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Pontiac Sunfire Coupe 2.2 i (117 Hp)
Overall Rating
Pontiac Sunfire:
The Pontiac Sunfire is a compact car by Pontiac that was introduced for the 1995 model year to replace the Sunbird. Not only was the name changed, but dramatic styling changes were included as well. The new styling was shared with the redesigned Chevrolet Cavalier. The J platform was updated structurally to meet more stringent safety standards for the 1996 model year.
The Pontiac Sunfire went through two facelifts in its 11-year run: a small redesign in 2000 featuring the heavy plastic cladding look that was prevalent with Pontiac at the time, and a more streamlined update in 2003. In the US, the coupe was the only model available from 2003 to 2005. The sedan continued to be sold in Canada and Mexico until the end of production on June 22, 2005. GM replaced the Sunfire with the G5 for the 2006 model year in Canada and the 2007 model year in the United States....(Read more on Wikipedia)
Coupe Overview:
Pontiac Sunfire (Coupe). With 183 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. It has moderate fuel consumption (~10 l/100km). Weighing only 1200 kg, it’s quite light. Front‑wheel drive delivers efficiency and easy handling. The top speed reaches 175 km/h. A two-door car with a fixed roof, known for its sporty design and dynamic performance. Seating for 5 makes it ideal for daily use.
The Pontiac Sunfire was primarily sold in North America and was not tested by Euro NCAP. US safety ratings (NHTSA, IIHS) generally indicated acceptable to marginal performance for its era, typical for compact cars of the late 90s.
2.2 i (117 Hp) Verdict:
Performance Verdict
The base 2.2L engine with 117 hp provides adequate power for basic transportation and city driving. It's not designed for performance but gets the job done reliably.
Fuel Economy
This engine likely offers the best fuel economy among the non-Ecotec options, making it a cost-effective choice for those prioritizing efficiency over power.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Affordable purchase and maintenance costs
- • Sporty coupe styling for its era
- • Range of engines offering decent power options
- • Good fuel economy on certain trims (Ecotec)
- • Simple, straightforward mechanics
Cons:
- • Interior quality is basic and dated
- • Ride comfort can be firm
- • Limited rear passenger space in coupe
- • Some engines known for specific reliability issues (e.g., head gasket on early 2.2L, oil leaks on LD9)
- • Lack of advanced safety features by modern standards
Specifications:
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Pontiac |
| Model: | Sunfire |
| Generation: | Coupe |
| Modification (Engine): | 2.2 i (117 Hp) |
| Start of production: | 1994 |
| End of production: | 2002 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Coupe |
| Seats: | 5 |
| Doors: | 2 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 117 Hp @ 5000 rpm. |
| Power per litre: | 53.4 Hp/l |
| Torque: | 183 Nm @ 3600 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | LN2 |
| Engine displacement: | 2190 |
| Number of cylinders: | 4 |
| Engine configuration: | Inline |
| Number of valves per cylinder: | 2 |
| Fuel injection system: | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration: | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain: | OHC |
| Engine oil capacity: | 3.8 l |
| Coolant: | 9.8 l |
| Engine layout: | Front, Transverse |
| Cylinder Bore: | 89 mm mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 88 mm mm |
| Compression ratio: | 9:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - urban: | 10 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban: | 6.4 l/100 km |
| Maximum speed: | 175 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 10.3 kg/Hp, 97.5 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 6.6 kg/Nm, 152.5 Nm/tonne |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1200 |
| Trunk (boot) space - minimum: | 350 l |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 57 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 4620 mm mm |
| Width: | 1710 mm mm |
| Height: | 1390 mm mm |
| Wheelbase: | 2645 mm mm |
| Front track: | 1465 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1435 mm |
| Powertrain: | |
|---|---|
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the front wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 3 |
| Transmission type | Automatic |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Drum |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Tires size | 195/65 R15 |
| Front suspension | Wishbone |
| Rear suspension | Trailing arm |
What’s the best feature of the Pontiac Sunfire? Tell us in the comments!