Power, Sunroof, looks.

Anything that costs alot of money to repair is tearing up.

This car has been a piece of junk because I got someone else's headache. I owned the car one day and the water pump went out with on 93k on the motor. I got that fixed the secound day I drove it the A/C started leaking water in the floor. Well I fixed that. I have owned the car for two weeks and only drove it four times. Now it's in the shop getting a alternater put on it and a motor fan. Maybe when I get everything fixed it might be a good car.

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Dodge Neon which was a extremly good car.

IT IS A NICE LOOKING CAR, COMFORTABLE AND ROOMY. I EVEN HAUL SKIING EQUIPMENT BACK AND FORTH IN THE WINTER

ASIDE FROM THE ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS I HAVE DEALT WITH I HAVE NOT HAD ANY OTHER MECHANICAL DIFFICULTIES. I HAVE TWO HOMES,ONE IN HAMILTON ONTARIO AND MY HOME IN DERBY NY. THERE IS A 90 MILE ONE WAY TRIP THAT I MAKE TWICE WEEKLY. I HAVE A LOT OF MILES ON THE CAR NOW OVER 96000 AND FOR THE MOST PART I'M STILL PREETY STRONG ON GAS MILEAGE AND WEAR AND TEAR

OVERALL I WOULD NOT PURCHASE ANOTHER SUNFIRE. AFTER MANY TRIPS TO THE DEALERSHIP FOR ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS I WOULD HESITATE TO PURCHASE ANOTHER SUNFIRE. MY VEHICLE HAS GONE THROUGH 2 ELECTRICAL HARNESSES IN ONE YEAR. IN 2002 ALONE IT WAS AT THE DEALER 5 TIMES FOR THE SAME PROBLEM. EVENTUALLY THE DASH WAS REMOVED AND SENT OUT TO BE WORKED ON. I MUST SAY THAT I NOW HAVE DAYTIME RUNNING LIGHTS BUT MY HEADLIGHT ON THE DRIVER SIDE IS STILL DIM.

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MY PREVIOUS VEHICLES ARE A CHRYSLER LEBARRON, CHEVY CAMARO, FORD THUNDERBIRD. OF THE 4 VEHICLES I WOULD SAY MY LEBARRON WAS THE BEST OVERALL VEHICLE

Factory CD player and sound system decent enough, works very well with the addition of an amp and sub. ABS and traction control work incredibly well. I've never driven anthing with these features before. They make it very comfortable to drive in the winter.

At about 38000km engine started running warm while idle. Engine would heat up to approx 106, coolant fan would turn on and NOT shut off. Decrease in heat occured. Engine temp gage dropped significantly, would only heat back up if vehicle was in motion. Was originally told it was fan relay switch, it was replaced under warrenty, but problem was still occuring. After 4 visits, 2 rentals, and 3 weeks dealership was finally able to "recreate" the problem. I was told that the computer (in 2001 models only)was designed to do exactly what it was doing, when the engine temp. heated up to approx. 108, coolant fan comes on and remains on until vehicle reaches "normal operating speed" (approx. 60km/h) But, they also determined that my thermostat was "not fully functional" it was operating slowly. They replaced the thermostat and said everything was fixed. I immediatly noticed a difference in where the engine temp. gage sat while driving, back to normal level (approx. 90 on gage) but still notice an odd fluctuation of the gage when sitting in traffic. told that fluctuation in gage was normal. Still not convinced everything is operating properly. Anyone else experience this type of thing?

(Note: 95% of the service done on this car was not done at the dealership where I purchased the car) So far (despite numerous disturbing reviews) not a bad car. I'd have to say I'm more pleased (at this point) than disappointed. Driven approx. 43000km since purchase, (460km, at purchase, dealer had it driven from Montreal to Kingston) Mileage not bad in city, better on highway, good for about the 1st yr. in winter but I've noticed a steady decline in colder months. Power ok for 115hp/2.2 litre, not afraid to pass someone on the highway. Ecotec engine in 2003's much better! Fuel Level Sensor needed replacing (manf. defect) quite early after noticing MAJOR fluctuation in the gage (not uncomon apparently) Odd problem occured with heater hoses, I took the car to dealership in Ottawa(under GM Total Plus Warrenty) with complaint of not getting any air from the front panel vents. Explanation: the hoses were pinched between the radio clamp and mount. They were replaced (manf. defect again) Had the left side re-painted under warrenty after chipping started to occur. Explanation: dirt and dust under the paint. Easy to re-do on a black car. Lots of gadgets on the SLX model. I've improved it's looks by adding tinted windows, after market rims/tires (17") and improved handling by adding lowering springs (1.8"drop) Added carbon fibre brake pads, better, longer lasting brake pads, less brake dust. Interior pretty comfortable. Nice full folding rear seat. Trunk space ok (but trunk lid arms take up an unusual amount of space) Hate the cup holder location in the console! how annoying is it when you can't get to the controls without moving your coffee? A/C and rear defrost buttons are kind of small. i seem to think i've pressed them but then discovered i haven't. Quite a few rattles, and suspension was noisy even before adding the lowering springs, and low profile tires. Engine knock at cold start (seems to be common with all sunfires) No major recalls. Exhaust a little loud, seemed to be cured temporarily with tightening it. All in all, not a bad car for a 1st car purchase. Not sure if i'll keep it after 5 yrs, might consider buying a 2003 but i'm not totally convinced yet.

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Pontiac Grand Am 2003

Factory CD player and sound system decent enough, works very well with the addition of an amp and sub. ABS and traction control work incredibly well. I've never driven anthing with these features before. They make it very comfortable to drive in the winter.

At about 38000km engine started running warm while idle. Engine would heat up to approx 106, coolant fan would turn on and NOT shut off. Decrease in heat occured. Engine temp gage dropped significantly, would only heat back up if vehicle was in motion. Was originally told it was fan relay switch, it was replaced under warrenty, but problem was still occuring. After 4 visits, 2 rentals, and 3 weeks dealership was finally able to "recreate" the problem. I was told that the computer (in 2001 models only)was designed to do exactly what it was doing, when the engine temp. heated up to approx. 108, coolant fan comes on and remains on until vehicle reaches "normal operating speed" (approx. 60km/h) But, they also determined that my thermostat was "not fully functional" it was operating slowly. They replaced the thermostat and said everything was fixed. I immediatly noticed a difference in where the engine temp. gage sat while driving, back to normal level (approx. 90 on gage) but still notice an odd fluctuation of the gage when sitting in traffic. told that fluctuation in gage was normal. Still not convinced everything is operating properly. Anyone else experience this type of thing?

(Note: 95% of the service done on this car was not done at the dealership where I purchased the car) So far (despite numerous disturbing reviews) not a bad car. I'd have to say I'm more pleased (at this point) than disappointed. Driven approx. 43000km since purchase, (460km, at purchase, dealer had it driven from Montreal to Kingston) Mileage not bad in city, better on highway, good for about the 1st yr. in winter but I've noticed a steady decline in colder months. Power ok for 115hp/2.2 litre, not afraid to pass someone on the highway. Ecotec engine in 2003's much better! Fuel Level Sensor needed replacing (manf. defect) quite early after noticing MAJOR fluctuation in the gage (not uncomon apparently) Odd problem occured with heater hoses, I took the car to dealership in Ottawa(under GM Total Plus Warrenty) with complaint of not getting any air from the front panel vents. Explanation: the hoses were pinched between the radio clamp and mount. They were replaced (manf. defect again) Had the left side re-painted under warrenty after chipping started to occur. Explanation: dirt and dust under the paint. Easy to re-do on a black car. Lots of gadgets on the SLX model. I've improved it's looks by adding tinted windows, after market rims/tires (17") and improved handling by adding lowering springs (1.8"drop) Added carbon fibre brake pads, better, longer lasting brake pads, less brake dust. Interior pretty comfortable. Nice full folding rear seat. Trunk space ok (but trunk lid arms take up an unusual amount of space) Hate the cup holder location in the console! how annoying is it when you can't get to the controls without moving your coffee? A/C and rear defrost buttons are kind of small. i seem to think i've pressed them but then discovered i haven't. Quite a few rattles, and suspension was noisy even before adding the lowering springs, and low profile tires. Engine knock at cold start (seems to be common with all sunfires) No major recalls. Exhaust a little loud, seemed to be cured temporarily with tightening it. All in all, not a bad car for a 1st car purchase. Not sure if i'll keep it after 5 yrs, might consider buying a 2003 but i'm not totally convinced yet.

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Pontiac Grand Am 2003

my stereo system

not enough SPEED

so far i have no complaints except for my brakes, but truth be told, i probably brought that problem upon myself..it seems to be a good little car, and guys seem to like it too..

Monsoon Sterep

The whole car

I love the car when I first bought it. The car is now the center of my hatred. This is the 4th Pontiac i have ever owned and it will be the last. I have had nothing but problems with the vehicle. It's dashboard is lit up like a christmas tree, and when it Rains, OH GOD, it is worse. I have no idea what is wrong with my car, but i have taken it to the dealership many times and the problem persists. I read in the Reviews, That some ther people had the same problem with the Fuel Pump, I too was stranded out on the interstate in the middle of the night due to the same strainer problem, it was horrible. When I purchased the Vehicle, I turned in my 1990 Grand Prix SSE, which If i kept it, I know i would have the problems that i had with my new Sunfire GT. I think it is Kind of strange that I rarely see a car like mine, i see many of the standard, but not the GT version. It makes me think that maybe something was wrong with the vehicle if they only made the 2000, and 2001 GT's, and dropped them for the 2002, 2003, and the current model.

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Grand Prix LE, Grand Prix SSE, and Bonneville SSE.

I am still alive after a tractor trailor hit me head on. No one can seem to explain how I escaped death -pure luck, I guess. Obviously if the car could stay intact enough to protect me, then that must be a strength.

stereo, lack of power

I adored the car for the first month or so -mostly due to it's sporty looks and the features my stripped down previous car didn't have. The lack of power was annoying. I never felt comfortable passing people in it. The stereo sucked - I am not one to blast it or overuse the base but it sounds cheap and hollow. The headlights always seemed dim. Notice I refer to the car in the past tense - it was demolished in a bad car accident (not mine or the car's fault).

May 18, 1996, I bought my daughter her first car, a 1996 Pontiac Sunfire. It was a Demo with 3,625 miles on it. It was “put into service” January 18, 1996. I bought the GM Protection Plan for it. February 17, 2000, with only 25,558 miles she had to have the cylinder head-gasket replaced. We were told there had been a recall for the head-gaskets. The replacement was at a GM dealership. October 7, 2002, with only 43,624 miles the head-gasket was leaking again. I started looking for info concerning the recall for the head-gaskets. I called the service center of Joe Pistocco in Wichita Falls, Texas, and also the service center of James Wood in Decatur, Texas, more that once. They had no knowledge of such a recall. I kept asking and finally e-mailed GM. No one knew anything concerning problems with the Sunfire head-gaskets. I found Lemonaidcars.com on the internet. I find, The “SPECIAL POLICY” 98054A SEP 98 Campaign - Cylinder Head-Gasket Failure, Coolant Leakage. “The 1995 and 1996 vehicles are now covered for head-gasket problems for seven years or 100,000 miles (160,000 km), whichever comes first.” I realized I did not use the right TERMINOLOGY, I should have instead asked about the “SPECIAL POLICY” concerning the Sunfire instead of ‘recall’. On May 21, 2003, she had to take her Sunfire in for an unrelated recall. It had 48,300 miles on it. I asked the man waiting on me at the service center of Joe Pistocco in Wichita Falls Texas if there were any head-gasket recalls for the Sunfire we are both looking at. He said no. I asked if he was sure. He finally looked at the computer and again told me there was no such recall in the computer. I then ask about a special policy in September 1998. I was again told no. I then call the GM Relations Department on my cell phone for help. While talking to the GM relation representative the man at the service center finds the “Special POLICY” To make a long story short, I was told the time limit has run out. I explained that the time had not run out when I first called and used the wrong TERMINOLOGY. A few days later I received a call to inform me that GM will only replace a part once no matter the time or miles. It appears that as long as she has GM certified head-gaskets in her car she will have to have it replaced every 20,000 to 25, 000 miles. I called a large auto repair shop in town. The owner explained to me that the problem would keep reoccurring as long as GM gaskets are used. He said in his opinion that was the GM plan. People get tired of paying to have their car repaired and buy a new one. A 2.2 liter head-gasket replacement accounts for approximately 20% of his work. He uses Fel-pro gaskets and guarantees his work. With only 48,300 miles my daughter has already needed 10 repairs and/or recalls on her car. I think it is time to replace it with anything except a GM. One repair every 4,830 miles is not a good record. The international news this week did a report concerning GM loosing customers at a high rate. It is not a big mystery to me why.

There is an active National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA) investigation into the fuel sending system (clogged fuel strainer). Reference ODI Action No. PE02-066, Sept. 6, 2002. Website http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/cars/problems/defect/results.cfm. I recently was stranded on the interstate, alone, at night due to this problem. Now, I'm told I need a new fuel pump due to the excess strain put on the system from the clogged strainer. Pontiac DOES NOT fix the problem free of charge even though there are numerous technical bulletins describing this problem. It's going to cost me in excess of $700.00.

2.4L kicks butt, the styling can't be beat and the power roof is great. Trunk is large enough to carry everything for a family of four on a week long vacation (did this last summer).

Annoying cupholder design. Still getting used to not having the power window buttons on the doors.

In the mid and late 1990s, there were really only two affordable, compact convertibles on the market, GM's J-bodies and the Mitsubishi Eclipse. I set out to buy a zippy, little drop-top last summer and realized my choices were slim. I thought Cavalier was ugly so I compared the Sunfire and the Eclipse. Here's what I found. New, the rock-bottom model Eclipse was the same price as the maxed-out Sunfire. That already made a great argument for the domestic team. I figured the only fair way to compare the two was at the same price point. They both had A/C, Power Windows/Locks, In-Dash CD, Dual Front Airbags, and Tilt Steering. A $22,000 Sunfire additionally gives you Keyless Entry, 4-speed Automatic Transmission, Power Mirrors, Alloy Wheels, Electronic Traction System, Cruise Control, and Anti-Lock Brakes. That same $22,000 at a Mitsubishi dealer makes for a pretty weak Spyder. Sunfire's 2.4L 150-horse I4 engine makes Eclipse's 2.0L 141-horse I4 look pretty weak. My friend's GS Spyder is always left in the dust. There's also the issue of space. The Eclipse's trunk can barely fit 3 full paper grocery bags. My Sunfire's trunk is 3 times bigger. You can also forget about sitting in the back of a Spyder, unless you like sitting sideways. As for reliability, my friend had to take his Eclispse to the shop three times for the top leaking and once for his speakers blowing. That's pretty bad for having the upgraded Bose sound system. The problem with the top leaking seems to be a constant since I've heard it from two other Eclipse owners. I've never had a drop of water slip into my Sunfire when its raining. The two small problems I've run into with my Sunfire is a slight vibration from the ABS during hard braking and some minor hassles I had installing new speakers (the OEM ones in the front doorsd were hard wired) I would recommend a Sunfire to anyone looking for a reasonably-priced compact car, even if you don't want a convertible. It's got a unique look that you never get bored with, plenty of features for the dollar, it feels very sturdy, and really takes-off with the bigger engine. I would recommend what I did and get one a year old since they seem to lose value pretty quick. I do have to agree with Pontiac's slogan, they really are driving excitement all the way down to their cheapest model.

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None - first convertible owned.