Since many first-time car buyers are teenagers (or their parents), they don't want a boxy boring compact, but something that looks good, is fun to drive, but won't put a hurting on their wallet. This young, up-and-coming consumer is who Pontiac is targeting with their Sunfire coupe, in an attempt to build up brand loyalty. To accomplish this, the 2004 Pontiac Sunfire features sporty front-end styling, a sports-tuned suspension, rear spoiler, and a zippy little Ecotec engine.

The 2004 Sunfire comes in only one trim, the SE coupe. A 140-hp, 2.2-liter DOHC I4 engine is under the hood, attached to a standard 5-speed manual or optional 4-speed auto tran. In 2003, the dual exhausts are dropped for a single chrome exhaust. A new option is a CD/MP3 player. The two-door coupe seats four, with split-folding rear seats to expand the 12 cubic foot trunk. Air conditioning, dual front airbags, foglights, and a radio are standard. If you want side impact bags, ABS brakes, or traction control, those are optional. Other add-ons include a sunroof, OnStar, satellite radio, and leather trim.

The 2004 Sunfire is popular as a tuner car, ripe for engine and style modifications. Drivers like the Ecotec engine power. Although off-the-line pickup is sluggish, high-speed acceleration is responsive and energetic. They also love how affordable this sporty looking and driving car is, and that the fuel economy is in the 30s for highway driving. A cheap plastic interior needs updating, and drivers say the seats are uncomfortable. They report numerous rattles and feel the trunk opening is too small. The 2004 Sunfire also rates poorly in crash tests. Though it gets four stars for frontal impact, side impact earns one and two stars.