as the compact car that would replace the Sunbird in the compact car segment of Pontiac's lineup. More than just the name was changed, but very dramatic styling changes were also unveiled. The all new styling was shared with the Chevy Cavalier, but General Motors didn't change the Cavalier name. The J platform was also updated structurally to meet the more stringent safety standards of the time.

Initially the Sunfire was offered as a 2-door coupe or convertible in either base or GT trims. The Pontiac Sunfire was available as a coupe, convertible or as a sedan, and all three types came in the standard SE trim level. The coupe and convertible offered an upscale GT trim level. This trim level came standard with the 2.4 liter LD9 engine, dual exhaust, 16' alloy wheels and a front fascia that ‘more aggressive looking'. After the 2002 model year the GT trim level was dropped. Until 1999, the convertible was only available in the SE trim level, but it was then offered in the GT trim. After the 2000 year the convertible was discontinued.

The base Sunfire had the 2.2 L engine from 1995 until 2002 with a 115-hp I4 engine and the GT upped to a 2.4-liter 155-hp I4. An optional, much more powerful 2.3 L Quad 4 engine was available on the GT trim level in 1995 and was replaced by the 2.4 L LD9 engine in 1996. Both the 2.3 and 2.4 liter engines were optional in the 2 and 4-door SE trim level. The 2.2L and the 2.4 L engines were replaced by the 2.2 L Ecotec engine. This would be the only powertrain available for the remaining production period. This Ecotec engine was also an option for the 2002 model year.

Until 2004 the Sunfire was constructed in Lordstown, Ohio and in Ramos Arizpe, Mexico. Lansing, Michigan was the home of the convertible production. More than 36,000 Sunfires were sold in the U.S. and a total of 33,724 units were sold in Canada in 2004. Each of these models was priced around $11,500.

The Sunfire was especially popular with the younger shoppers, more specifically, young women. Sharing a platform with the Cavalier, the Sunfire had a very sport look with a rear spoiler and low roofline. It was also popular with its low price tag and good fuel economy. The Sunfire also was extremely light, and it didn't take much for this peppy little compact to go fast.

The Sunfire underwent major updates, once in 2000 and once again in 2003. The coupe was the only model available in the U.S. from 2003 until 2005. In 2000 the convertible was dropper, and once the Firebird was dropped, the Sunfire filled the role as Pontiac's only two-door car until the GTO arrived in 2004. The Sunfire was now only available with a 2.2-liter I4 that achieved 140-hp and had only few standard features beyond AC, rear defrost , and a rear spoiler. Plenty of convenience options were available though.

In Canada and Mexico the sedan continued to be sold until the end of the production run in 2005. In June of 2005 production of the Pontiac Sunfire coupe ended and was replaced with the G5 for 2007.

by Jessican Donaldson