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Pontiac Sunfire Sedan 2.3i 16V (147 Hp) Automatic
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)
Sedan Overview:
Pontiac Sunfire (Sedan). With 190 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. Weighing only 1265 kg, it’s quite light. Front‑wheel drive delivers efficiency and easy handling. A four-door car with a separate trunk, ideal for families and daily commuting. 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. Safety standards of the era were less stringent than modern vehicles.
2.3i 16V (147 Hp) Automatic Verdict:
Performance Verdict
Good power for an automatic, but the transmission can dull the Quad 4's high-revving character, making it less engaging.
Fuel Economy
Moderate fuel economy, with the automatic transmission slightly increasing consumption compared to the manual.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Affordable purchase price and maintenance
- • Simple and robust base engines (LN2)
- • Decent fuel economy for its class (especially manual trims)
- • Available with more powerful engine options for better performance
Cons:
- • Interior quality and materials are basic and prone to wear
- • Road noise and overall refinement are lacking
- • Inconsistent reliability, particularly with early Quad 4 engines and electrical systems
- • Uninspiring driving dynamics compared to Japanese rivals
Specifications:
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Pontiac |
| Model: | Sunfire |
| Generation: | Sedan |
| Modification (Engine): | 2.3i 16V (147 Hp) Automatic |
| Start of production: | 1994 |
| End of production: | 1996 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Sedan |
| Seats: | 5 |
| Doors: | 4 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 147 Hp @ 6000 rpm. |
| Power per litre: | 65 Hp/l |
| Torque: | 190 Nm @ 4800 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | LD2 |
| Engine displacement: | 2260 |
| Number of cylinders: | 4 |
| Engine configuration: | Inline |
| Number of valves per cylinder: | 4 |
| Fuel injection system: | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration: | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain: | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity: | 4.3 l |
| Coolant: | 10 l |
| Engine layout: | Front, Transverse |
| Cylinder Bore: | 92 mm mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 85 mm mm |
| Compression ratio: | 9.5:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 8.6 kg/Hp, 116.2 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 6.7 kg/Nm, 150.2 Nm/tonne |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1265 |
| Trunk (boot) space - minimum: | 370 l |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 58 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 4616 mm mm |
| Width: | 1725 mm mm |
| Height: | 1393 mm mm |
| Wheelbase: | 2644 mm mm |
| Front track: | 1462 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1442 mm |
| Powertrain: | |
|---|---|
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the front wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 4 |
| 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 |
| Wheel rims size | 15 |
| Front suspension | Wishbone |
| Rear suspension | Trailing arm |
The hidden gems or the annoying flaws? Expose the truth about the Pontiac Sunfire!