2001 Pontiac Sunfire
Introduction
The 2001 Pontiac Sunfire is a compact coupe and sedan offered with a variety of engine and transmission options. The base engine is a 2.2L inline-4 with 115 horsepower and 150 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission. A 2.4L inline-4 with 150 horsepower and 155 lb-ft of torque is available with a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission. The top-of-the-line engine is a 2.4L V6 with 170 horsepower and 160 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 4-speed automatic transmission.
Owners generally praise the Sunfire’s sporty handling and responsive engines, but criticize its cramped interior and lack of features.
Engine
2.2L Inline-4
Intake Manifold Gasket Failure Description/Symptoms: Coolant leak, overheating, poor engine performance Solution: Replace intake manifold gasket Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+ Recalls: None Found
2.4L Inline-4
Timing Chain Tensioner Failure Description/Symptoms: Rattling noise at startup, loss of engine power Solution: Replace timing chain tensioner Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $800+ Recalls: None Found
2.4L V6
No Issues Found
Transmission
5-Speed Manual
Clutch Master Cylinder Failure Description/Symptoms: Difficulty shifting gears, slipping clutch Solution: Replace clutch master cylinder Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $300+ Recalls: None Found
4-Speed Automatic
Transmission Control Solenoid Failure Description/Symptoms: Harsh shifting, slipping gears, loss of drive Solution: Replace transmission control solenoid Estimated Cost to Fix: $250 - $500+ Recalls: 00V227000
Suspension
Front Ball Joint Failure Description/Symptoms: Clunking noise, excessive play in steering wheel, uneven tire wear Solution: Replace ball joint Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+ per side Recalls: None Found
Electrical
Starter Failure Description/Symptoms: No crank, no start, clicking noise Solution: Replace starter motor or solenoid Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+ Recalls: None Found
Interior
Window Regulator Failure Description/Symptoms: Window stuck open or closed, grinding noise Solution: Replace window regulator Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+ per window Recalls: None Found
Exterior
No Issues Found
Summary
The 2001 Pontiac Sunfire has a number of potential issues, including engine gasket failures, transmission problems, suspension components, electrical failures, and interior issues. While most of the issues are relatively minor and inexpensive to fix, some can be more severe and costly. Overall, the Sunfire is a reliable and affordable vehicle, but it is important to be aware of these potential problems before purchasing.