Pontiac Sunfire

The Pontiac Sunfire GT Convertible has two key things going for it. First, it is highly affordable and second, it is fun to drive.

Although Pontiac Sunfire GT Convertible shares most of what is under the skin with the Chevrolet Cavalier, its looks are all its own. As General Motors’ performance nameplate, Pontiac’s styling is typically in your face. While not as extreme as some other Pontiac models, the Pontiac Sunfire GT Convertible is certainly more stylized than its cousin at Chevrolet. Whether in sedan, coupe or convertible form, Pontiac Sunfire GT Convertible has real curb appeal.

Pontiac delivered an ultra silver metallic Pontiac Sunfire GT Convertible for this evaluation. This, along with medium green metallic, is a new exterior color for 2000. Although the coupe has two trim levels (SE and GT), the sedan is available only as a SE, while the convertible comes as only the higher end GT. Enhancements on the convertible for this year include fog lamps, new front fascia and 16-inch aluminum wheels.

Wonderfully driveable, the Pontiac Sunfire GT Convertible is both nimble and responsive. It zips around city traffic with gusto. Easy to park and highly maneuverable, it is a breeze in parking lots. On the highway, it cruises effortlessly. Of course the convertible is all the better for a weekend afternoon drive along the beach or through the countryside.

The suspension is firm, but well on the comfortable side of stiff. This is a small car, so it does react more to bumps and holes than a full-size sedan. Ride quality, though, is good. An anti-lock brake system is standard and oversees disc brakes up front and drums in the rear. The steering system is rack and pinion with power assist and is fairly quick in its response.

Two different four-cylinder engines power Pontiac Sunfire GT Convertible. A 115-horsepower, 2.2-liter engine is standard in SE editions, while a more potent 150-horsepower, 2.4-liter power plant comes in GT models. Mated to the 2.4-liter in the convertible GT is a four-speed automatic transmission. A new Getrag five-speed manual borrowed from GM’s Opel division in Europe is offered as an option.

Even with the automatic, the convertible has plenty of acceleration. From a standing stop to 60 mph takes about 10 seconds. Thanks to its light weight (about 2,900 pounds) and efficient engine, the convertible GT’s fuel economy is quite good. The Environmental Protection Agency predicts city driving will burn a gallon of gas every 22 miles, while on the highway a gallon of fuel will stretch to 30 miles.

Pontiac has also improved Pontiac Sunfire GT Convertible’s interior with a new instrument panel arrangement and a new center console/armrest. Unfortunately not available in the convertible, a new Monsoon audio system has been added to the options list for the sedan and coupe. The convertible has a six-speaker AM/FM stereo/cassette/CD player as its standard audio system.

There is not a great deal of padding in the rear seat, particularly the seat back, but it is comfortable enough for two. Legroom is at a premium, too. The front seats are comfortable and supportive enough. Large gauges are easily viewed and the switches are well within reach of the driver.

Offering a surprising amount of space, the trunk can be made even roomier by folding down the rear seat back. A low lift-over is helpful when loading heavier items into the trunk. The trunk lid, though, doesn’t open nearly wide enough, and I banged my head more than once in the week I spent with this car.

After releasing the top from the windshield header with the twist of a large handle, a push of a single button drops the top into its well behind the rear seat. The top will raise or lower in less than 30 seconds. The three-section hard boot installs in a couple of minutes and stays securely in place.

Although there are several smaller four-passenger convertibles on the market, the Pontiac Sunfire GT Convertible competes most closely with Toyota’s Celica. Both are smaller with four-cylinder engines.

Pricing out at $21,745, the Pontiac Sunfire GT Convertible is a real value. On its long list of standard features not already mentioned: daytime running lamps, dual powered outboard mirrors, rear deck-lid spoiler, dual air bags, air conditioning, trunk cargo net, cruise control, glass rear window with electric defogger, power door locks/windows, carpeted floor mats, leather-wrapped tilt steering wheel/shift knob, remote keyless entry and anti-theft alarm. My Pontiac Sunfire GT Convertible had no options. Adding the $510 delivery fee brought the price as tested to $22,255.