Key Selling Points:
Affordability, fuel economy, sporty styling (for its class)
Key Competitors:
Chevrolet Cavalier, Ford Focus, Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Nissan Sentra
Platform Sharing:
Shared GM 'J-body' platform with Chevrolet Cavalier
Body Styles:
Available as Coupe and Sedan
Instrument Panel And Controls:
Detailed explanation of gauges, warning lights, and primary controls (lights, wipers, climate)
Comfort And Convenience:
Operation of audio system, climate control, power windows/locks, seating adjustments
Safety Features:
Explanation of airbags, seat belts, child restraint systems, and anti-lock brakes (ABS)
Driving And Operation:
Information on starting, shifting, braking, parking, and driving in various conditions
Tires And Wheels:
Recommendations for tire pressure, changing a flat tire, and basic wheel information
Fluid Checks And Topping Up:
Guidance on checking engine oil, coolant, brake fluid, windshield washer fluid, and fuel
Lighting System:
Operation of headlights, taillights, interior lights, and bulb replacement basics
Wipers And Washers:
Operation of front and rear wipers, washer fluid reservoir location and refill
Normal Operation Guidelines:
How to correctly operate all vehicle features and controls
Basic Maintenance Checks:
Guidance on owner-performed checks like oil level, tire pressure, and fluid levels
Emergency Procedures:
Information on what to do in case of a breakdown, flat tire, or overheating
Tire Changing:
Step-by-step instructions for safely changing a flat tire
Jumper Starting:
Procedure for jump-starting a dead battery
Fuel And Refueling:
Information on fuel type recommendations and the refueling process
Depth:
Owner-level understanding of vehicle features and basic upkeep; not a repair manual
Configuration:
2.4L DOHC Inline-4 (I4)
Bore X Stroke:
88.0 mm x 98.0 mm
Horsepower:
150 hp @ 6200 rpm
Torque:
155 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-port Fuel Injection (MPFI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline, 87 octane (recommended)
ECM Type:
GM ECM 4.3 (or similar for the era)
Catalytic Converter:
Standard
Alternative Engine:
Base models may have featured the 2.2L Ecotec (L61) engine (140 hp).
Wheelbase:
104.3 inches (2649 mm)
Length:
182.2 inches (4628 mm) (Sedan) / 177.3 inches (4503 mm) (Coupe)
Width:
67.5 inches (1715 mm)
Height:
54.5 inches (1384 mm) (Coupe) / 55.4 inches (1407 mm) (Sedan)
Trunk Volume:
Approximately 13.0 cubic feet (Sedan) / 9.9 cubic feet (Coupe)
Curb Weight:
Approximately 2,700 - 2,900 lbs (depending on body style and equipment)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Approximately 3,700 lbs
NHTSA Frontal Impact Driver:
4 Stars (for 2002 model year general J-body platform)
NHTSA Frontal Impact Passenger:
4 Stars (for 2002 model year general J-body platform)
IIHS Ratings:
Acceptable (for frontal offset crashworthiness, typical for the platform)
ABS:
Available (standard on some trims, optional on others)
Traction Control:
Not typically available for 2002 model year
Airbags:
Standard front driver and passenger airbags
Seat Belts:
Three-point seat belts with pretensioners (front), three-point belts (rear)
Latch Anchors:
Yes (for child seat installation)
Child Security Locks:
Standard on rear doors (Sedan)
Oil Change Interval:
Every 7,500 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first (synthetic blend recommended), or every 3,000 miles for conventional oil.
Tire Rotation:
Every 7,500 miles
Engine Air Filter Replacement:
Inspect every 15,000 miles, replace as needed (typically every 30,000 miles)
Cabin Air Filter Replacement:
Not typically equipped on this model year.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 100,000 miles for iridium-tipped plugs (if equipped) or 30,000 miles for conventional plugs.
Coolant Flush:
Initial 50,000 miles or 5 years, then every 30,000 miles or 3 years thereafter.
Engine Oil Capacity:
4.5 quarts (4.3 L) with filter (2.4L LD9 engine)
Engine Oil Viscosity:
5W-30 (Recommended for most temperatures)
Coolant Type:
GM P/N 12346290 (Orange) or Dex-Cool® compatible coolant
Power Steering Fluid:
GM P/N 1050017 or Dexron III
Intake Manifold Gaskets:
Plastic intake manifold gaskets can become brittle and leak, causing rough idling or vacuum leaks.
Oil Leaks:
Valve cover gaskets and oil pan gaskets are common leak points.
Cooling System:
Leaking coolant elbows and a weak water pump can lead to overheating.
Transmission Issues:
Early automatic transmissions can exhibit harsh shifting or slipping due to worn solenoids or clutch packs.
Exhaust Manifold:
Cracked exhaust manifolds can occur, leading to exhaust leaks and ticking noises.
Pontiac Legacy:
Pontiac was a division of General Motors known for performance-oriented vehicles, though the Sunfire represented its entry-level compact offering.
Sunfire Introduction:
The Pontiac Sunfire was introduced for the 1995 model year, replacing the Sunbird. It was part of GM's strategy to offer sportier styling in the compact segment.
2002 Update:
The 2002 model year saw minor styling tweaks and feature availability adjustments. It remained on the J-body platform.
Manufacturing Location:
Lordstown Assembly Plant, Ohio, USA