1997 Pontiac Sunfire Owner's Manual - Page 198

MFD BY GENERAL MOTORS CORP DATE GVWR GAWR FRT GAWR RR THIS VEHICLE CONFORMS TO ALL APPLICABLE U.S. FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY, BUMPE'R, AND THEFT PREVENTION STANDARDS IN EFFECT ON THE DATE OF MANUFACTURE SHOWN ABOVE. Do not load your vehicle any heavier than the GVWR, or either the maximum front or rear GAWR. If you do, parts on your vehiclecan break, or it can change the way your vehicle handles. These could cause you lose control. to Also, overloading can shorten the life of your vehicle. If you put things inside your vehicle -- like suitcases, tools, packages, or anything else -- they will go asfast as the vehicle goes. If you have to stop or turn quickly, or if there is a crash, they'll keep going. The other label is theCertification label, found on the rear edge of the driver's door. It tells you the gross weight capacity of your vehicle, called the G W (Gross Vehicle WeightRating). The GVWR includes the weight of the vehicle, all occupants, fuel and cargo. Never exceed the GVWR for your vehicle, or the Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) for either the front or rear axle. And, if you do have a heavy load, you should spread it out. Don't carry more than 132 lbs. (60 kg) in your vehicle's trunk. 4-34