2002 Pontiac Sunfire Pontiac excitement on a budget. By Mitch McCullough, Editor-in-Chief, New Car Test Drive .com

The Pontiac Sunfire is agile and easy to drive. It comes in two-door coupe and four-door body styles and starts at a retail price $14,565.

For 2002, the Sunfire offers as optional GM's new 2.2-liter Ecotec engine, designed to offer quieter operation and improved efficiency; it replaces last year's more powerful 2.4-liter engine.

Pontiac Sunfire is available as a four-door sedan or two-door coupe. The sedan is available in only one trim level, SE ($15,275). Coupes are available in two models, SE ($14,565) and GT ($17,030). The coupes are more fun, but the sedan offers more practicality with a roomier back seat and a larger trunk.

SE models are powered by a 2.2-liter overhead-valve four-cylinder engine that produces 115 horsepower and 135 pounds-feet of torque.

Optional on the SE and standard on the GT is GM's new 2.2-liter twin-cam Ecotec engine that provides 140 horsepower and 150 pounds-feet of torque. Although slightly less powerful than last year's 2.4-liter twin-cam, the Ecotec is quieter, lighter and more fuel efficient.

All Sunfires come standard with air conditioning, anti-lock brakes, a tilt steering column, an AM/FM/cassette audio system and 14-inch all-season tires. Either Sunfire engine can be mated to a five-speed manual or a four-speed automatic transmission.

GT adds aerodynamic body trim, fog lights, a CD player, performance tires mounted on 16-inch alloy wheels, plus its more powerful engine and sportier suspension tuning.

A new option for 2002 is the Driver Convenience Package ($130) that includes cruise control, intermittent wipers, a trunk cargo net, assist handles, overhead storage unit and reading lamps. Also new for 2002 is an auxiliary power outlet for all versions and an electronic trunk release.