Overview & Reviews

Once in a blue moon, a car achieves icon status via Hollywood that spans all demographics, one that burns its image into the memory of everyone from serious car nuts to folks who wouldn't know Ram Air from air-conditioning. During its 10th year in production, the Pontiac Firebird achieved screen idol status thanks to the appearance of a 1977 Firebird Trans Am SE (the black and gold edition) in the movie Smokey and the Bandit.

Thankfully, there's been much more to the Firebird than just its cornball association with Burt Reynolds (or even cornier relationship with David Hasselhoff in TV's Knight Rider). As with its corporate twin, the Chevy Camaro, the Pontiac Firebird was born in 1967 to do battle with the original American sport coupe, the Ford Mustang. Although the sheet metal was virtually identical between the Camaro and Firebird, a different nose and tail, as well as slight differences inside gave the Firebird a little more excitement in the looks department. Coupe and convertible body styles tempted buyers.

In the car's early years, performance buffs gravitated to the Pontiac Firebird thanks to its enticing array of power plants that included the same 400 cubic-inch V8 used in the GTO. Pontiac even offered a high-output overhead-cam inline-6 in hopes of making the Firebird more appealing to those who preferred less weight, more nimble handling and a higher-revving engine. This was also the period when the legendary Trans Am trim first debuted, wearing white paint with two blue stripes running over the body.

At the dawn of the 1970s, a redesigned Pontiac Firebird emerged, available only in a sleek coupe body style. But as that decade progressed, the Firebird's performance diminished while body graphics and spoilers, as if to compensate, grew more extroverted. The third-generation Firebird appeared for 1982, wearing a lighter, wedge-shaped hatchback body with flip-up headlights. Although performance of this generation was weak at first, handling was a strong point and by mid-decade, powerful V8s were again becoming available.

Staying true to its heritage, the fourth-generation Firebird, which bowed in 1993, still offered V8 power, a rear-drive chassis, swoopy styling and a choice of a coupe or convertible. It also offered more than 300 horsepower and 13-second quarter-miles in the Formula and Trans Am versions.

Though an outstanding performance bargain, the Firebird from this era became increasingly aged as the years went by. For many consumers, it came across as unrefined and even crude, especially when compared to other sport coupes and convertibles. Sales were weak, and Pontiac finally pulled the plug after 2002.

Most Recent Pontiac Firebird

Running from 1993-2002, the last Firebird generation continued the age-old tradition of performance and style above all else. Initially only a coupe body style was offered in base, Formula and Trans Am trims, the former coming with a 3.4-liter V6 (160 hp) and the latter pair with an "LT1" 5.7-liter V8 (275 hp). Transmission choices included a five-speed manual (V6), a six-speed manual (V8) and a four-speed automatic.

The following year saw the return of the Firebird convertible, while 1995 brought a 3.8-liter, 200-hp V6 for the base Firebird. For 1996, the V8 made 285 hp and Ram Air induction returned for that engine, boosting output to 305 hp.

A midcycle refresh took place for 1998 with a new front-end look and powerful new "LS-1" 5.7-liter V8s that made 305 hp or 320 hp (with Ram Air). Apart from minor trim differences and a bump in power to 310 hp for the V8 in 2001, the Firebird soldiered through 2002 mostly unchanged. Ironically, that last year also marked the Firebird's 35th birthday, which was celebrated with a special yellow Trans Am with strange graphics splashed over its body.

Although fast, stylish and affordable, this Pontiac Firebird lacked refinement, particularly in regards to the interior. The clunky steering wheel design was about as sporty as a taxicab's and there was an abundance of low-grade plastic trim. Furthermore, the seats were rather plain, and short on lumbar and lateral support. On the upside, there were large gauges, decent cargo capacity and buttoned-down handling (though midcorner bumps could upset the solid rear axle suspended out back).

In our road test of a 1999 Firebird Formula, we found ourselves intoxicated by the rumbling V8 performance and racetrack-friendly handling. Major gripes concerned the harsh ride, awkwardly operating ABS, low seating position, dicey rearward visibility and low-quality interior trim.

Consumer feedback is mostly favorable toward Firebirds from this era. Praises center on the strong performance for the money (even with the V6), mechanical reliability, cargo capacity, handling and styling. Chief complaints concern cheap cabin construction, a smallish interior considering the body size and occasionally leaky T-tops.

Past Pontiac Firebird Models

The previous-generation (1982-'92) Firebird was slow out of the blocks, but soon blossomed into a road burner. At first, this hatchback coupe came in three trims (base, luxury S/E and Trans Am) and power ranged from a 90-hp, 2.5-liter inline-4 to a 165-hp 5.0-liter V8. A four-speed manual and three-speed automatic backed those engines up.

Mid-decade saw the return of the Formula (which offered Trans Am performance without the added flash and for less money) and engine options up to 210 hp (5.7-liter V8) and the addition of a gear to each transmission. Sub-15-second quarters with the 5.7 were possible, and the Formula and Trans Am were known for their tenacious roadholding. By the time this generation ended, the S/E was gone, the convertible was back and the 5.7 V8 was producing 240 hp.

Those considering one of these Firebirds would be wise to avoid the first couple of years, as the engines were dogs in terms of both performance and reliability, and build quality was hit or miss.

For more information on these and even older Pontiac Firebirds, go to our Pontiac Firebird history page.

User Reviews:

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  i love my bird - 2000 Pontiac Firebird
  By baby81doll - June 13 - 6:55 am

  i was looking to buy a camaro when i saw the silver firebird and fell in love i paid to much for it but wouldnt get rid of it for anything ive had to do some repairs on different things but ill do what it takes to keep it rolling on.

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  This car rocks... - 2002 Pontiac Firebird
  By Maureen Shaw - May 21 - 10:00 am

  I have always been a huge fan of the Firebird and while I own an older 1991 it did not deter me in any way from acquiring a (sister) for her.Not only is the handling in this little beauty as good as it could be it gets better the body style, engine and comfort FAR outweigh anything I could have imagined. .I test drove a 91 when they first came out and scared the wits out of the poor dealer at the time so now naturally I own one.I get a lot of compliments on my older one and I have to admit I do prefer my older one but for sheer horse power and comfort I have to say you people at Pontiac DONT horse around when it comes to STYLE!! Keep up the great work!!

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  Bang for your buck - 1999 Pontiac Firebird
  By Capt. Gary - April 23 - 2:00 am

  For the money, there are few cars in the WORLD which look, handle, and perform like a T/A! GM put most everything into the LS1 and the BW 6- speed tranny. I have the traction control which I leave on! I must be doing something right for at 25K miles, theres tread on the tires and I have never had a SINGLE problem. This car is excellent for eating asphalt. Ive had it in 6th on the highway and its just like an automatic. At 70 mph on cruise (EXCEPT "just accelerating to pass..."), I get over 25 mpg. These cars are a STEAL as used cars! Right now, you can pick one up for less than KBB trade. I plan to keep driving either a T/A or SS as long as I can find them! THESE cars are great!

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  2002ta - 2002 Pontiac Firebird
  By dickmone - April 16 - 10:00 am

  Always wanted a T/A but never had the chance until now. The performance has to be felt to be believed. That 5.7L WS6 engine just sings when you give it the gas. People dont even bother to try and cut you off when they see it on the road

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  V6 Grown Up - 2001 Pontiac Firebird
  By TTraveler23 - April 3 - 2:00 am

  When I was just thinking about trading in my 92 Firebird V-6 3.8, I took a test drive in this car. I still liked my 92, but it had over 200,000 miles on it! I found the performance to be outstanding, and the car is very comfortable. The extra features such as the Traction Control system and the 6 speed transmission only add to the performance. The gas mileage is excellent for a V8, it is close to that of my former V6. I highly recommend this model.

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  Satisfying Formula - 1995 Pontiac Firebird
  By SilverBullit - April 3 - 2:00 am

  I bought my Formula new when I was only twenty five years old. I was completely impressed then and continue to be to this day. The car has been extremely fun to drive. It was reasonably priced at the time of purchase. I still consider it a great performance bargain. I have been very satisfied with the car. It has been very reliable over the years. Maintenance costs have been very low. The only problem I had was a faulty headlight motor, but that was replaced under warranty and has been problem free since. The car is very durable and reliable. This car is a great buy for the money and has a fun factor of nine out of ten. I love it.

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  Gotta Love It - 2002 Pontiac Firebird
  By Play With Fire - April 2 - 10:00 am

  This is a fun vehicle to drive. 200 horses is plenty to get around town...and occasionally out run some other cars. The steering is great and makes corners a blast. T Tops are a must for this car.

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  New Owner - 1995 Pontiac Firebird
  By GR - April 1 - 6:13 pm

  I recently bought this car and it was exceptionally well kept cosmetically and poorly kept mechanically. I spent some time and money bringing it back from the dead, but it was well worth it. I now have a very sexy car that is both fun and easy to drive. The car handles very well, but the 160 HP 3.4 liter engine leaves the car notably underpowered, thought the 5-speed helps to make up for that a bit. The interior is well laid out and comfortable, though getting in and out can be a little awkward with the low profile. Exterior design flows nicely and really looks fast. All said; I really like it overall, but recommend the Formula if you want some power to go with the looks.

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  The 95 Purple HAZE - 1995 Pontiac Firebird
  By RedRocker - April 1 - 1:36 am

  Bought my Purple T.A. for my 40th b-day it is my sixth Trans Am and by far the fastest 375 H.P.It has a few extras, headers, B&M short shift for the six speed, and a custom dash plate that illuminates shades of blue or gray, also (HAD) a K&N cold air filter system which took out my Distributor $1200 bucks on a trip to california when in New Mexico the filter fell out allowing the rain storm I was in to suck water up into the air system causing A TOTAL OF $2300.00 DAMAGE I DO NOT RECOMEND THE K&N COLD AIR FILTER SYSTEM FOR THESE CARS. If you are thinking about one spare no expense. MINES a 95 with only 65,000 miles as my friends say when they get in were is the ejection button and the harness.

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  Lots of fun, but not worth it! - 1999 Pontiac Firebird
  By SilverBird0000 - March 29 - 10:00 am

  I got this car as a gift when I turned 16.I am now 19 and wish I would have never saw it!It is an awesome car to drive,ive had alot of memories and fun in it.But Ive have to have it in the shop every other month for the last year.Ive had to replace the turn signals mulitple times,the catalitic converter twice,new battery,fuel injectors,plugs and wires twice,also had to have the O2 sensors replaced.The car has 72K miles on it and has had problems since 30K.Power window motors each replaced twice.The rotors also where shot at 40K miles.The speakers are also all blown.The car was fun for the first year now I hate it!