Overview & Reviews

Pontiac upgrades the Firebird in several ways for 1997. Performance freaks will appreciate the addition of Ram Air induction to the options list of the Formula and Trans Am convertibles. Audiophiles will be blown away by the newly optional 500-watt Monsoon sound system. Luxury intenders can get power seats swathed in leather this year. Safety-conscious buyers will find daytime running lights. Additional cosmetic and comfort items keep the fourth-generation Firebird fresh for its fifth year.

• Good looks, powerful base V-6 engine, better value than Mustang

• Hefty size, seating positions, insurance costs, macho image

User Reviews:

Showing 1 through 10 of 33.00

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  Fun Car!! - 1997 Pontiac Firebird
  By B4May - April 13 - 5:30 pm

  I have been driving this car for 6 years and I still love it as much as I did the day I got it. Rides a little rough, but its a sports car after all. Love the steering wheel radio controls - Im forever spoiled and will never drive a car without them. Also love the great orange dash lighting. T-tops are very fun, but I dont use them as often as I could because they are kind of a pain - manual removal and have to store them in the trunk, so it must be empty to do so. I have had problems with the spark plugs - mechanics complain because they are difficult to change. Back seat is small - but again, its a sports car, so you dont buy it for hauling people or cargo. Super fun to drive!!

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  97 Firebird - 1997 Pontiac Firebird
  By Sharker - December 19 - 10:00 am

  This is a great car...but with GM Quality. At 4,000 miles 500 Watt 10 Speaker Moonson Stereo begins to act up- Volume control is touchy, and CD stacker give off Error code-Fixed by pulling Fuses. Rear Window defogger dies at 37,000 miles but was touchy from the start-but I can live without it; Drivers Power Window dies at 48,000-fixed by replacing motor and regulator; Drive ability issues rise at 57,000 miles feels like transmission is slipping....aaauugghhhh...In Short, This is a great car as long as it is under a warranty.

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  Ram Air TA convertible 97 - 1997 Pontiac Firebird
  By Raggtoppz - December 15 - 11:36 am

  great looks, super power, good handling for convertible. the ram air is the only way to go. find a used one in good condition and avg miles. fun to drive, fun to clean, and worth the money (avg 12k to 14k). im 62 and 275 lbs. its pretty comfortable. it would be perfect for someone a little smaller.

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  It rocks - 1997 Pontiac Firebird
  By Swimmerboy - June 14 - 7:30 am

  This car is more fun to drive thing my moms 2006 mustang. I have be out standing happy with my car. and it has never left me anywere. even after the waterpump went out. i was able to limp her 2 miles home. the only bad thing is she lecks a little oil. but i dont have to add oil between oil changes.

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  Yikes, hang on - 1997 Pontiac Firebird
  By Neild17 - November 7 - 10:00 am

  WS6! Fast, fast, fast! Although I wish I had gotten the 6-speed manual. Micro racers will stall their cars at the light to keep from racing. But, mechanically, this one has been a nightmare. Replaced rear axles at 60,000, headlights constantly were being worked on, most inside lighting has already burned out or has been replaced, stiff ride which if not carefully lifts the rear wheels with the slightest bump - potential severe axle and diff damage if racing on bumpy road. Love the car, but wish Pontiac had done a little more homework on practicality and repair frequency.

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  WS6 Great show piece - 1997 Pontiac Firebird
  By DaBattMan - December 24 - 2:00 am

  I wasnt planning to buy a car when I walked onto the lot. But his one sold me even before I saw a salesman. I Love this car. Its my baby. I havent had any problems with it that I couldnt fix with a screwdriver or for under $200.00 (regular maint). It turns heads. Every one is watching you. Perfect for the summer with the tops down. A must have. Too bad they went and canceled this model. It is a beauty.

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  the wrong formula? - 1997 Pontiac Firebird
  By ex formula drvr - December 16 - 10:00 am

  bought car new and kept for 5 years with 94000 mi. Had too many problems that ruined the enjoyment of the car. Water pump, oil sending unitleak, pinion seal (2x), intake manifold leak (2x), radio volume control, rack and pinion/tie rod ends - all before I hit 60000 mi. GM should do a better job of making quality cars.

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  love my car - 1997 Pontiac Firebird
  By Soggy - September 22 - 6:06 am

  all my friends drive the usual herd cars, but this one always gets the looks. Have had it for over 7 years now, and still love this. It stands out in the parking lot, performs really well, except for minor repairs, it works pretty darn fine. Picks up speed fast, and I really like the rocketship feel of the car. Just wish that they had done something about the passenger bump and some more space in the trunk.

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  1997 Firebird - 1997 Pontiac Firebird
  By John - August 10 - 4:13 pm

  My dad bought me this car for my 16th birthday and I love it. It has had some minor problems with the driver window motor and the power steering hose broke. But other than that I have had only standard maintenance on it. With the 3.8 liter v6 it has enough power to keep up with some V8s and has enough power to smoke the tires. I have fun driving it but in rain and snow it is not the best vehicle on the road. My firebird is silver with T-Tops and in the summer is fun to drive overall I believe that for a 16 yr old like me this is the perfect car. and my next car will be a firebird.

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  97 trans am ws - 1997 Pontiac Firebird
  By art hicks - August 30 - 2:00 am

  terrible in snow. computer (ses) light is very sensative to aftermarket modifications, otherwise no major problems at 37000 miles.