you think it might be the starter?

By tries to start, what do you mean?

Is it turning over?
Do you just hear a clicking?
Are you getting fuel pressure?
Do you have spark?

maybe the battery is dead

what dos it do? just turns over? do is sound like its fireing a little? and can u small any gas? u may not be getting any spark so a new coil may be a good idea..

it could be the starter or connections could have gone bad. But theres a lot of things it could be have you checked the starter, the spark plug and even the battery connectoins

hey like some of them have said it could be to deal with fuel pressure, if it has no spark check the ign. module because most of the time they go bad before the coil will , and if that anit ur problem try retiming it, its easy on and older car like you have got, if u need anymore ideas let me know.

try checking
    fuel pump
    starter
    ignition (spark and fuel injection or carberator)
    timing chain or belt
    air flow sensor

if it turns over its not a problem with the battery or alternator so people should probably stop saying that could be the problem.   i think its either the gas isnt getting to the engine or if it is its not that then its probably the ignition system.

sure get alot of bogus replys here.... could be your Idle Control Valve... sometimes they get suck and give u grief when it comes to starting

I have the same problem with mine. The Theft Deterrent Module, is the issue.

the car starts, but stops within just a few seconds.

have you looked at your timing belt. my bro's sunfire tried to start but right after it started it stalled and it was the timing belt

its probably the battery, cause it sounds like the same thing my car used to do.. If its not the battery look in the ignition system for your answer. :]