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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ram air fun - 2002 Pontiac Firebird
By Linda Dalton - January 25 - 2:00 amI really love this car! It is the most fun to drive automobile I have ever had the pleasure. I am the daughter of a car salesman and have had many cars but this is by far the best! Only problem Ive had is the front headlight has had to be adjusted twice.
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GMs Huge Mistake - 2002 Pontiac Firebird
By GoBlue18 - January 11 - 2:00 amThis car is the performance bargain of a lifetime. A car that out performs cars costing twice as much, along with its menacing head-turning looks, how can you go wrong? Anyone who has the means and the opportunity to own this car would be doing themselves a huge favor to check it out. Once you drive it youll understand. Why anyone would choose the uglier, boxy, slower Mustang is beyond me. GMs decision to end the Firebird/Camaro is a true shame. Pontiac is left with nothing but boring cars with body cladding.
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fast for a V6 - 2000 Pontiac Firebird
By tireburner1997 - January 6 - 10:44 pmfun car to drive! this thing handles like a dream! the v6 is reasonable fast for a v6 but a LeBaron is faster in a straight line. there is a few things I dont like though, in the dry I can floor it and it well not do a burn out! however in the ran this thing is a drift car! but I have really good tires on it. I rated the "reliability" so low so because the check engine light come on every time it hits 5500 rpm which is no were near the 6100 rev limiter
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The Perfect Sports Car - 2000 Pontiac Firebird
By ANDY1171665 - December 29 - 12:30 amWe all know you can buy a Honda Civic and put $10,000 into it to make it a nice car. Why not just buy one of these Firebirds and have the better looking car, and the performance. Do not be fooled by editors bias towards import cars. This lovely car does twice as much as they can, has more features and looks better. Dont be the butt of everyones "deck out your cheap Honda" jokes, and be the envy, get the Firebird!
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53 and my new muscle car - 2000 Pontiac Firebird
By cness05 - December 18 - 6:36 pmThis car is hot. Red 5.7 V8,6 speed trans with out the skip shift. It has great looks.drives like a dream,and more get up and go than my 72 Camaro had. But this cars ride is much better ,and will set you back in your seat very quickly. As far as fuel mileage it does not matter, what a thrill to drive. To sum this car up GM made a mistake dropping the Firebird and Camaro lines. I love this car and will keep it a long time. This car is priceless.
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Firebirds and Camaro Live FOREVER! - 2000 Pontiac Firebird
By JoshSSMaro00 - December 18 - 11:06 amThe Firebirds looks are Killer! I own a 2000 Camaro SS and the looks are a bit different, but same everything! The car is a BLAST to drive! It is now cheaper for younger buyers, the aftermarket is unbelieveable.. There are millions of Brands and things you can do for cheap also! (GM) My dad has a Z06 and i will say the vette is bitchen but i love my camaro looks.. But i want his engine and tranny!
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my review - 1995 Pontiac Firebird
By popsawood - November 1 - 2:00 amI believe this is a good car but a lot slower than i expected. Even though it is a standard model with a manual transmission 5-speed, i did not notice it to be any faster than my previous car which was a 1989 pontiac 6000-LE.
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01 Trans Am WS6 - 2001 Pontiac Firebird
By Cgseaman - October 13 - 2:00 amAwesome car...fun to drive and really sporty. Its not too difficult to add on features to give it more of a muscle sound. Great look and always turning heads!
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Nothing but problems - 1999 Pontiac Firebird
By tribal sun - October 8 - 10:00 amI cant believe the problems Ive had with this car. Ive had both light motors replaced. All lights on the car no matter when you replaced them, have been replaced like weekly. Bad window and antenna motor. Now I have a HUGE Tranny problem that no one seems to know about unless I dish out $1000 up front to take it apart! I would never wish this upon my worst Enemy.....Good luck
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I got a lemon!!! - 2002 Pontiac Firebird
By jmd - October 6 - 1:23 amI purchased my car new and have had problems since the third month of ownership. Battery was leaking acid after a few months of ownership. Continuous electrical issues; I had the engine compartment fuel box replaced, Im always replacing fuses. Calalytic converter has been replaced after few months of ownership...is broken again. Was getting 19/29m/p/g now gets 8 m/p/g. Engine noises, nocking noises, fuel intake issues; the interior door panel split. Poor support from Pontiac/GM. I have a stack of services/repair invoices over an inch thick. Its sad because it was my dream car.
