1991 Pontiac Sunbird

1991 Pontiac Sunbird

The 1991 Pontiac Sunbird was a compact car available in two-door coupe, convertible, and four-door sedan body styles. It was powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 115 horsepower and 130 lb-ft of torque. A three-speed automatic transmission was standard, while a five-speed manual transmission was optional.

Owners have praised the Sunbird’s sporty handling, comfortable interior, and affordable price. However, it has also been criticized for its lack of power, cramped rear seats, and poor fuel economy.

Engine

• 2.0L Four-Cylinder

  • Oil Leaks: Oil may leak from the valve cover gasket, oil pan gasket, or rear main seal.
    • Solution: Replace the leaking gasket or seal.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $300
  • Head Gasket Failure: The head gasket may fail, causing coolant and oil to mix.
    • Solution: Replace the head gasket.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000
  • Timing Belt Failure: The timing belt may break, causing catastrophic engine damage.
    • Solution: Replace the timing belt as recommended by the manufacturer.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $600
  • EGR Valve Failure: The EGR valve may fail, causing rough idling and poor fuel economy.
    • Solution: Replace the EGR valve.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $300

Transmission

• Three-Speed Automatic

  • Transmission Slipping: The transmission may slip out of gear when accelerating or shifting into higher gears.
    • Solution: Overhaul or replace the transmission.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $2,500
  • Solenoid Failure: The transmission solenoids may fail, causing erratic shifting or the transmission not to shift properly.
    • Solution: Replace the faulty solenoid.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500

• Five-Speed Manual

  • Clutch Master Cylinder Failure: The clutch master cylinder may fail, causing the clutch pedal to become spongy or difficult to press.
    • Solution: Replace the clutch master cylinder.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400
  • Clutch Slave Cylinder Failure: The clutch slave cylinder may fail, causing the clutch to not engage properly.
    • Solution: Replace the clutch slave cylinder.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $300
  • Shifter Bushing Wear: The shifter bushings may wear out, causing the shifter to become loose or difficult to shift.
    • Solution: Replace the shifter bushings.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 - $150

Suspension

• Front Struts: The front struts may wear out, causing a bumpy or unstable ride.
  • Solution: Replace the front struts.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $800
• Rear Shocks: The rear shocks may wear out, causing a bouncy or uncontrolled ride.
  • Solution: Replace the rear shocks.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400
• Sway Bar Links: The sway bar links may wear out or break, causing a rattling noise when driving over bumps.
  • Solution: Replace the sway bar links.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200

Electrical

• Alternator Failure: The alternator may fail, causing the battery to not charge properly.
  • Solution: Replace the alternator.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $600
• Battery Failure: The battery may fail due to age or other issues, causing the vehicle to not start.
  • Solution: Replace the battery.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200
• Ignition Coil Failure: The ignition coil may fail, causing the engine to misfire or not start.
  • Solution: Replace the ignition coil.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $300

Exterior

• Rust: The rear wheel arches and rocker panels may rust prematurely.
  • Solution: Repair or replace the rusted panels.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: Dependent on the severity of the rust
• Convertible Top Problems: The convertible top may leak or become damaged.
  • Solution: Repair or replace the convertible top fabric or frame.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: Dependent on the severity of the issue

Interior

• Door Panel Clips: The door panel clips may break, causing the door panels to rattle or become loose.
  • Solution: Replace the broken clips.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 - $100
• Dashboard Cracks: The dashboard may crack due to sun exposure or other factors.
  • Solution: Replace the dashboard or cover it with a dash cover.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500

Summary

The 1991 Pontiac Sunbird has some common issues, particularly with its engine and transmission. Repairs can be moderately expensive, depending on the severity of the issue. While the Sunbird has some desirable features, potential buyers should be aware of its potential problems before making a purchase decision.