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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  Bang for the Buck - 1999 Pontiac Firebird
  By gcatena - June 1 - 10:00 am

  This car is the most fun car I have ever driven the power of the V-8 is superb. Im surprised with some of these reviews saying they had major problems. The only problem I have had in three years is the clutch sticking and that just turned out to be a bushing that was out of alignment. Maybe I was lucky, but my Formula has been prefroming like a champ since purchase and I ride it hard. Could use a little sprucing up with the interior, but what do you expect for under $30K.

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  2002 Trans Am, Ram Air, Hatchback - 2002 Pontiac Firebird
  By Black_Bird - June 1 - 10:00 am

  I knew I wanted a sports car for my next vechile. I drove a GT Mustang and then the Trans Am (with Ram Air). The Mustang just didnt compare to the Trans Am. The Trans Am is just a pleasure to drive. I use the car as my everyday car and I look forward to getting behind the wheel and driving to work (or sitting in Washington DC traffic more apporiately).

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  Ive died and gone to heaven!!!! - 2000 Pontiac Firebird
  By Carla V - May 28 - 10:00 am

  I just got this car, but have been dreaming about it for years!! My 3rd firebird and my favorite!! Took me a long time to find exactly what I wanted...black, ram air, WS6, 6 speed, t-tops. I cant wait to race it!! Anyone who thinks their luxury car is better can kiss my butt!! Im sad they dont make them anymore, so if you want one better get one while you still can before they are all worn out and used up!!

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  This Black bird is BAD - 2000 Pontiac Firebird
  By Rick - May 18 - 2:26 am

  I purchased this car with 45 miles on the odometer and have had more fun than should be allowed.Be sides a dead battery and headlight motor this car has been a gem to own. It now has 91,600 miles on the it and it still barks the tires in the first three gears.I guess I should mention that it has the 6 speed tranny with the Hurst shifter.Ive added a k&n air filter and flowmaster exhaust a month after purchase

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  1997 Formula Firebird LT1 - 1997 Pontiac Firebird
  By jim683 - May 9 - 10:00 am

  The LT1 performs flawlessly, The car is fast and good looking, my wife says she looks GOOD in this car and she does. Gas miles on highway averages 24-27 and around 19 in city. Drop the top and go on nice days

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  My awesome WS6 Trans-Am - 2002 Pontiac Firebird
  By chris lentz - April 25 - 7:33 am

  I had a lot fun with this car, handling is great, takes hills like nothing, great on turns, good sound system, good show car, all around it was a really good car. The t-top was also a lot of fun because it kept me cool when it was really hot out. A really good pick up chick car.

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  Too much fun - 1999 Pontiac Firebird
  By tom - April 20 - 9:53 am

  I have a silver 5 speed, T-top coupe with a V6-lots of power and appeal. Yes the bucket seat is too low, rear visibility is not good, interior could be prettier.etc.but at the end of the day, driving this thing with the top off if just too much fun. I love the exterior look. I still grin as I walk out to the parking lot and see it waiting. Driving it is excellent therapy and a tension reliever-even my wife feels that way when she roars off shifting gears like a stock car racer. My neighbor has a new Vette (06) also silver and frankly, side by side, look to look I really think my old beast still holds its own-especially when you compare our investments!

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  Firebirds are sweet - 1997 Pontiac Firebird
  By mike - April 16 - 12:56 am

  Firebirds are sweet. They should have kept making them. They have the best handling and performance a car can ever give!

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  Get ready for some REAL FUN!!! - 2001 Pontiac Firebird
  By rob rog - March 27 - 10:00 am

  I have had more fun in such few miles than I ever imagined. If you want power, speed and control, this is your car!

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  It has been a dependable car - 1995 Pontiac Firebird
  By Suzy67 - March 27 - 10:00 am

  I bought this car used in 97 and wasnt sure how good it would be in the long run but was pleasantly surprised. I have had to have the fuel pump replaced,the alernator belt replaced a couple of times, and the egr valve replaced. That is it for major work. I read a couple of reviews that dogged this car and had to respond!! It has done me well! It has been an overall great car for me an has held on to is resale value well. I would reccomend it to anyone.