Automobile Enthusiasts

One of our previous rental "wonder-cars" was a Pontiac Sunfire. I thought we would take a real bath in the long run with that car... but it just went on and on and on.

Over time, I found out why: It was a Sunfire with an unpopular engine/tranny combination.

A simple 3-speed auto transmission. very basic and solid.

Best of all, it had a 2.2L engine that turned out to be the so-called "iron-duke" 4 cylinder engine that GM has been turning out since the 50's. Can you say "push-rods"?

So being the weeny engine and boring tranny, these Sunfires were fairly rare - but indestructible*. Also, it was the best tranny/engine match I've ever owned. No hunting for gears. No crazy downshifts. Smooth and predictable.

Loved that car.

* oh... the GM water-pump thing was there as always. Went through 3 of those - BUT it was right on the outside of the engine - like the old days.