New fabric freshens the interior of the 2003 Pontiac Sunfire with a bold design available in graphite (gray) or taupe. The new fabric looks durable. Most drivers and passengers should find plenty of interior room. Getting in and out of the Sunfire is easier than it is in many other coupes. Once in, lots of glass and effective mirrors provide good visibility. The driver sees only a little bit of the sharply slanted hood.
Side-impact airbags are optional for 2003. Mounted on the front seats, they are designed to protect the thorax area of the front passengers. OnStar is also optional. OnStar operators will send safety crews to the rescue if an airbag deploys and they can't get a response. They can pinpoint the location of your car if it's stolen or unlock the doors remotely if you lock them inside. OnStar operators can help if you get lost or locate the nearest Mexican restaurant and make reservations for you. Subscribers can use the system to make hands-free cellular telephone calls. Other safety features include three-point seatbelts for all five seating positions.
The instrument panel is redesigned for 2003. New round air outlets can be rotated 360 degrees. The Sunfire's instrument panel is attractive and includes a digital LCD odometer and trip odometer, a tachometer and a coolant temperature gauge. The floor console provides great functionality and includes a padded armrest. Other interior features include two forward-mounted cupholders, a concealed coin holder, and extra storage space for CDs, cassettes and other items.
2003 models get a new steering wheel and it's comfortable with indentions for holding it at 10 and 2 o'clock. Radio and air-conditioning controls are angled toward the driver, the latter revised for 2003 for easier operation.
XM satellite radio is optional for 2003, which features 100 coast-to-coast channels. No need to switch from your favorite station while driving cross country. The 24-hour news broadcasts are available along with dedicated sports channels.
A variety of audio systems is available, including a 200-watt, eight-speaker Monsoon system designed for the Sunfire's interior acoustics. The eight-channel amplified system features active crossovers to direct low, midrange, and high frequencies to the appropriate speakers. Crisp bass response and clear high frequencies make for great sound.
Sunfire's relatively short deck lid conceals slightly more than 12 cubic feet of trunk space, easily accessed with a low lift-over height. The rear seats in 2003 models are split 60/40 and fold down for versatility and increased cargo capacity.
The PASSlock theft deterrent system that comes on all Sunfire models shuts the car off after a few moments if it is started with anything other than the encoded key. A single key is used for ignition and all locks, and a remote keyless entry system is optional. All Sunfires are equipped with daytime running lights. Whenever the ignition is on and the handbrake is released or the automatic transmission is shifted out of park, the headlights will be on at reduced power.
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