1994 Pontiac Sunfire Cabrio 2.2i 4AT FWD (119 HP)

Vehicle Overview

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.