The Pontiac Sunfire, produced from 1995 to 2005, is a compact vehicle known for its sporty styling and affordability, targeting younger buyers and budget-conscious consumers. Built on the well-established J-body platform, it offered a driver-centric dashboard and practical seating arrangements, aiming to provide a stylish and relatively peppy driving experience. Available in various trim levels such as Base, GT, and SE, and in coupe and sedan body styles, the Sunfire featured a 2.4-liter DOHC inline 4-cylinder engine, producing an estimated 150 horsepower, paired with either a 4-speed automatic or a 5-speed manual transmission. Its design philosophy emphasized value, positioning it as a competitive option against segment leaders like the Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla.

This owner's manual provides comprehensive guidance for the 1996 Pontiac Sunfire, covering essential operational procedures, routine maintenance, and basic troubleshooting across all trim levels. It details the powertrain, chassis, electrical, comfort, and safety systems, offering insights into engine operation, fluid checks, braking, steering, suspension, lighting, instrument cluster functions, and climate control. The manual also includes information on seat belt usage, airbag systems, and child restraint mounting. While focusing on user operation and basic upkeep, it clarifies that detailed component-level repair instructions or advanced diagnostic procedures are beyond its scope, serving as a valuable resource for owners and technicians to maintain and understand their vehicle.