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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Nothing can top this - 2000 Pontiac Firebird
By Airez - March 19 - 8:20 pmI got my car as a certifiedused vehicle from GeneralMotors. I love the whole Firehawk appearence package. Car is even better in stick. This car does 14s with ease, if you put some slicks, even low thirteens.
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The glory that was - 2002 Pontiac Firebird
By Machevelli - March 15 - 2:00 amI have had many delightfull times with my convertable,it is part of a long line of Pontiac convertables i have owned. To me its a shame they have discontinued this line of cars. This current car has performed up to all of my expectations it is truly an american sports car.
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FUN FUN FUN FUN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! - 2001 Pontiac Firebird
By CORBA KILLER - March 13 - 10:00 amAll I have to say is this car is great!! I have owned many sportscars most of them turbocharged. I love turbos but theres nothing like instant raw muscle horsepower and torque 330hp and 360 ft/lbs of torque under your foot. Tire-Smokin Heaven, The women cant get enough. If want to attract a lot of attention especially women & the bogus pony riders wont leave me alone. This is the car for you. Its such a shame we have to say goodbye!! Im sure GM will having something Hot in store for us to AWWWW at! God Bless!!!!
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Red T-Top - 1995 Pontiac Firebird
By Ryan C - March 13 - 10:00 amI love this car. It has excellent performance and is very comfortable to ride in the front seats. The back is a little cramped but not too bad. I havent had any mechanical problems except the fuel pump went out at about 80,000 miles.
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Firebird - 1995 Pontiac Firebird
By ashely - March 13 - 2:00 amI havent enjoyed owning my car at all. Winter driving has been absolute hell and i believe it should be illegal to drive Firebirds in the snow!!!
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Trans Am WS6 - 2000 Pontiac Firebird
By ramairwarrior - March 13 - 2:00 amThe LS1 WS6 Trans Am will get your adrenaline pumping as soon as you sit behind the wheel and turn the key. The Vette Based Aluminum Block V8 will do 0- 60 in 5.1 seconds, break loose into 2nd, and chirp into 3rd consistantly out of the box with no mods. Mustangs dont stand a chance. Interior wise, they could have tried to make it stand out from the other pontiacs. The guages and radios really dont differ from the bonneville or grand prix. However, the Prado leather seating is very comfortable and easy on the back. I would defienaty put the T-Top shades on for hot summer weather. All in all this is the hottest looking vehicle out.
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Still the best bang for the buck - 2002 Pontiac Firebird
By X-Caliber - March 13 - 2:00 amAmazing acceleration from the 345hp/350lb-ft LS1 engine lets the V8 equipped Firebirds (and Camaros) solidly take top honors for factory performance for the money. 0-60 in just over 5 seconds in the slowest form for mid $20k is unbelievable. Interior and exterior design is amazing, with the only commonly voiced complaint being that the doors are to long and heavy. Build quality is typical domestic fare, with plenty of plastic bits and cheap looks - But everything fits tight and is easy to reach/operate from the drivers seat.
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2001 TA WS6 Convertible - 2001 Pontiac Firebird
By Chip - March 2 - 8:33 pmI have had this car for a few years now. Great car! Pontiac had to be crazy for stopping production. I have a 74 SD and this 2001. Love them both. Added a flowmaster for more growl and this car has the neighbors kids giving me the thumbs up every time it hits the streets.
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Best bang for the buck - 1995 Pontiac Firebird
By TantricRogue - February 18 - 2:00 amI love this car! I live in southern California and love to cruise the Pacific Coast Highway with my convertible down!I have pulled up to a stoplight and have girls I dont even know jump into my car. This car has never needed more than typical maintenance. Its an Urban Rollercoaster. There is nothing better than to pull up to some raced out Honda, put down my top, blast "Born in The U.S.A." by Bruce Springstien, rev my engine and blow the other son of a b!@ch away... EVERY time.
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Dream Car - 2002 Pontiac Firebird
By DSworo9 - January 29 - 2:00 amGot this car back in March and wish I had got it sooner. I absolutely love this car! SOM, LS1 power of 300+ HP, 6speed, the works. It has just about everything youd want for a muscle car w/ room for improvement.
