View source for Pontiac Sunbird

{{About|the car sold by Pontiac from 1975–1994|the car sold by Holden from 1976 to 1980|Holden Torana}}
{{Infobox automobile
| name = Pontiac Sunbird
| image = 1992 Pontiac Sunbird SE convertible, front right, 09-28-2024.jpg
| caption = 1992 Pontiac Sunbird SE convertible
| manufacturer = [[Pontiac (automobile)|Pontiac]] ([[General Motors]])
| production = 1975–1994
| model_years = 1976–1980<br>1982–1994
| predecessor = [[Pontiac Astre]]
| successor = [[Pontiac Sunfire]]
| class = [[Subcompact]] (1976–1980)<br>[[Compact car|Compact]] (1982–1994)
}}

The '''Pontiac Sunbird''' (also known as the '''Pontiac J2000''' and '''Pontiac 2000''') is a model line that was manufactured and marketed by [[Pontiac (automobile)|Pontiac]] from the 1976 to the 1994 model years. Loosely deriving its name from the [[Pontiac Firebird]], the Sunbird was introduced as the eventual replacement for the [[Pontiac Astre]], replacing it entirely in 1978 as the smallest Pontiac (the later T1000 was slotted below it in size).

The first generation of the Sunbird used the subcompact [[GM H platform]]. Serving as the Pontiac counterpart of the [[Chevrolet Monza]], the Sunbird was offered as a two-door notchback coupé and three-door hatchback and station wagon. The model was manufactured alongside the Monza, [[Buick Skyhawk#First generation (1975–1980)|Buick Skyhawk]], and [[Oldsmobile Starfire#Second generation (1975–1980)|Oldsmobile Starfire]] at [[Lordstown Assembly]] (Lordstown, Ohio), [[South Gate Assembly]] ([[South Gate, California]]) and [[Sainte-Thérèse Assembly]] ([[Sainte-Thérèse, Quebec]]), Canada.

The second generation of the Sunbird used the compact [[GM J platform]]. Serving as the Pontiac counterpart of the [[Chevrolet Cavalier]], the Sunbird was marketed at various times as a two-door notchback coupé or convertible, three-door hatchback, four-door sedan, and five-door station wagon. The model line was manufactured alongside the Cavalier at [[Lordstown Assembly]] ([[Lordstown, Ohio]]), [[Ramos Arizpe Assembly]] ([[Ramos Arizpe|Ramos Arizpe, Mexico]]), and alongside the [[Buick Skyhawk#Second generation (1982–1989)|Buick Skyhawk]] and [[Oldsmobile Firenza]] at [[Leeds Assembly]] ([[Kansas City, Missouri]]) in 1982 only.

While not as long-running as the Bonneville, Grand Prix, and Firebird nameplates, Pontiac would use the Sunbird nameplate for 17 model years. After the Sunbird skipped the 1981 model year entirely, it was released as an early 1982 and renamed the J2000; the Sunbird name was returned for 1984. For 1995, the Sunbird underwent a substantial model update and was renamed the [[Pontiac Sunfire]].

{{TOC left}}
{{clear}}

==First generation (1976–1980)==
{{Infobox automobile
| name = First generation
| image =1978 Pontiac Sunbird Sport Coupe.jpg 
| caption = 1978 Pontiac Sunbird Sport coupe
| production = 1975–1980
| model_years=1976–1980
| body_style = 2-door [[coupe]]<br>2-door [[hatchback]]<br>2-door [[station wagon]]
| layout = [[FR layout]]
|assembly=[[Lordstown, Ohio]], U.S. <br />([[Lordstown Assembly]])<br />[[South Gate, California]], U.S.<br /> ([[South Gate Assembly]])<br />[[Sainte-Thérèse, Quebec]], Canada ([[Sainte-Thérèse Assembly]])
|platform=[[GM H platform (RWD)|H-body]]
| engine = {{convert|140|cuin|L|1|abbr=on}} ''[[GM 2300 engine|2300]]'' [[Straight-4|I4]]<br>{{convert|151|cuin|L|1|abbr=on}} ''[[GM Iron Duke engine|Iron Duke]]'' [[Straight-4|I4]]<br>{{convert|231|cuin|L|1|abbr=on}} ''[[Buick V6 engine#231|Buick]]'' [[V6]]<br>{{convert|305|cuin|L|1|abbr=on}} ''[[Chevrolet V8 engine#305|Chevrolet]]'' [[V8 engine|V8]] 
| transmission = 4-speed [[Borg-Warner T-50 transmission|T-50]] [[Manual transmission|manual]]<br />5-speed [[Borg-Warner T-50 transmission|T-50]] manual<br />3-speed [[Turbo-Hydramatic#THM200|THM-200]] [[automatic transmission|automatic]]<br>3-speed [[Turbo-Hydramatic|THM-250]] 
|wheelbase={{convert|97.0|in|mm|abbr=on}}
|length={{convert|179.2|in|mm|abbr=on}} coupe/hatchback<br>{{convert|178.0|in|mm|abbr=on}} Wagon
|height={{convert|49.6|in|mm|abbr=on}} coupe/Hatchback<br>{{convert|51.8|in|mm|abbr=on}} Wagon
| related =  [[Buick Skyhawk#First generation (1975–1980)|Buick Skyhawk]]<br>[[Oldsmobile Starfire#Second generation (1975–1980)|Oldsmobile Starfire]]<br>[[Chevrolet Monza]]
}}
Introduced in September 1975 for the 1976 model year, the first-generation Pontiac Sunbird was developed from the [[Pontiac Astre]] subcompact, itself a rebadged variant of the [[Chevrolet Vega]], and a direct variant of the [[Chevrolet Monza]].<ref>h-body.org</ref> The Sunbird and Monza competed against the [[Ford Mustang II]], [[Mercury Capri]], [[Toyota Celica]] and [[Volkswagen Scirocco]]. Total production reached 479,967 for model years 1976-1980.

While sharing a nameplate, the Pontiac Sunbird shared no commonality with the Australian-market [[Holden Torana#LX Sunbird|Holden LX Sunbird]].

===Overview===
[[File:Sunbird Formula.jpg|left|thumb|1978 Pontiac Sunbird Formula hatchback]]
The first-generation Sunbird shared the GM subcompact [[General Motors H platform (1971)|H-body platform]],<ref>{{Cite web|title=1976 Pontiac | type = brochure | url = http://www.oldcarbrochures.org/United%20States/Pontiac/1976%20Pontiac/1976-Pontiac-Full-Line-Brochure/slides/1976_Pontiac_Full_Line-03.html|access-date=2022-01-14|publisher = Pontiac Motor Division, General Motors Corporation | via=www.oldcarbrochures.org}}</ref> sharing its 97-inch wheelbase with the Astre, Vega and Chevrolet Monza. Using a rear-wheel drive configuration, the Sunbird is fitted with coil springs for all four wheels, using short and long control arms for the front suspension and a torque-arm live rear axle rear suspension; both axles are fitted with an anti-roll bar. Front vented disc brakes were standard, along with rear drum brakes.

For its 1976 introduction, the Sunbird shared its standard engine with the Astre/Vega, using a Chevrolet-designed 2.3-litre inline-four, producing {{cvt|78|hp|kW|0}} with a standard one-barrel carburetor; an optional two-barrel carburetor increased output to {{cvt|87|hp|kW|0}}. A {{cvt|110|hp|kW|0}} Buick-supplied 231 cubic-inch V6 was also optional. A four-speed manual transmission was standard, with a five-speed manual and three-speed automatic offered as options.

For 1977, the engine line was revised, with a Pontiac-developed 151 cubic-inch [[Iron Duke engine|"Iron Duke"]] inline-four introduced; {{cvt|90|hp|kW|0}} was produced with a two-barrel carburetor. For 1978, a Chevrolet-sourced 305 cubic-inch V8 was introduced as an option on Sunbird coupes and hatchbacks. For 1980, the V8 option was dropped from the model line.

===Model year changes===
[[File:Sunbird wagon.jpg|left|thumb|1979 Pontiac Sunbird Safari wagon]]
For 1976, the Pontiac Sunbird was offered only in a two-door notchback coupe body, sharing a body with the Chevrolet Monza Towne Coupe.

For 1977, a three-door hatchback version of the Sunbird was introduced, [[badge engineering|rebadged variants]] of the Chevrolet Monza, Buick Skyhawk, and Oldsmobile Starfire. A Formula option combined the handling package with a three-piece spoiler, special body decals, chrome valve cover, and a T/A steering wheel; the option was offered with the coupe and hatchback.

For 1978, a Sunbird two-door station wagon was introduced, a close [[badge engineering|badge engineered variant]] of the Astre wagon.

For 1979, the Sunbird wagon received a revised, horizontal grille.

For 1980, the H-body Sunbird dropped the station wagon bodystyle and the optional V8 engine. The model year underwent an unusually long production run to provide inventory into calendar-year 1981, as it was replaced by the J2000 for the 1982 model year.{{clear}}

==Second generation (1982–1987)==
{{Infobox automobile
| name = Second generation
| image = Sausalito, California - USA (8724787065) (cropped).jpg
| caption = 1984 Pontiac 2000 Sunbird sedan
| production = 1981–1987
| designer = [[Irv Rybicki]] (1977)<ref>{{cite web | title=85 Years of GM Design: the timeline | website=Car Body Design | date=2012-06-18 | url=http://www.carbodydesign.com/2012/06/gm-design-the-timeline/ | access-date=2019-08-15}}</ref>
| model_years = 1982–1987
| aka = J2000 (1982)<br>2000 (1983)<br>2000 Sunbird (1983–1984)
| body_style = {{ubl | 2-door [[Coupé|coupe]] | 2-door [[Convertible (car)|convertible]] | 3-door [[hatchback]] | 4-door [[sedan (car)|sedan]] | 5-door [[station wagon]] }}
| layout = [[Front-engine, front-wheel-drive layout|Transverse front-engine, front-wheel drive]]
| assembly = United States:<br> [[Lordstown, Ohio]] ([[Lordstown Assembly]]: 1982–1987)<br> [[Kansas City, Missouri]] ([[Leeds Assembly]]: 1982 only)
| wheelbase = {{convert|101.2|in|mm|abbr=on}}
| engine = {{ubl | {{convert|1841|cc|cuin|1|abbr=on}} ''[[GM 122 engine#L46|L46]]'' [[Overhead valve engine|OHV]] [[Straight-four engine|I4]] | {{convert|1796|cc|cuin|1|abbr=on}} ''[[Family II engine#LH8|LH8]]'' [[SOHC]] I4 | {{convert|1796|cc|cuin|1|abbr=on}} ''[[Family II engine#LA5|LA5]]'' [[Turbocharger|turbo]] [[SOHC]] I4 | {{convert|1991|cc|cuin|1|abbr=on}} ''[[GM 122 engine#LQ5|LQ5]]'' [[Overhead valve engine|OHV]] I4 | {{convert|1998|cc|cuin|1|abbr=on}} ''[[Family II engine#LT2|LT2]]''  [[SOHC]] I4 | {{convert|1998|cc|cuin|1|abbr=on}} ''[[Family II engine#LT3|LT3]]'' turbo SOHC I4 }}
| length = {{convert|169.5|in|mm|abbr=on}}
| width = {{convert|66.3|in|mm|abbr=on}}
| height = {{convert|53.6|in|mm|abbr=on}}
| weight = {{convert|2353|-|2577|lb|kg|abbr=on}}
| platform = [[GM J platform|J-body]]
| transmission = 4-speed [[List of GM transmissions#Transverse Transmissions|Muncie M17]] [[Manual transmission|manual]]<br/>5-speed [[Getrag 282 transmission|Getrag 282]] manual<br/>3-speed [[Turbo-Hydramatic 125|Turbo-Hydramatic 125 C]] [[Automatic transmission|automatic]]
| related = [[Cadillac Cimarron]]<br> [[Buick Skyhawk]]<br>[[Oldsmobile Firenza]]<br>[[Chevrolet Cavalier]]
}}

=== J2000/2000 ===
For 1982, the rear-wheel-drive Sunbird was replaced by a new front-wheel-drive compact called the ''J2000''. Appearing as a sedan, coupe, wagon or hatchback, the J2000 was powered by a carbureted, overhead valve cast-iron 1.8-litre four-cylinder engine. Power was {{convert|88|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}}.<ref name="1999 Flammang">{{cite book|last1=Flammang|first1=James M.|last2=Kowalke|first2=Ron|title=Standard Catalog of American Cars 1976-1999|edition=3rd|year=1999|publisher=Krause Publications|isbn=0-87341-755-0}}</ref><ref name="Spontiac">{{Cite book | title = Standard Catalog of Pontiac, 1926-2002 | edition = 2nd | first1 = John | last1 = Gunnell | first2 = Ron | last2 = Kowalke | ref = GunKow | publisher = Krause Publications | location = Iola, WI | pages = 178–180 | date = 2012 | isbn = 978-1-4402-3234-3 }}</ref> During the year, this engine was joined by a new 1.8-litre four, a single overhead-cam unit with an aluminum head imported from [[General Motors do Brasil|GM of Brazil]]. This engine used throttle-body electronic fuel injection, in contrast to the carburetor that was used in the previous engine, making {{convert|84|hp|abbr=on}}. It was initially only available in conjunction with the automatic transmission. The J2000 shared GM's internationally used [[GM J platform|J-Body]] platform with the [[Chevrolet Cavalier]], [[Oldsmobile Firenza]], [[Buick Skyhawk]], and [[Cadillac Cimarron]] in North America. The 1982 J2000 LE sedan was listed at $7,548 (${{formatnum:{{Inflation|US|7548|1982}}}} in {{Inflation-year|US}} dollars{{inflation-fn|US}}).<ref name="1999 Flammang" /> The suspension was shared with the front-wheel-drive Phoenix and 6000, which consisted of MacPherson struts, lower control arms, coil springs and a stabilizer bar for the front, while a solid beam axle, trailing arms, variable-rate coil springs for the rear suspension on all body styles were unique to the J2000.<ref name="1999 Flammang" />

For 1983, the ''J'' prefix was dropped. This was in an effort to market the J2000 as a smaller version of the [[Pontiac 6000]], which had a similar appearance. A five-speed manual was newly optional along with adjustable and reclining bucket seats sourced from [[Lear Siegler]] which were also installed in the Firebird, Chevrolet Camaro and Buick Grand National.<ref name="1999 Flammang" /> The standard engine was replaced by the fuel injected Brazilian engine, while a stroked 2-litre fuel injected version of the overhead-valve 1.8 became the optional engine, producing {{cvt|88|hp|kW|0}}.<ref name="pont185">[[#GunKow|Gunnell and Kowalke (2012)]], p. 185</ref>

=== 2000 Sunbird ===
[[File:Pontiac Sunbird convertible.jpg|left|thumb|1985–1987 Pontiac Sunbird convertible]]
For 1983, Pontiac introduced a two-door J-body convertible called the 2000 Sunbird. The first Pontiac convertible outside of its full-size range since 1972, the 2000 Sunbird was the first convertible for the brand since the 1975 [[Pontiac Grand Ville]]<ref name="Spontiac" />

The entire Pontiac J-body line adopted the 2000 Sunbird name for 1984 (reviving the name of its predecessor), coinciding with a revised front fascia (updated with a less angular appearance). A new turbocharged four-cylinder was available provided by a [[Garrett Motion|Garrett T25 turbocharger]].<ref name="1999 Flammang" /> Based on the standard 1.8L inline-four that powered other 2000 Sunbirds, it used multi-port fuel injection, for a total output of {{convert|150|hp|abbr=on}}. This engine was popular, and more powerful than many V6 engines in competing brands.<ref name="1999 Flammang" />

=== Sunbird ===
[[File:'86 Sunbird Coupe.jpg|alt=|left|thumb|1986 Pontiac Sunbird coupe]]
For 1985, the model line underwent few functional changes, with Pontiac dropping the 2000 prefix from the model nomenclature.

For 1986, the optional 2-litre four was discontinued.<ref name=pont215>[[#GunKow|Gunnell and Kowalke (2012)]], p. 215</ref> A GT model arrived at the top of the lineup. It featured fender flares, hidden headlamps, and the turbo engine standard. It was available in sedan, coupe, hatchback, or convertible.<ref name=pont215/> The GT sedan is very rare, with fewer than 5,000 sold. The GT convertible is the rarest variant, with fewer than 1,300 sold.
[[File:1986 Pontiac Sunbird SE hatchback, rear left, 06-07-2024.jpg|thumb|left|1986 Pontiac Sunbird SE hatchback]]A redesigned gauge cluster and new engines were introduced for the 1987 model year. The gauge cluster featured different graphics, and a {{convert|120|mi/h|km/h|abbr=on}} speedometer on turbo-equipped models, where 1984-1986 turbo models had an {{convert|85|mi/h|km/h|abbr=on}} speedometer. The new engines were "punched out" versions of the 1.8L, displacing 2.0L. The base engine still used throttle-body injection, for a new total of {{convert|96|hp|abbr=on}}, and the turbo still used port-injection, for a new total of {{convert|165|hp|abbr=on}}. Also, the convertible could only be ordered in GT trim.
[[File:1987 Pontiac Sunbird Safari vb.jpg|thumb|left|1987 Pontiac Sunbird Safari (wagon)]]
{| class="wikitable"
|+Production figures<ref name="1999 Flammang"/>
!
!Coupe
!Hatchback
!Sedan
!Wagon
!Convertible
!Yearly total
|-
|'''1982'''
|24,900
|29,752
|46,948
|17,259
| -
|'''118,859'''
|-
|'''1983'''
|24,753
|9,166
|31,790
|11,994
|626
|'''78,329'''
|-
|'''1984'''
|60,400
|14,410
|71,868
|17,154
|5,458
|'''169,290'''
|-
|'''1985'''
|44,110
|5,770
|51,498
|8,407
|2,114
|'''111,899'''
|-
|'''1986'''
|55,644
|6,264
|62,882
|7,445
|2,866
|'''135,101'''
|-
|'''1987'''
|N/A
|N/A
|N/A
|N/A
|N/A
|'''87,286 (individual breakdown not available)'''
|-
!Total
!209,807
!65,362
!264,986
!62,259
!11,064
!<u>700,764</u>
|}
{{clear}}

==Third Generation (1988–1994)==
{{Infobox automobile
| name = Sunbird Series 2J<ref name="1999 Flammang" />
| image = Pontiac-Sunbird-coupe.jpg
| caption = 1989–'94 Pontiac Sunbird Coupe
| production = 1988–1994
| model_years = 1988½–1994
| body_style = 2-door [[convertible]]<br>2-door [[coupe]]<br>4-door [[Sedan (automobile)|sedan]]<br>4-door [[station wagon]]
| wheelbase = {{convert|101.3|in|mm|abbr=on}} (1991–92)<br>{{convert|101.2|in|mm|abbr=on}} (1989–90)<br>{{convert|103.4|in|mm|abbr=on}} (1993–94)
| length = {{convert|180.7|in|mm|abbr=on}} (1991–94)<br>{{convert|181.3|in|mm|abbr=on}} (1989–90)
| assembly = [[Lordstown, Ohio]], [[United States]] ([[Lordstown Assembly]])<br>[[Ramos Arizpe, Coahuila]], [[Mexico]] ([[Ramos Arizpe Assembly]])
| width = {{convert|66.3|in|mm|abbr=on}}
| height = {{ubl
  | Coupe/Convertible: {{convert|52.0|in|mm|abbr=on}}
  | Sedan: {{convert|53.6|in|mm|abbr=on}}
  }}
| layout = [[Front-engine, front-wheel-drive layout|Transverse front-engine, front-wheel drive]]
| aka = [[Chevrolet Cavalier]] (Mexico)
| platform = [[GM J platform|J-body]]
| related = [[Buick Skyhawk]]<br>[[Cadillac Cimarron]]<br>[[Chevrolet Cavalier]]
| engine = {{ubl | {{convert|1998|cc|cuin|1|abbr=on}} ''[[Family II engine#LT2|LT2]]'' [[Inline-four engine|I4]] | {{convert|1998|cc|cuin|1|abbr=on}} ''[[Family II engine#LE4|LE4]]'' I4 | {{convert|1796|cc|cuin|1|abbr=on}} ''[[Family II engine#LA5|LA5]]'' [[Turbocharger|turbo]] I4 | {{convert|1998|cc|cuin|1|abbr=on}} ''[[Family II engine#LT3|LT3]]'' turbo I4 | {{convert|3135|cc|cuin|1|abbr=on}} ''[[GM 60-Degree V6 engine#Generation II|LH0]]'' [[V6 engine|V6]] }}
| transmission = 5-speed [[Getrag 282 transmission|Getrag 282]] manual<br/>3-speed [[Turbo-Hydramatic 125|Turbo-Hydramatic 125 C]] [[Automatic transmission|automatic]]
| weight = {{convert|2696|-|2745|lb|kg|abbr=on}}<ref>{{cite web|title=Pontiac Sunbird|url=http://www.a2resource.com/brochures/1994/profiles/group1/photos/pontiacsunbirdleconvert.jpg|access-date=12 August 2014}}</ref>
}}
 
[[File:1991 Pontiac Sunbird LE sedan, front right, 09-09-2023.jpg|thumb|left|1991 Pontiac Sunbird LE Sedan]]
Production under the Sunbird name was continued until 1994. The rear fascia was redesigned in 1988, composite headlights were installed on base models, coupes got a new semi-fastback roof line, and the four-speed manual was discontinued. The base model initially had the 1984–87 front fascia with exposed sealed beam headlamps. 1989 was the last year for the convertible GT, with the Turbo engine option dropped after 1990. The trim levels on both the sedan and coupe were base, SE and GT. The Sunbird SE coupe, SE [[Sedan (car)|sedan]] and the GT [[coupe]] and [[convertible (car)|convertible]] had four partially concealed sealed beam headlamps, a feature that originally appeared on the [[Isuzu Impulse]], that gave the appearance of "raised eyebrows" when the headlights were on. The engines were both the carryover 2.0L {{convert|96|hp|abbr=on}} I4 and the turbocharged 165 horsepower 2.0L four. GM discontinued the Sunbird Safari station wagon, and 1988 was the last year models were offered.<ref name="1999 Flammang" /> The 1988 Sunbird SE sedan was listed at $8,799 (${{formatnum:{{Inflation|US|8799|1988}}}} in {{Inflation-year|US}} dollars {{inflation-fn|US}}).<ref name="1999 Flammang"/>
 
In 1989, the base model received a smoother, more aerodynamic front fascia and the model was renamed "LE". An LE coupe joined the lineup also, with the same features as the LE sedan, but for a slightly lower price. The SE sedan was discontinued. In all models, however, a new dashboard was added. It somewhat resembled that of the larger [[Pontiac Grand Prix#Sixth generation (1988–1996)|Pontiac Grand Prix]], redesigned for 1988. The most notable change from the previous dashboard is the placement of the stereo. A redesigned AM/FM stereo unit was placed high in the dash. If a [[cassette player]] or [[compact disc player]] (new for 1989) were ordered, they were relocated at the bottom of the dash.

[[File:1992 Pontiac Sunbird SE convertible, rear right, 09-28-2024.jpg|thumb|left|1992 Pontiac Sunbird SE convertible, rear view]] 
For 1990, the GT and SE coupes received a smoother front fascia with hidden headlamps. The GT convertible is discontinued, replaced by a turbocharged LE convertible, which also retains the GT suspension and steering. In all models, GM's passive seatbelt system was introduced. The seatbelts were mounted on the doors and would stretch out when latched.
[[File:3rd-Pontiac-Sunbird-GT.jpg|thumb|left|1990–1993 Pontiac Sunbird GT coupe]]
The turbo four was deleted for 1991, replaced by the [[Chevrolet Cavalier|Cavalier]]'s 3.1L V6. With Multi-Port [[Fuel Injection]], it produced {{convert|140|hp|abbr=on}} at 5200 rpm, and {{convert|185|lbft|Nm|0|abbr=on}} of torque at 4800 rpm. Although there was less horsepower under the hood, power came much quicker and smoother than the Turbo, with about the same fuel economy. The V6 engine could be ordered in any model, save the new-for 1991 base value model. The SE coupe received the LE coupe front fascia, but the GT's fascia could still be ordered with a sport package exclusive to SE coupes.

The largest change for the 1992 model year was a revision of the base engine. The 2.0 L [[SOHC]] [[Fuel injection#Throttle body injection|TBI]] four was replaced with the 2.0 L [[SOHC]] [[Fuel injection#Multi-point injection|MPFI]] four resulting in a fuel economy increase and power increase. Power was increased from {{convert|96|hp|abbr=on}} to {{convert|110|hp|abbr=on}} and torque increased from 118 to {{convert|124|lbft|Nm|0|abbr=on}}. NOTE: The intake manifold casting is a bit thick and responds well to port matching the head with a stock felpro gasket. An SE sedan was once again available, and the base models were dropped and the convertible moved from LE to SE.
The only change for 1993 was the addition of a glass rear window with defroster on convertibles.

As the Sunbird came to a close, the trims were pared down. The SE sedan, SE convertible and GT coupe were dropped for 1994. The LE sedan, LE coupe and LE convertible (moved from SE to LE), and SE coupe stood pat for one more year. The SE coupe was essentially the 1993 GT coupe with a lower price.

Most Sunbirds were built in [[Lordstown, Ohio]] and [[Ramos Arizpe]], [[Mexico]]. The Sunbird was replaced by the [[Pontiac Sunfire]] in 1995.

{| class="wikitable"
|-
!Model Year
!Sales<ref name="1999 Flammang" />
|-
|1988
|93,689
|-
|1989
|139,644
|-
|1990
|143,932
|-
|1991
|118,615
|-
|1992
|73,979
|-
|1993
|82,902
|-
|1994
|103,738
|-
!Total
!652,761
|-
|}

==GT==
[[File:90sunbirdgt.jpg|thumb|left|1990 Pontiac Sunbird GT]]
The '''Sunbird GT''' model was introduced in 1986 as a coupe, sedan, convertible or hatchback with a 1.8 L [[Garrett Motion|Garrett T25 turbocharged]] [[inline-four engine]] of the [[Family II engine#2.0|Family II]] range ([[Family II engine#1.8|LA5]]) as standard equipment but was never installed with an intake [[intercooler]].<ref name="1999 Flammang" /> The 1986 Sunbird GT convertible was listed at $14,399 (${{formatnum:{{Inflation|US|14399|1986}}}} in {{Inflation-year|US}} dollars {{inflation-fn|US}}).<ref name="1999 Flammang"/> When the 1.8 L turbocharged engine was first offered in 1984 the optionally listed price was listed between $1,309 (${{formatnum:{{Inflation|US|1309|1984}}}} in {{Inflation-year|US}} dollars {{inflation-fn|US}}) and $1,546 (${{formatnum:{{Inflation|US|1546|1984}}}} in {{Inflation-year|US}} dollars {{inflation-fn|US}}) in addition to the listed retail price.<ref name="1999 Flammang" />

All turbos were also equipped with the WS6 performance handling package, 28mm front stabilizer bar, 21mm rear stabilizer bar, 14" aluminum alloy wheels, turbo boost gauge, four speed manual transmission, or optional automatic transmission, and a tachometer.<ref name="1999 Flammang" /> The {{convert|150|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}} and {{convert|150|lbft|Nm|0|abbr=on}} of torque 1.8-liter turbo engine had been available since 1984 as standard equipment in the SE and optional in the base model and LE except the station wagon. In 1987 the engine was upgraded to the 2.0-liter {{convert|165|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}} and {{convert|175|lbft|Nm|0|abbr=on}} of torque [[Family II engine#Turbo 2|LT3]].<ref name="1999 Flammang" />

All GTs featured semi-concealed headlamps over sealed beam halogen headlights, fender flares and "Turbo GT" badges replacing "Sunbird" badges. The sedan and hatchback were discontinued for 1988 and the interior for the coupe was redesigned for 1989.<ref name="1999 Flammang" /> The convertible was dropped for 1990 and the turbo followed in 1991.<ref name="1999 Flammang" /> Replacing the turbo four-cylinder for 1991 was GM's [[GM 60-degree V6 engine#Generation II|3.1-liter V6]] that produced {{convert|140|hp|kW|0|abbr=on}}, but was quieter and smoother than the turbo. After 1993, the GT coupe became the SE coupe when the lineup was consolidated prior to the new model arriving for 1995.<ref name="1999 Flammang" />

{| class="wikitable"
|-
!Model Year (with standard equipped turbocharged engine)
!2000/Sunbird SE/GT coupe<ref name="1999 Flammang" />
!2000/Sunbird SE/GT convertible<ref name="1999 Flammang" />
!2000/Sunbird SE/GT hatchback<ref name="1999 Flammang" />
!2000/Sunbird SE/GT sedan<ref name="1999 Flammang" />
|-
|1984 
|2,141
|N/A
|2,165
|1.373
|-
|1985
|965
|N/A
|535
|658
|-
|1986 (GT)
|18,118
|1,268
|2,442
|2,802 
|-
|1987 (GT)
|N/A
|N/A
|N/A
|N/A
|-
|1988 (GT)
|N/A
|N/A
|N/A
|N/A
|-
!TOTAL
!'''21,224'''
!'''1,268'''
!'''5,142'''
!'''4,833'''
|-
|}

== Sunbird in Mexico ==
From 1990 to 1992, Chevrolet sold the [[Chevrolet Cavalier]] in Mexico, replacing the [[Chevrolet Celebrity]] as its basic model offering. For 1993, the Mexican-market Chevrolet Cavalier adopted the Pontiac Sunbird body, rebranding it as a Chevrolet.

For the Mexican market, the only engine offered was a LB6 MPFI 2.8L V6 engine, paired to either a 5-speed manual or a 3-speed automatic transmission. The Sunbird GT was rebranded as the Cavalier Z24, standardizing the LH0 3.1L MPFI V6 engine.

For 1995, the Pontiac Sunfire was introduced to Mexico, with the Cavalier again sharing the body of its U.S. counterpart.

==Related models==
In Europe, the GM J platform was used by Vauxhall and Opel for the Vauxhall Cavalier Mk II (U.K.) and [[Opel Ascona]] (Germany and other European countries). While sharing chassis underpinnings with Sunbird, Opel and Vauxhall used their own powertrains and a slightly different exterior design; a 5-door hatchback was exclusive to the European market.

In Australia and New Zealand, the [[Holden Camira]] was a rebranded version of the Vauxhall Cavalier. Though similar in design to its American counterpart, the 5-door station wagon configuration was designed in Australia (Vauxhall Cavalier wagons/estates were produced from [[Knock-down kit|CKD]] kits).

In 1989, GM began to phase out the J platform outside of North America; the Opel Ascona was replaced by the Opel Vectra, with the Vauxhall Cavalier returning as a rebranded version of the latter. For 1990, the Holden Camira was replaced by the [[Holden Apollo]] (a rebranded Toyota Camry).

In South America, the Opel Ascona was produced in Brazil as the [[Chevrolet Monza (South America)|Chevrolet Monza]] from 1983 to 1996; the Ascona name did not translate favorably in Portuguese or Spanish. Sharing the body of the Ascona/Cavalier sedan, the Monza was also offered in a three-door hatchback (similar roofline to the 1982-1987 Sunbird hatchback) until 1989.

==Engines==
The 1982–1994 Sunbird came with one of these engines:
* 1982: 1.8&nbsp;L ''[[GM 122 engine#L46|L46]]'' carbureted OHV [[Inline-four engine|I4]]
* 1982–1986: 1.8&nbsp;L ''[[Family II engine#LH8|LH8]]'' TBI SOHC I4
* 1983–1985: 2.0&nbsp;L ''[[GM 122 engine#LQ5|LQ5]]'' TBI OHV I4
* 1984–1986: 1.8&nbsp;L ''[[Family II engine#LA5|LA5]]'' turbocharged MPFI SOHC I4
* 1987–1991: 2.0&nbsp;L ''[[Family II engine#LT2|LT2]]'' TBI SOHC I4
* 1987–1990: 2.0&nbsp;L ''[[Family II engine#LT3|LT3]]'' turbocharged MPFI SOHC I4
* 1991–1994: 3.1&nbsp;L ''[[GM 60-Degree V6 engine#LH0 2|LH0]]'' MPFI OHV [[V6]]
* 1992–1994: 2.0&nbsp;L ''[[Family II engine#LE4|LE4]]'' MPFI SOHC I4

==See also==
*[[Chevrolet Vega#Rebadged variants|Chevrolet Vega: Vega variants-Pontiac Sunbird Safari Wagon]]
*[[GM H platform (RWD)|General Motors H-platform]]

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==Sources==
* Gunnell, John, ''Standard Catalog of American Cars: 1946–1975, Revised 4th Edition'' (Iola, WI: Krause Publications, 2002)

==External links==
{{Commons category}}

{{Pontiac Early Timeline}}
{{Pontiac timeline 1980s to 2010}}
{{Pontiac}}

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