2003 Pontiac Sunfire

Cars like the 2003 Pontiac Sunfire bring out the worst in me. I know this. For starters, I am easily a generation away from its young, perky demographic. Like my high school blue jeans, nothing about this Sunfire fits me anymore and that makes evaluation awkward.

On the other hand, after a week behind the wheel of this thrifty coupe I am quite thankful for some of the things that come with maturity, among them the ability to move into a nicer, roomier class of car.

Still, let’s not dismiss this Sunfire, an American mainstay that has trundled along in one form or another for 20 years. There are young among us looking for sport on a budget, and the Sunfire delivers that for 2003 with a facelift and refined power.

The Good News
Although the Sunfire’s physical updates hardly constitute a makeover, the restyled front and rear fascia do freshen things up. The “cat-eye” headlamps rake back into the hood for a meaner look, and the rear view gets a cleaner look. Rear spoiler is standard, and 16-inch shiny aluminum wheels are optional. Mine was thus shoed, making the Sunfire’s overall look-factor pretty darn spiffy for the bucks.

The basic interior is covered in “hanglide” fabric. I’m sorry, I just can’t identify.

The four-door model is no longer available, nor is a choice of engines. The former was a victim of demand (or lack thereof); the latter, a move in the right direction. The one engine Pontiac now offers here, the Ecotec 2.2L, is the best of several worlds for this class. It is light and compact, while improving on power and fuel efficiency. It’s also a relatively quiet engine and operates more smoothly than you expect out of four cylinders. At 140 horses/150 lb-ft of torque, this little inline four complies easily, strutting its stuff over a fairly broad, flat torque curve. The power picks up easily and doesn’t quit as you continue to press. Those cat-eye headlamps aren’t all stare/no dare after all.

The Sunfire comes with a Getrag five-speed manual as standard equipment, but mine switched out for the optional Hydramatic electronic 4-speed automatic. Even with automatic, the Sunfire steps right along, shifting without hitch. My guess is the five-speed would be more fun, however, and certainly more befitting the coupe’s image.

When you’re talking value coupe aimed at the young and hip, gear is essential. The more stuff, the better. The basic package doesn’t exactly bury the needle on the wow-meter in my view: front airbags, am/fm stereo, air conditioning, rear defrost and front console with armrest.

But options can load this buggy impressively without pushing the price over $20Gs. Mine had everything from power glass sunroof to Monsoon premium 8-speaker audio blowing your choice of CD or satellite-delivered XFM. A great radio on wheels was how I came to most appreciate my time with the Sunfire.

Options also add more airbags, antilock brakes and OnStar communications, which don’t seem very sexy until one them saves your life.

The Bad News
This coupe is really cramped inside, which may not bother those of you in your size 2 hip huggers, but it wears me out. The high-profile headrests and low-profile roofline further confine the interior, to say nothing of rear visibility.

It’s also too bad GM didn’t match the Sunfire’s nifty engine with handling and ride. Its steering reflexes are a second behind the tap, and the ride doesn’t shield you from much. Whereas its engine lands in the bonus column, the Sunfire’s indecisive handling makes you feel like you got what you paid for.

Gas mileage
EPA rated at 24 mpg city/33 highway. Excellent.

Price
Manufacturer’s base, $14,870;
Price as tested, $19,900

Is it worth it?
I know what you’re thinking. I’m a sour old bully who drives a lot of expensive, fancy cars picking on the poor, affordable Pontiac that’s way too young for me.

Maybe.

My only defense is there are other cars out there, like Honda Civic and Mazda Protégé, that are equally affordable and economical, which I happen to love. To me, the Sunfire leans too much on flash and plastic, too little on quality and substance, even at this price.

That said, I also know the prospect of driving a Civic or a Protégé produces gagging reflexes in some people – primarily those working after-school jobs. Looks top their shopping list, and they would rather walk than blend.

For them, the Pontiac Sunfire is fine. Call it vanity in motion.

Beth Stein is a life-long car buff and free-lance journalist living in Nashville. She has reviewed new vehicles in print for 12 years as a weekly columnist for Nashville's daily newspapers and on television for Road Test Magazine and Motor Trend Television. Currently, her reviews appear nationally on Car And Driver Television.