One look tells you that the Sunfire design owes a great deal to the Firebird, fromthe dual ports in the front to the lighted "P-O-N-T-I-A-C" on the rear deck. Similarly, there's also a strong family resemblance between the Cavalier and its bigger, more powerful brother, the Camaro, though we think the Sunfire is the more attractive of the two. When it comes to design, Pontiac gets to have all the fun at GM. The Sunfire has plenty of style and pizzazz. Everywhere we drove, people gave thumbs up to the Sunfire's look. In terms of size, the sedan is considered a compact, the coupe a subcompact, according to Environmental Protection Agency interior volume ratings. Though its overall length is shorter, the Sunfire is two inches wider and has three more inches of wheelbase than its predecessor, which makes for a roomier interior and better ride quality. Another goal for Pontiac designers was to make the sedan version as sporty-looking as the coupe so that buyers-particularly those with young families-could enjoy the practicality of a 4-door without sacrificing much in the styling department. We'd say they hit the mark and then some. The Sunfire faces some formidable competition in its class from the likes of the Honda Civic, Dodge/Plymouth Neon, Ford Escort, Toyota Corolla and Celica and Nissan Sentra and 200SX. But in style, at least, it measures up admirably.
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