Body style: Convertible (spider/spyder, cabrio/cabriolet, drop/open/soft top)
Segment: Coupe Cabrio
Production years: 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999
GM introduced the Pontiac Sunfire with a choice of three bodyworks, all targeting younger customers, but none of them was more youth-oriented than the open-top version.
The 1995 Sunfire convertible was built on the same J-platform as the Chevrolet Cavalier but with a sportier tuning for the suspension and a lower price. Thus, the little Pontiac convinced more young buyers to step inside the carmaker's showrooms.
Sunfire's design followed the bio-design trend, which was at its peak in the mid-90s. Still, the headlights looked like they belonged on an '80s car due to their sharp edges and rectangular shape. From its profile, the raked windshield almost covered the front seats' occupants. But that was good since it also served as a safety arch.
Pontiac advertised the car as a four-seat vehicle, although that was not completely true. While the front occupants enjoyed enough legroom, there was hardly enough space in the back for two adults. Maybe it was suitable for a couple of teenagers for a short trip. At first, the automaker offered the vehicle just with the SE trim level, but four years later, it also provided it with the GT grade. On the instrument cluster, Pontiac installed two large dials for the speedometer and tachometer, flanked on their outer sides by the fuel-level and coolant temperature gauges.
Under the hood, the automaker installed a standard 2.2-liter gasoline engine mated to a standard five-speed manual. As an option, Pontiac also offered a 2.3-liter powerplant that was not only more powerful but also more refined. A three-speed automatic was available for the former, while the latter could've been paired with a four-speed auto.
ENGINE SPECS - 2.2i 3AT FWD (124 HP) | |
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Cylinders: | L4 |
Displacement: | 2190 cm3 |
Power: | 91 KW @ 5200 RPM 123.7 HP @ 5200 RPM 122 BHP @ 5200 RPM |
Torque: | 130 lb-ft @ 4000 RPM 176 Nm @ 4000 RPM |
Fuel System: | Multipoint Injection Naturally aspirated |
Fuel: | Gasoline |
Fuel capacity: | 15.1 gallons (57.2 L) |
TRANSMISSION SPECS | |
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Drive Type: | Front Wheel Drive |
Gearbox: | 3-speed automatic |
BRAKES SPECS | |
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Front: | Ventilated Discs |
Rear: | Drum |
TIRES SPECS | |
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Tire Size: | 195/65 R15 |
DIMENSIONS | |
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Length: | 181.9 in (4620 mm) |
Width: | 67.3 in (1709 mm) |
Height: | 54.7 in (1389 mm) |
Front/rear Track: | 57.7/56.5 in (1,466/1,435 mm) |
Wheelbase: | 104.1 in (2644 mm) |
Cargo Volume: | 9.9 cuFT (280 L) |
WEIGHT SPECS | |
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Unladen Weight: | 2833 lbs (1285 kg) |
ENGINE SPECS - 2.2i 4AT FWD (119 HP) | |
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Cylinders: | L4 |
Displacement: | 2190 cm3 |
Power: | 87.2 KW @ 5000 RPM 118.6 HP @ 5000 RPM 117 BHP @ 5000 RPM |
Torque: | 135 lb-ft @ 3600 RPM 183 Nm @ 3600 RPM |
Fuel System: | Multipoint Injection Naturally aspirated |
Fuel: | Gasoline |
Fuel capacity: | 15.1 gallons (57.2 L) |
PERFORMANCE SPECS | |
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Top Speed: | 109 mph (175 km/h) |
TRANSMISSION SPECS | |
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Drive Type: | Front Wheel Drive |
Gearbox: | 4-speed automatic |
BRAKES SPECS | |
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Front: | Ventilated Discs |
Rear: | Drum |
TIRES SPECS | |
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Tire Size: | 195/65 R15 |
DIMENSIONS | |
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Length: | 181.9 in (4620 mm) |
Width: | 67.3 in (1709 mm) |
Height: | 54.7 in (1389 mm) |
Front/rear Track: | 57.7/56.5 in (1,466/1,435 mm) |
Wheelbase: | 104.1 in (2644 mm) |
Cargo Volume: | 9.9 cuFT (280 L) |
WEIGHT SPECS | |
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Unladen Weight: | 2877 lbs (1305 kg) |
ENGINE SPECS - 2.4i 16V 4AT FWD (154 HP) | |
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Cylinders: | L4 |
Displacement: | 2392 cm3 |
Power: | 113.3 KW @ 5600 RPM 154.1 HP @ 5600 RPM 152 BHP @ 5600 RPM |
Torque: | 155 lb-ft @ 4400 RPM 210 Nm @ 4400 RPM |
Fuel System: | Multipoint Injection Naturally aspirated |
Fuel: | Gasoline |
Fuel capacity: | 15.1 gallons (57.2 L) |
PERFORMANCE SPECS | |
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Top Speed: | 118 mph (190 km/h) |
TRANSMISSION SPECS | |
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Drive Type: | Front Wheel Drive |
Gearbox: | 4-speed automatic |
BRAKES SPECS | |
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Front: | Ventilated Discs |
Rear: | Drum |
TIRES SPECS | |
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Tire Size: | 195/65 R15 |
DIMENSIONS | |
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Length: | 181.9 in (4620 mm) |
Width: | 67.3 in (1709 mm) |
Height: | 54.7 in (1389 mm) |
Front/rear Track: | 57.7/56.5 in (1,466/1,435 mm) |
Wheelbase: | 104.1 in (2644 mm) |
Cargo Volume: | 9.9 cuFT (280 L) |
WEIGHT SPECS | |
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Unladen Weight: | 2998 lbs (1360 kg) |
FUEL ECONOMY (NEDC) | |
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City: | 22 mpg US (10.7 L/100Km) |
Highway: | 31.8 mpg US (7.4 L/100Km) |