2003 Pontiac Sunfire Sedan - The Sporty 4-Door Gets a New Look
Few entry-level compact sedans have the Sunfire's racy looks and zippy performance, which is probably part of the reason it is such a strong seller - a low price and manufacturer incentives are a few more.
To maintain its popularity Pontiac has given it fresh new bodywork for 2003. Daring front styling truly sets it apart from the Chevy Cavalier that shares its components. Its bisected grille, catlike headlights, long swooping hood and deep front fascia definitely make a statement. From the rear a less radical styling treatment includes new triangular-style taillights connecting at the center by a horizontal light bar.
Inside the Sunfire gets an updated instrument panel and new large round air vents over the center stack. The rest of the dash and console remain untouched, as do the door panels. New 60/40 split-folding seatbacks can be upholstered in radical new patterns to set your Sunfire apart from more mundane machinery.
That said the new model is anything but boring. Either a standard 5-speed transmission or optional 4-speed automatic powers an all-new 2.2-L 16-valve DOHC 'Ecotec' 4-cylinder engine - that actually replaced the old 2.4-L Quad 4 engine halfway through last year. The new engine develops 140-hp and 150 lb-ft of torque obliterating last year's 115-hp 2.2-L OHV base engine while 10-hp less than the old 2.4-L. Still the new mill is more refined, using two counter rotating balance shafts and stiffer, lighter aluminum construction, as well as a new composite manifold. While cleaning up emissions it also manages a stellar 6.7 / 10.0 L/100 km (28 / 42 mpg) city/highway fuel economy rating.