2002 Pontiac Sunfire

Introduction:

The 2002 Pontiac Sunfire is a compact car that was available with a choice of two engines and two transmissions. The base engine was a 2.2-liter four-cylinder that produced 140 horsepower and 155 lb-ft of torque. A 2.4-liter four-cylinder was optional, producing 150 horsepower and 155 lb-ft of torque. Both engines were available with either a five-speed manual transmission or a four-speed automatic transmission.

The Sunfire was praised for its affordability, sporty handling, and comfortable interior. However, it was also criticized for its lack of power, poor fuel economy, and cheap interior materials.

Engine

2.2-liter Four-Cylinder

• Intake Manifold Gasket Failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: Coolant leaks, engine overheating, rough idle
  • Solution: Replace the intake manifold gasket
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Timing Chain Tensioner Failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: Engine rattling, loss of power, check engine light
  • Solution: Replace the timing chain tensioner
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $800+
  • Recalls: None Found

2.4-liter Four-Cylinder

• Exhaust Manifold Leak:
  • Description/Symptoms: Loud exhaust noise, poor engine performance
  • Solution: Replace the exhaust manifold
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $600+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Oil Pressure Sensor Failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: Low oil pressure warning light, engine damage
  • Solution: Replace the oil pressure sensor
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200+
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

Five-Speed Manual Transmission

• Synchronizer Wear:
  • Description/Symptoms: Difficulty shifting gears, grinding noises
  • Solution: Replace the synchronizers
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $800+
  • Recalls: None Found

Four-Speed Automatic Transmission

• Transmission Fluid Leak:
  • Description/Symptoms: Fluid leaks, slipping gears, harsh shifting
  • Solution: Replace the transmission fluid seals
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Torque Converter Clutch Failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: Slipping gears, shuddering, overheating
  • Solution: Replace the torque converter clutch
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $1,200+
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Strut Failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: Bouncy ride, poor handling, noise
  • Solution: Replace the struts
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $600+ (for both front struts)
  • Recalls: None Found
• Tie Rod Ends:
  • Description/Symptoms: Loose steering, wandering, clunking noises
  • Solution: Replace the tie rod ends
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Alternator Failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: Dimming lights, electrical problems, battery drain
  • Solution: Replace the alternator
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $600+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Starter Failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: Engine won’t start, clicking noise
  • Solution: Replace the starter
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Rust:
  • Description/Symptoms: Brown or red spots on the body panels
  • Solution: Clean and apply rust protection or replace affected panels
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: Varies depending on the extent of the rust
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Dashboard Cracks:
  • Description/Symptoms: Cracks in the dashboard
  • Solution: Repair or replace the dashboard
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Sun Visor Sagging:
  • Description/Symptoms: Sun visors droop or fall
  • Solution: Replace the sun visor brackets
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200+
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary:

The 2002 Pontiac Sunfire is a budget-friendly car with some serious mechanical problems that can be very costly to fix. Rust is also a major issue, which can further increase the cost of ownership. However, the Sunfire’s affordable price, sporty handling, and comfortable interior make it an appealing option for some drivers who are willing to put up with its potential issues.