Pontiac Sunbird problems
The Pontiac Sunbird (also known as the Pontiac J2000 and Pontiac 2000) is a model line that was manufactured and marketed by Pontiac from the 1976 to the 1994 model years. Loosely deriving its name from the Pontiac Firebird, the Sunbird was introduced as the eventual replacement for the Pontiac Astre, replacing it entirely in 1978 as the smallest Pontiac (the later T1000 was slotted below it in size).
The first generation of the Sunbird used the subcompact GM H platform. Serving as the Pontiac counterpart of the Chevrolet Monza, the Sunbird was offered as a two-door notchback coupé and three-door hatchback and station wagon. The model was manufactured alongside the Monza, Buick Skyhawk, and Oldsmobile Starfire at Lordstown Assembly (Lordstown, Ohio), South Gate Assembly (South Gate, California) and Sainte-Thérèse Assembly (Sainte-Thérèse, Quebec), Canada.
The second generation of the Sunbird used the compact GM J platform. Serving as the Pontiac counterpart of the Chevrolet Cavalier, the Sunbird was marketed at various times as a two-door notchback coupé or convertible, three-door hatchback, four-door sedan, and five-door station wagon. The model line was manufactured alongside the Cavalier at Lordstown Assembly (Lordstown, Ohio), Ramos Arizpe Assembly (Ramos Arizpe, Mexico), and alongside the Buick Skyhawk and Oldsmobile Firenza at Leeds Assembly (Kansas City, Missouri) in 1982 only.
While not as long-running as the Bonneville, Grand Prix, and Firebird nameplates, Pontiac would use the Sunbird nameplate for 17 model years. After the Sunbird skipped the 1981 model year entirely, it was released as an early 1982 and renamed the J2000; the Sunbird name was returned for 1984. For 1995, the Sunbird underwent a substantial model update and was renamed the Pontiac Sunfire.
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Pontiac Sunbird model years
Common Pontiac Sunbird problems
The Pontiac Sunbird is a compact car produced by General Motors from 1975 to 1994. This issue can be caused by various factors, such as wear and tear, damage, or faulty components in the ignition system.
Another common problem with the Pontiac Sunbird is engine issues, which have been reported by owners as the second most common problem. These engine issues can range from minor problems, such as difficulty starting the car, to more severe problems, such as engine stalling or failure while driving.
The Sunbird's cooling system is also reported to have issues, with 56% of total complaints made about the Sunbird related to cooling system problems. These issues can include overheating, leaks, or poor cooling performance, which can lead to engine damage or failure if not addressed promptly.
The Sunbird's transmission is another area of concern, with 33% of total complaints made about the Sunbird related to transmission problems. These issues can include difficulty shifting, slipping gears, or transmission failure, which can lead to expensive repairs or replacement.
The Sunbird's interior is also reported to have issues, with 22% of total complaints made about the Sunbird related to interior problems. These issues can include uncomfortable seating, poor fit and finish, or malfunctioning controls, which can affect the overall driving experience.
In addition to these common problems, the Sunbird's instrument cluster is also reported to have issues, with several well-known Pontiac models, including the Sunbird, experiencing common instrument cluster problems. These issues can include malfunctioning or faulty gauges, unreliable speedometer or odometer readings, and dead odometer issues, which can affect the overall functionality and safety of the vehicle.
In summary, the Pontiac Sunbird is reported to have several common problems based on complaints from owners, including issues with the ignition system, engine, cooling system, transmission, interior, and instrument cluster. These issues can range from minor inconveniences to major safety concerns and can lead to expensive repairs or replacement.
What happened to the Pontiac Sunbird?
The Sunbird was replaced by the Pontiac Sunfire in 1995.
What is the equivalent to the Pontiac Sunbird?
Pontiac Sunfire
The Pontiac Sunfire is a compact car by Pontiac that was introduced for the 1995 model year to replace the Sunbird.
What is the value of a 1990 Pontiac Sunbird?
The value of a used 1990 Pontiac Sunbird ranges from $982 to $5,241, based on vehicle condition, mileage, and options.
What kind of car is a Sunbird?
Pontiac says, "We Build Excitement," and the '88 Sunbird GT Turbo holds up its end of the bargain with all the performance and styling you could ask for in a sporty, front-wheel-drive, small car.
Percentage distribution of complaints by Pontiac Sunbird years
We have researched Pontiac problems and analysed all the complaints filed against Pontiac Sunbird cars and compiled the top 5 most problematic Pontiac Sunbird model years:
- Pontiac Sunbird 1994
- Pontiac Sunbird 1993
- Pontiac Sunbird 1992
- Pontiac Sunbird 1991
- Pontiac Sunbird 1990
Below you can see the percentage distribution of known problems by Pontiac Sunbird model years.
Distribution of the number of complaints by Pontiac Sunbird years
We've also compiled a chart for you with the number of complaints about Volkswagen Jetta cars of certain model years:
Pontiac Sunbird car problems categorized by type of issue
After analysing all complaints related to Pontiac Sunbird , it was concluded that the most common issues with these cars are:
- Engine and engine cooling problems
- Service brakes problems
- Hydraulic problems
- Electrical system problems
- Seat belts problems
The graph below shows statistics for all Pontiac Sunbird vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Distribution of the number of complaints where the accident occurred by Sunbird model years
A total of 33 complaints were registered in which the accident occurred. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
Distribution of the number of complaints with fire by Sunbird model years
There were a total of 17 complaints that resulted in a fire. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
Distribution of the number of complaints with injuries by Sunbird model years
There were a total of 31 complaints that resulted in a injuries. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.
The NHTSA has received 239 complaints about various vehicle components related to the Pontiac Sunbird . Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for Pontiac Sunbird vehicles.
Latest 25 complaints
Pontiac Sunbird 1999
- Date Of Incident: 2017-06-02
- Date Complaint: 2017-07-24
- VIN: 1G2JB1248X7
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: THE AIRBAG LIGHT STAY ON.
Pontiac Sunbird 1984
- Date Of Incident: 1986-04-14
- Date Complaint: 2010-08-03
- Number Of Injuries: 2
- Crash: 1
- Components: SEAT BELTS,STRUCTURE,SEATS
- Summary: 1984 PONTIAC SUNBIRD VEHICLE CRASH 4/14/1986 SEAT CAME OUT OF THE FLOOR, SEAT BACK COLLAPSED BREAKING MY BACK AND PELVIS IN 7 PLACES SEAT BELT RETAINER CAME OUT OF THE SIDE OF THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE GENERAL MOTORS KNEW ABOUT THESE DEFECTS AND FAILED TO NOTIFY ANYONE CAR WAS TOTALED. *TR
Pontiac Sunbird 1994
- Date Of Incident: 2006-08-01
- Date Complaint: 2006-08-09
- VIN: 1G2JB14T4R7
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: JUST DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY WHEN A GRINDING NOISE STARTED COMING FROM THE REAR OF THE CAR(94 PONTIAC SUNBIRD)IMMEDIATELY PULLED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD,REAR OF CAR WAS SWERVING DANGEROUSLY,LOOKED UNDER THE CAR IN THE REAR, AND THERE WAS A GAPING HOLE ON THE LEFT SIDE WHEEL WELL WHERE THE SHOCK ABSORBER ATTACHES TO THE BODY,OPENED THE TRUNK AND THE LEFT REAR SHOCK HAD BROKEN THROUGH THE LEFT REAR WHEEL HOUSE, I PROCEEDED TO LOOK AT THE RIGHT SIDE AND THAT SIDE IS ABOUT READY TO BREAK THROUGH TOO, MAKING FOR A MOST DANGEROUS SITUATION, A BODY SHOP HAS STATED THAT IF THE OTHER HAD BROKE AT THE SAME TIME THE WHOLE REAR WOULD HAVE COME OUT, PROBABLY CAUSING A MAJOR CRASH, WITH TOTAL LOSS OF CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. NOW THIS CAR IS NOT A RUST BUCKET BY ANY MEANS AND HAS ONLY 109,00 MILES ON THE ODOMETER. *JB
Pontiac Sunbird 1994
- Date Of Incident: 2006-03-09
- Date Complaint: 2006-03-10
- VIN: 1G2JB14H9R7
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH THE STEERING PULLS TO THE RIGHT. THERE IS A NHTSA RECALL, # 94V115000, REGARDING THE STEERING LINKAGES KNUCKLE SPINDLE ARM. THE VEHICLE HAS THE SAME PROBLEMS AS INDICATED IN THE RECALL; HOWEVER IT IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL DUE TO THE VIN. UPDATED 4/6/2006 - *NM
Pontiac Sunbird 1999
- Date Of Incident: 2006-01-17
- Date Complaint: 2006-01-18
- VIN: 2G2FS22K5X2
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: DT*: THE CONSUMER STATED THE ENGINE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THERE WERE NO INDICATION LIGHTS PRIOR TO THIS FAILURE. THE CONTACT CONSULTED WITH THE LOCAL DEALERSHIP BY TELEPHONE TO DETERMINE THE PROBLEM. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN INSPECTED OR DIAGNOSED BY THE DEALERSHIP. *JB
Pontiac Sunbird 1989
- Date Of Incident: 2005-02-15
- Date Complaint: 2005-08-30
- VIN: 1G2JB11K0K7
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: FUEL TANK DEVELOPED CRACKS AND THERE WERE SIGN OF LEAKAGE AT THE SEAMS. RECALL 88V189000 WAS ISSUED, HOWEVER THE CONSUMER VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED DUE TO VIN. *AK *NM
Pontiac Sunbird 1997
- Date Of Incident: 2004-03-10
- Date Complaint: 2005-08-12
- VIN: 3G2JB1245VS
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: DT: THE CONSUMER STATES THAT THE STEERING WHEEL COLUMN WAS LOOSE AND THE DRIVER HAD NO CONTROL WITH STEERING WHEEL. FIRST BROKE LAST YEAR, AND THE OWNER HAD IT REPAIRED ON MARCH 10, 2004. A MONTH OR TWO MONTHS LATER THE STEERING WHEEL COLUMN BROKE AGAIN. CURRENTLY, IT BROKE F A THIRD TIME. THE FIRST TIME THE OWNER HAD TO PAY TO HAVE THE REPAIRS DONE. THE SECOND TIME WAS COVERED UNDER WARRANTY, AND THE THIRD TIME THE OWNER WILL HAVE TO PAY FOR IT AGAIN. THE COST WAS AROUND $200.00. NO ONE HAS ANY IDEA ON WHY THE STEERING COLUMN BROKE. THE DEALER DID THE REPAIRS. THE OWNER HAS HAD ISSUES WITH THIS PROBLEM FOR THE PAST YEAR. THE OWNER WANTED TO MAKE SURE THAT THE REPAIRS LAST THIS TIME BEFORE SHE PAID FOR THEM. THERE WERE NO PROBLEMS WITH THE VEHICLE BEFORE THIS. THE CAR IS ACTUALLY A 1997 PONTIAC SUNFIRE. *AK
Pontiac Sunbird 1986
- Date Of Incident: 2004-10-22
- Date Complaint: 2004-11-03
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: COMPLAINT ABOUT MANFACTURES NEED TO INSTALL BRAKE LINES ON ALL VEHICLES. *BF THE CONSUMER IS CONCERNED ABOUT THE RUSTING OF BRAKE LINES. *TC
Pontiac Sunbird 1999
- Date Of Incident: 2004-08-09
- Date Complaint: 2004-08-18
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: IT WAS HARD FOR THE CONSUMER TO START THE VEHICLE. CONSUMER HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED. DEALERSHIP WAS NOTIFIED, BUT DID NOT RESOLVE THE PROBLEM. *AK
Pontiac Sunbird 1998
- Date Of Incident: 2004-07-14
- Date Complaint: 2004-07-14
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: CONSUMER NOTICED THAT AFTER USING LEFT TURN SINGLE FUSE WOULD BLOWOUT. DEALER WAS CONTACTED ABOUT PROBLEM. *AK
Pontiac Sunbird 1991
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Date Complaint: 2004-03-23
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: AFTER SEVERAL REPAIRS, CONSUMER REQUESTED HELP IN GETTING THE VEHICLE TO RUN. *PH THE CONSUMER AND HER HUSBAND ARE SENIOR CITIZENS WHO NEED FINANCIAL HELP TO HAVE THEIR VEHICLE REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE HAS HAD MANY PARTIAL REPAIRS BUT NONE THAT HAVE PERMANENTLY REPAIRED ALL THE PROBLEMS. *NM
Pontiac Sunbird 1993
- Date Of Incident: 2002-09-15
- Date Complaint: 2004-01-15
- VIN: 1G2JC54H7P7
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,VISIBILITY,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: WATER LEAKS INSIDE CAR, RADIATOR LEAK, HEATER CORE, HEAD GASKET, THERMOSTAT, FREEZE OUT PLUGS, ENGINE WET WITH OIL, A/C CUTTING IN AND OUT, RUNS ROUGH WHEN A/C IS ON, SLOW PICK UP, DOOR LOCKS DON'T WORK, WINDOW WASHERS STOP BEFORE CYCLE IS DONE, BREAKS AND BREAK LINE BAD, WASHER FLUID RESERVOIR CRACKS TWICE NOW, OVER ALL REPAIRS TOTAL ABOUT $1600.00, AND WE HAVE TO REPLACE THE HEAD GASKET NEXT SO PLSU THIS AMOUNT, I HAVE BILLS KEPT OF ALL EXACT PAYMENTS OF PARTS AND LABOR
Pontiac Sunbird 1993
- Date Of Incident: 2003-09-10
- Date Complaint: 2004-01-14
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EQUIPMENT
- Summary: I HAVE A 1993 PONTIAC SUBNBIRD, 2.2 L,AT,AC. I AHVE WENT THROUGH 3 BATTERIES IN THE LAST 6 MONTHS. I HAVE HAD THE ALTENATOR CHECKED AND IT CHECKED OUT GOOD. I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW WHAT IS CAUSING THIS. *AK
Pontiac Sunbird 1992
- Date Of Incident: 2003-10-01
- Date Complaint: 2003-10-16
- VIN: 1G2JC14K3M7
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: THE ACCELERATOR CABLE ON MY SUNBIRD KEEPS FAILING, CAUSING ABRUBT MALFUNCTIONS. IT IS DANGEROUS IN THE MIDST OF TRAFFIC. THIS OCCURS USUALLY ON A COLD OR RAINY DAY. THE CABLE HAS BEEN RECALLED ON SOME SUNBIRDS HOWEVER; AFTER PHONING PONTIAC THEY INFORMED ME MY CAR DID NOT HAVE SUCH A RECALL. I AM UNABLE TO DRIVE THIS CAR AT THIS TIME AND WANT SOME RESOLUTION. AS I HAVE KEPT IT IN EXCELENT CONDITION.I HAVE HAD TO EXIT THE VEHICLE IN TRAFFIC AND PULL ON THE CABLE MYSELF. AT ONE POINT THE CABLE WAS STUCK AND THE CAR ACCELERATED ON ITS OWN. *LA
Pontiac Sunbird 1994
- Date Of Incident: 2003-09-05
- Date Complaint: 2003-09-05
- VIN: 1G2JB54H0R7
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: 2.0L ENGINE WITH AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION--TRAMISSION (AFTER 2+ HOURS OF DRIVING AT HWY SPEEDS) FAILS TO DISENGAGE FROM ELECTRONIC TORQUE CONVERTER/OVER-DRIVE DURING SLOWING TO A STOP AND STALLS ENGINE. *AK I HAVE COMPLAINED TO GMC DEALER--EVEN SPENT 400 DOLLARS FOR TUNE-UP SINCE DEALER COULD NOT DUPLICATE STALL. A CHECK WITH LOCAL 'SHADE-TREE' MECHANIC YEILDED THE FOLLOWING--- COMMON PLACE FOR THE ELECTRONIC TORQUE CONVERTER (ON 2.0 L MITUISHBISHI AUTOMATIC USED IN CHEVY; BUICK; AND PONITAC) NOT TO DISENGAGE. RECOMMENDS A OVERHAUL OF THE TRANSMISSION TORQUE CONVERTER. WHILE THIS MAY NOT CAUSE A CRASH--THIS IS CAUSE FOR ALARM WHEN CAR IS DRIVEN BY TEENAGER(RELATIVE NEW DRIVER).
Latest 5 recalls Pontiac Sunbird
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 31 recalls for different components of the Pontiac Sunbird.You can explore the year of the Volkswagen Jetta you are interested in by selecting it from the list.
- Model: Pontiac Sunbird 1989
- Report Received Date: 2009-04-07
- Manufacturer: SABERSPORT
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
- Consequence: DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
- Remedy: SABERSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 11, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SABERSPORT AT 1-909-598-7589.
- Model: Pontiac Sunbird 1990
- Report Received Date: 2009-04-07
- Manufacturer: SABERSPORT
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
- Consequence: DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
- Remedy: SABERSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 11, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SABERSPORT AT 1-909-598-7589.
- Model: Pontiac Sunbird 1991
- Report Received Date: 2009-04-07
- Manufacturer: SABERSPORT
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
- Consequence: DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
- Remedy: SABERSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 11, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SABERSPORT AT 1-909-598-7589.
- Model: Pontiac Sunbird 1992
- Report Received Date: 2009-04-07
- Manufacturer: SABERSPORT
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
- Consequence: DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
- Remedy: SABERSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 11, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SABERSPORT AT 1-909-598-7589.
- Model: Pontiac Sunbird 1994
- Report Received Date: 2009-04-07
- Manufacturer: SABERSPORT
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
- Consequence: DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
- Remedy: SABERSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 11, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SABERSPORT AT 1-909-598-7589.
Latest negative Pontiac Sunbird car reviews
Latest positive Pontiac Sunbird car reviews
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Vehicle year: 1994
I hope you're doing well! I wanted to let you know that, while I've had a few minor issues with my car (like needing new brakes, a new battery, and some new tires in a couple of months), overall it's been pretty reliable. One thing I have noticed is that my dashboard seems to be shrinking a bit, but it's not causing any major problems. Let me know if you have any questions!
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Vehicle year: 1993
Hey there! I'm happy to hear that your experience with this car has been great! It's always a relief to have a reliable vehicle. It's great to know that you haven't had any problems with it since you bought it. Thanks for sharing!
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Vehicle year: 1994
Hi there! I've been driving my 5 spd 1994 Sunbird for nearly 6 1/2 years now and I've put 136,500 miles on it. Overall, I'm really happy with it! The only issue I've noticed is that it seems to be rusting a bit faster than other Sunbirds I've seen around. On the bright side, my mpg is around 30/38 and it seems to be getting even better! Other than the usual things that need replacing on any car (brakes, tires, spark plugs, etc.), the only thing I've had to replace was the alternator about 4 years ago. Everything else is still original. Thanks for listening!
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Vehicle year: 1992
If you're looking for a car to have fun with, the 'Bird is it. It shares many parts with the Cavalier, so you can find parts for them anywhere! Everything is straightforward and easy to work on.
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Vehicle year: 1993
Hi there! I just had to share my experience with my car. I bought it brand new in 1993 in West Palm, Florida and it's still going strong in 2010 with 225,000 miles on it! It's been such a reliable car, with no major problems and it gets an impressive 32 mpg. The only issue I've had is with the interior lights not working, but that's a minor thing. It handles great in the snow and I absolutely love it. I live in upstate NY and plan to keep driving it until it dies, and who knows, maybe even try to revive it! I just make sure to change the oil, transmission fluid, and fuel filter every 30,000 miles and do regular service things. I even undercoated it with roofing tar! Here's to many more years with my trusty GM car!
Are you having problems with your Pontiac Sunbird?
Colten Jacobson 2024-11-19
Vehicle year: 1994
I really like the way the car looks both on the interior and exterior, but unfortunately, I've had quite a few issues with it. Shortly after purchasing it at 98000k miles, the transmission occasionally wouldn't downshift into first when I came to a stop. Now, it happens all the time, especially if I ride in 3rd gear for a while or go above 50MPH. I found out that there's a stuck throttle valve in the transmission, and it's going to cost me almost a thousand pounds to fix it. I only paid 3200 pounds for this car, and I haven't even had it for two years yet, so it's frustrating to have these problems. If you're considering buying one of these, I would recommend getting a 5-speed. I've read in many places that the throttle valve is a common issue!
Reece McKenzie 2024-11-19
Vehicle year: 1993
Your car seems to be running well! I've had it since 10/2001 and haven't experienced any major issues with it.
Raleigh Morissette 2024-11-13
Vehicle year: 1992
What a great car to drive in Florida and during the summer!
Rosario Torp 2024-11-07
Vehicle year: 1990
I purchased this car for $500, and although it needed a lot of work due to being seriously neglected, I was able to rebuild the motor and transmission, give it a tune-up, and add a bigger turbo and a few other upgrades. Now, it's seriously quick and can almost keep up with my 04 SRT4 neon. While the interior is cheap, it makes for an awesome winter snow car and even handles pretty well. With a big exhaust, it sounds a lot like an old school muscle car compared to the new Hondas. The 2.0 motor is very torquey and there's absolutely no lag when using the stock turbo. Plus, since there are so many of them in junkyards, parts are cheap.
Dallas Shields 2024-10-29
Vehicle year: 1992
This was my first car, and even though it was already 8 years old when I got it, it served me well until I blew all the head gaskets. Looking back, I realize that at the ripe age of 16, I didn't know much about maintaining a car with oil and water.