We spent a week in a Sunfire GT Coupe in the Atlanta area and found it to be an enjoyable car, whether on the area's busy freeways or winding along county roads.The Sunfire hangs in there well in fast corners. It is poised and predictable and exhibits surprisingly little understeer for a front-wheel drive car. The GT seems at its best in transient, or slalom-type, maneuvers. You can really throw it around. Our only quibble with its handling is the unassisted steering that is a little slow.
The chassis and suspension and steering combine to produce an exceptional blend of ride and handling, and the car projects a secure feeling of stability and solidity.
The suspension is composed of MacPherson struts up front and a twist beam axle in the rear. It's not as sophisticated as many setups in this class, but it gets the job done. A precise feel of on-center steering and quickness are attributed to Sunfire's power rack-and-pinion steering. Sunfire's body rigidity provides a ride that's firm, confidence at higher speeds, and quiet.With the 2.4-liter 16-valve Twin Cam engine, the GT Coupe comes to play with more horsepower than a Honda Civic and more torque than a Dodge Neon Sport. It raises the Sunfire's performance from the realm of acceptable to spirited.
Like most GM cars, the Sunfire and Cavalier disc/drum braking system includes an antilock feature. However, it's not as sophisticated as the systems found on more expensive cars, and overall braking performance is average.
Aggressive yet sensible styling and some nice innovations and standard features make the Sunfire confident and competent with the competition.
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