Target Audience:
Budget-conscious buyers seeking a reliable, practical, and stylish compact vehicle.
Key Competitors:
Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Ford Focus, Chevrolet Cavalier, Dodge Neon.
Styling:
Distinctive styling for its era, often with sporty design cues.
Value Proposition:
Offered a balance of affordability, features, and fuel efficiency.
Powertrain Options:
Available with efficient 4-cylinder engines and a choice of transmissions.
Powertrain:
Engine operation, starting procedures, fuel system overview.
Drivetrain:
Transmission operation (automatic and manual), clutch operation (if applicable).
Chassis:
Braking system description, steering system overview, suspension basics.
Electrical:
Instrument panel and gauges, lighting controls, electrical features (wipers, horn, power accessories).
Comfort Convenience:
Climate control (HVAC), audio system operation, seating adjustments, door locks, windows.
Safety Security:
Airbag system, seat belt usage, child restraint system (LATCH/ISOFIX), theft-deterrent system.
Driver Information:
Warning lights and indicators, diagnostic information (basic).
Operation:
Starting and driving the vehicle, parking, fuel filling.
Maintenance:
Checking fluid levels (oil, coolant, brake fluid, windshield washer fluid), tire pressure checks, bulb replacement.
Troubleshooting:
Basic troubleshooting for common indicators and warning lights.
Emergency:
Jump starting, tire changing, safe vehicle operation in adverse conditions.
Depth:
Focuses on user-level understanding and basic owner maintenance. Does not include in-depth diagnostic procedures or complete repair instructions typically found in service manuals.
Compatibility:
Viewable and printable on Windows, Mac, and Linux operating systems.
Searchability:
Likely text-searchable PDF, allowing for quick information retrieval.
Resolution:
High resolution, suitable for clear printing of text and diagrams.
Type:
N/A (Digital Format)
Type:
N/A (Digital Format)
Type 1:
5-Speed Manual Transmission
Type 2:
4-Speed Automatic Transmission (4T40-E)
Automatic Features:
Overdrive, electronic control.
Automatic Fluid:
Dexron III (or equivalent)
Wheelbase:
101.3 inches (2573 mm)
Length:
177.1 inches (4498 mm)
Width:
67.0 inches (1702 mm)
Height:
54.5 inches (1384 mm)
Curb Weight Approx Manual:
2750 lbs (1247 kg)
Curb Weight Approx Automatic:
2820 lbs (1279 kg)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr:
Approx. 3700-3800 lbs (1678-1724 kg)
Trunk Volume:
Approx. 13.0 cu ft (coupe), 12.0 cu ft (sedan)
NHTSA Rollover Rating:
4 stars (for Coupe models, typical for this era)
IIHS Crash Test Performance:
Acceptable to Marginal (varies by test and specific year/configuration).
ABS:
Optional on some trims, standard on higher trims or with certain engine configurations.
Traction Control:
Typically not available or very limited on this model year.
Airbags:
Dual front airbags (driver and passenger).
Seat Belts:
Three-point active seat belts for all outboard occupants; two-point center rear seat belt.
Child Restraint:
Rear seat lower anchors and tethers for children (LATCH) or ISOFIX system.
Theft Deterrent:
Factory-installed theft-deterrent system with immobilizer.
Audio System:
Factory AM/FM stereo with cassette player; optional CD player available.
Speaker Configuration:
Typically 4 or 6 speakers, depending on trim level.
Cruise Control:
Optional on most models.
Anti Lock Brakes:
Optional, as noted in safety features.
Auxiliary Input:
Not typically available; aftermarket solutions required for modern device connectivity.
Oil Change:
Every 5,000 to 7,500 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first (depending on oil type and driving conditions).
Tire Rotation:
Every 5,000 to 7,500 miles.
Engine Coolant Flush:
Every 30,000 miles or 2 years (initial). Check manual for specific interval.
Spark Plugs Replacement:
Approximately 100,000 miles for platinum-tipped plugs (if equipped).
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 4.5 quarts (4.3 L) with filter for 2.4L; 4.0 quarts (3.8 L) for 2.2L.
Engine Oil Viscosity:
SAE 5W-30 is commonly recommended.
Coolant Type:
GM Goodwrench 50/50 Antifreeze/Coolant (or equivalent green ethylene glycol based).
Power Steering Fluid:
GM Power Steering Fluid (or equivalent).
Engine Mounts:
Premature wear and failure of engine mounts leading to vibration and noise.
Exhaust System:
Corrosion and failure of exhaust components, particularly mufflers and catalytic converters.
Suspension:
Wear in ball joints, tie rod ends, and struts/shocks, leading to alignment issues and ride discomfort.
Transmission:
Occasional issues with automatic transmission shifting and longevity, particularly the 4T40-E.
Electrical System:
Intermittent issues with window regulators, power locks, and dashboard warning lights.
Pontiac Legacy:
Pontiac was positioned as a performance-oriented marque within General Motors, often offering sportier styling and handling compared to Chevrolet.
Sunfire Lineage:
The Sunfire replaced the Pontiac Sunbird and was part of GM's global compact car strategy. It shared its platform with the Chevrolet Cavalier and Oldsmobile Alero.
Platform Sharing:
The J Platform, introduced in 1982, underwent continuous updates. The 2000 Sunfire represents a later iteration of this platform.
Manufacturing Location:
Lordstown, Ohio, USA; Ramos Arizpe, Mexico.
Production Years:
1995-2005
Consumer Reports Ratings:
Generally rated below average for reliability and performance by consumer organizations of the time.
Jd Power Rankings:
Did not typically receive high rankings in J.D. Power initial quality or long-term dependability studies.
Emissions Certification:
Meets applicable EPA and California Air Resources Board (CARB) emissions standards for the model year.