Against 265 other 4-cyl cars rated 2003–2005, the Sunfire beats their 24.5 mpg average by 1.5 mpg, about $90 a year.
Every Pontiac Sunfire engine, compared
The Pontiac Sunfire was rated in a single specification, so its gas mileage does not vary by version — only by model year. Yearly cost assumes 12,000 miles at $3.20 a gallon.
| Engine | Combined | City / Highway | Years | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.2L 4-cyl | 21.6 / 31.5 | 1995–2005 | $1,518 |
What that actually costs
Against its rivals in the same model years, the Ford Focus gets 26.3 mpg, the Hyundai Accent 28.3 mpg and the Kia Rio 26.7 mpg, next to 26 mpg for the 2005 Sunfire. The Sunfire costs the most of them to run: $120 a year more than the Hyundai Accent.
| Measure | Value |
|---|---|
| Cost per mile (2005) | $0.123 |
| Fuel per year | $1,477 |
| Fuel over five years | $7,385 |
| Against other 4-cyl cars, 2003–2005 | −$90 a year |
| EPA's own estimate | $2,473 a year |
City or highway — who is this car for
The 2005 Pontiac Sunfire gives up 9 mpg in town: 32 on the highway against 23 in the city, $470 a year if every mile were city driving.
| Measure | Value | Reading |
|---|---|---|
| City (2005) | 23 mpg | $1,670 a year if you only drive in town |
| Highway | 32 mpg | $1,200 a year if you mostly commute |
| Gap | +9 mpg (39%) | Wide — this car dislikes traffic |
How the Sunfire changed over the years
The Sunfire peaked in 2004 at 27 mpg (23 city, 33 highway) and was at its thirstiest in 2001 at 24 — 3 mpg apart, or $178 a year in fuel between buying one year and the other. The 2005 car does 26.
| Model year | Combined | City / Highway | Engines offered | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2005 | 23 / 32 | 1 | $1,477 | |
| 2004 | 23 / 33 | 1 | $1,422 | |
| 2003 | 21 / 30 | 1 | $1,536 | |
| 2002 | 22 / 30 | 1 | $1,536 | |
| 2001 | 21 / 29 | 1 | $1,600 | |
| 2000 | 21 / 31 | 1 | $1,600 | |
| 1999 | 21 / 31 | 1 | $1,536 | |
| 1998 | 21 / 31 | 1 | $1,536 | |
| 1997 | 22 / 33 | 1 | $1,477 | |
| 1996 | 22 / 33 | 1 | $1,477 | |
| 1995 | 21 / 33 | 1 | $1,536 |
MPG is a number. Dollars per year is the answer.
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How we count
This page rests on 11 EPA ratings of the Pontiac Sunfire — 1 engine across 1995–2005. The mileage is EPA's laboratory figure, unchanged; the yearly bill is ours, at 12,000 miles and $3.20 a gallon, against EPA's own estimate of $2,473. Full method.
Frequently asked questions
What mpg does the 2005 Pontiac Sunfire get?
26 mpg combined, 23 city and 32 highway, per EPA. Across every year since 1995 the Sunfire has averaged 25.3 mpg.
Is the 2005 Sunfire more efficient than the 2004?
No: 26 against 27 mpg combined, about $55 a year more to run.
Which Sunfire year has the best gas mileage?
The 2004, at 27 mpg combined (23 city, 33 highway).
Does the Sunfire get better gas mileage than the Ford Focus?
About the same: 26 mpg for the 2005 Sunfire against 26.3 for the 2006 Ford Focus.
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