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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  WS6 Ram Air - 2000 Pontiac Firebird
  By Ryan - March 15 - 7:23 pm

  This was the best Trans Am built to date. Too bad it only lasted two more years. It rides great fro a sports car, is comfortable on long trips, and performs close to the level of the more expensive Corvettes of the time. I bought this car used and the only repair I had to do was replacing a headlight motor. Amazing cars!

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  Awesome Car!!! - 2000 Pontiac Firebird
  By cregets - March 15 - 2:00 am

  Ive got a 2000 WS6 Trans Am. Nothing but fun in this car. The LS1 responds well to mods and it is a killer fast car to begin with. Gas is good for a sports car, and it will get looks from everyone who hears it coming!! I dont think you could get a better bang for the buck.

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  Love It! - 1995 Pontiac Firebird
  By Paul Wall - February 28 - 6:46 am

  I bought my Trans AM in October and the only thing that had to be replaced so far is a transmission bracket. i love driving my car and would recommend it to anyone who asks! The car had 85,000 miles on it when I bought it and gets around 18 mpg if you keep your foot out of it (which is much easier said than done). One thing that do not like is the lack of aftermarket visual parts for the car.

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  2001 Trans Am - 2001 Pontiac Firebird
  By pitbullluvr - February 15 - 10:00 am

  This is my second Trans Am and I also had a 1999 Firebird Convertible. My 2001 TA has T-Tops, wish I went for the convertible, but wouldnt give up the 5.7 LS1 for a rag top V6. Great car with the exception of consistant brake issues. Highly recommend and a real head turner.

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  GREAT CAR...BAD REAR END - 1995 Pontiac Firebird
  By Joey Cips - January 31 - 2:00 am

  Put in an EATON high performance posi traction rear. can beat the car all day.. will never break again. the original Auburn diff. is crap. broke a spider gear on day one. Eaton diff is a vast improvement for great traction and durability. the rest of the car is top notch. only problem was a leaky intake gasket.. $475 to fix. both windows are slow, but work. KYB shocks make a huge difference in handling. that is it.. the rest is stock with 35,000 miles on it. almost forgot.. the hypertech power programmer3 did wonders for acceleration and shift point changes. I recommend it.

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  Been more flawless than most - 1995 Pontiac Firebird
  By Cheez - January 31 - 2:00 am

  Bought as a primary vehicle in 2001, with 44,000 miles on it. Has served excellent now approaching 80,000 miles. My 3rd overall Firebird, and definitely favorite. Plenty of room for my 63, and extremely comfortable on long hwy drives. It moved to nice weather only car the past year with only about 3,000 miles put on it, but with no noticable deterioration.

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  Nice, but be careful - 1999 Pontiac Firebird
  By daman617 - January 12 - 10:00 am

  I love this car, I really do... but if you think you are getting a maintance free car, think again. Ive had to replace the cadilidic converter, transmition, and window motors all in a matter of 8 months. Its a fun car to drive, but again with any sports car, be prepared to put up with some headaches. Also, upgrading some of the performance peices can be a snap, but others can be a pain in the rear. For example, the engine is mounted sideways, so replacing spark plugs can be a chore. NOTE, I only gave the performance a six becuase the relaibility is so poor.... mine is increased to a good 230 HP and it handles great, but becuase of shop problems Im often left wondering.

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  Fun to drive/ride - 2000 Pontiac Firebird
  By Xavier Sanders - December 24 - 2:00 am

  Ive had a 5.0 Mustang. Ive had a 4.6 & 4.7 Mustang. Ive had 91 camaro with a 350. They were fun cars. The PONTIAC TRANS AM. The best car Ive ever owned or driven. I used to work at a Porsche Dealership. I have driven the Porsche 911 twin turbo. Its a nice car. If they were both evenly matched in price...................... It wouldnt be a second though. I would pick the TRANS AM (with the WS6 Package of course!!!)

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  I love this car - 2001 Pontiac Firebird
  By Rock Cowboy - December 19 - 3:56 am

  I didnt go with the V-8, still it is a blast to drive. The top comes down fast and smoothly for cruising in the sun. Very recommended for people who want a fun car to drive.

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  The best muscle out there ... - 2002 Pontiac Firebird
  By John G. - December 12 - 9:10 am

  My car is actually a 2002 Trans Am Firehawk. Im in my 20s and wanted a T/A all my life; lives up to all the years of dreaming. The car corners on a dime. Acceleration is smooth and quick. Great exhaust note. The interior doesnt live up to the exterior, however. Not horrible, but youd expect more from a car that was top of the fleet for Pontiac when it was out. When Pontiac makes this car again (and they will, only a matter of time) they should improve this, along with reducing cabin noise. Trough wander is annoying at times, but thats inherent on most cars with wider wheels and tires, and only happens when driving on older, worn roads.