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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trans am ws6 review - 2001 Pontiac Firebird
By t/a man - June 27 - 2:00 amThough minor problems have been experienced, such as mass airflow sensor,this car is a joy to own, and even more fun to drive. Reliability has never been an issue,nor has ride quality, as some might think. The ws6 ram air package is also worth its weight in gold. In summary, I would most definately recommend this car to anyone in the market, and I plan to still have this car for many, many years to come.
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Last of a Breed - 2002 Pontiac Firebird
By Jim43 - June 15 - 10:00 amI ordered my 2002 TransAm in April, the last month orders were accepted. It replaced a 2000 TransAm. T-top, WS6 handeling and performance package ... this car cant be beat for performance vs price. Im really sorry Pontiac discontinued the Firebird/TransAm.
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Most Misunderstood Automobile - 2001 Pontiac Firebird
By Robison - June 13 - 10:00 amMy 2001 Firebird is my 3rd Firebird. Admitedly a niche automobile, as a 52 year old Engineer, I find the 4th generation to be solid, realiable, and a blast to drive. The 200Hp V6 is plenty strong and though not a Transam, I find the average person doesnt know the difference. GM failed to properly market fun features like T-tops and how well the 4th gen are sealed against water leaks.
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Love this thing................... - 2002 Pontiac Firebird
By Daryl - June 6 - 12:36 pmNice car. I hope to drive this till it drops. I have a peppy 6cyl convertible. Very tight. speedy and responsive. It is beyond me why this car didnt sell better.
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Firebird Rating - 2000 Pontiac Firebird
By Cheri - May 27 - 6:46 pmThe steering and handling are outstanding and the car has been reliable.
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Still fun, more reliable than expected - 2000 Pontiac Firebird
By terminaldegree - May 27 - 8:06 amI have a manual transmission base model as my daily driver. It accelerates, brakes, and corners well while managing to be decently comfortable and returning great highway MPG on cheap 87 octane gas. Its the quintessential cheap sporty car. Performance add-ons I recommend without affecting reliability include a dual exhaust, Pro 5.0 shifter (WAY more precise), a Torsen limited-slip rear (expensive but very different experience than the open diff), and the ubiquitous aftermarket stereo system. When cleaned up it still gets a lot of compliments.
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97 Formula - 1997 Pontiac Firebird
By Danny - May 12 - 5:00 amThe car is a beautiful combination of style and performance that turns heads everywhere. Just because it doesnt have the 505 hp found in the Chevy Z06, you will never feel like you need anything else. Never have I found a postion in which I wished for more acceleration or a higher maximum speed. The ride is fairly smooth, but in the automatic form, 3rd gear gets a little bumpy around 4000 rpm, but 4th gear is smoother and more quiet than Ive ever experienced in the f-bodys.
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02 NHRA Trans Am - 2002 Pontiac Firebird
By Buzz - April 25 - 2:00 amMan, I hate to see these cars go. 30mpg on the hwy and 312.5rwhp and 338rtq under your right foot. Those are bone stock rear wheel numbers. No wonder these cars propel you through the quarter in mid to low 13s with ease all the while let you park yourself in a nice power leather seat with the a/c on, cds jammin ttops off etc etc etc. Hell, the car is even great in the twisties. BTW, Imn ot a small guy by any means, 62, 285 and fit in her fine. People may not apreciate these cars now ,but they will in the future. I could not ask for more in an automibile. Its a 25k slap in the face to cars priced 3 times as much
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fast rhino - 2000 Pontiac Firebird
By yzcoach - March 26 - 2:00 amThis is my 2nd Trans Am but my first with Ram Air. Living in Colorado you would think it was a poor choice for a year round car but it is a good winter car with Blizzacs mounted all the way around. Careful use of the gears, acclearator and fast shifting keeps it moving. It has the torque of a John Deer. I love this car!!
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Love my v6 firebird - 1998 Pontiac Firebird
By anon@hotmail.com - March 25 - 10:00 amI bought my standard firebird model in April of 1998. The only problem Ive ever had with it was with the gas gauge not working correctly but the dealer fixed it with no problems after that. It has been a very reliable car. I had 2 Pontiac Grand Prixs before this car and I have to say that I have had very good luck with pontiac cars. One of my most favorite features on the Pontiac are the radio controls on the steering wheel.
