2004 Pontiac Sunfire

Introduction

The 2004 Pontiac Sunfire is a compact car that was offered in both coupe and sedan body styles. It was available with a variety of engine and transmission options, including:

• Engine:
  • 2.2L Ecotec I4 (140 hp, 150 lb-ft of torque)
  • 2.4L Ecotec I4 (150 hp, 160 lb-ft of torque)
  • 2.0L Ecotec SOHC I4 (160 hp, 175 lb-ft of torque)
• Transmission:
  • 5-speed manual
  • 4-speed automatic

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

Engine

2.2L Ecotec I4

• Intake manifold gasket failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Coolant leak, overheating, loss of power
  • Solution: Replace intake manifold gasket
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $500
  • Recalls: None Found

2.4L Ecotec I4

• Oil consumption
  • Description/Symptoms: Low oil pressure, smoking from exhaust
  • Solution: Replace piston rings or engine
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $3,000
  • Recalls: None Found

2.0L Ecotec SOHC I4

• Timing chain failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Engine noise, loss of power, engine failure
  • Solution: Replace timing chain
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $2,000
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

5-speed manual

• Gear grinding
  • Description/Symptoms: Difficult to shift gears, grinding noise
  • Solution: Replace synchronizers or transmission
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000
  • Recalls: None Found

4-speed automatic

• Slipping
  • Description/Symptoms: Difficulty shifting gears, loss of power
  • Solution: Rebuild or replace transmission
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $2,500
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Strut failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Rough ride, noise, loss of control
  • Solution: Replace struts
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $800
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Alternator failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Dim lights, electrical system failure
  • Solution: Replace alternator
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $500
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Rust
  • Description/Symptoms: Body panels rusting
  • Solution: Repair or replace body panels
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Dashboard cracking
  • Description/Symptoms: Dashboard cracking and peeling
  • Solution: Replace dashboard
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2004 Pontiac Sunfire is a compact car with a number of potential issues. The most serious and expensive issue is the 2.4L Ecotec I4 oil consumption problem, which can lead to engine failure. Other common issues include intake manifold gasket failure, timing chain failure, and transmission slipping. The Sunfire also has a tendency to rust and the dashboard can crack. Overall, the Sunfire is not a particularly reliable car and can be expensive to maintain.