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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  Firebird - 2002 Pontiac Firebird
  By Wrath - March 25 - 10:00 am

  This car is absolutely amazing, having test driven a comaro z28, and a mustang cobra, this car absolutely demolished the competition. This beautiful car is a must for any performance lover.

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  awesome - 2000 Pontiac Firebird
  By coolkitty1971 - February 24 - 10:00 am

  Great car with lots of style and reliability

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  WS-6 Ram AIr - 1998 Pontiac Firebird
  By Lard - January 24 - 2:00 am

  Truely the most bang-for-your-buck performance car youll find...especially the WS-6 Ram Air! This car has it all; power, style, personality, and heritage. There is NOTHING like getting behind the wheel of a 4th generation Trans Am! This car is not for those who dont want to get noticed, nor the timid. I was surprised to find out it even gets pretty good gas mileage....considering the 5.7 liter V8! I get 19 MPG city. Not the best in wet/snowy/icy conditions so watch the back end. Buy one while you can still find one.

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  I love my WS6 vert! - 2002 Pontiac Firebird
  By WYO_VR4 - December 27 - 12:10 am

  I was very happy got a great deal on my car. Its a true performance bargain and so much fun to drive. Turns heads wherever I go and gets over 30mpg in 6th gear on the highway - a nice feature these days! Cruising around with the top down this summer was awesome. Its the best car Ive ever bought. I much prefer the instant torque of the LS1 to any turbocharged import. The car is easy to work on and upgrade, if desired. Im happy with mine as it is but I did upgrade the stereo. The one in the vert is rather puny compared to the coupes. Then again, who needs a stereo when the car sounds this good. American muscle at its finest. Highly recommended but dont forget that radar detector!

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  Bad ass 2000 WS6 - 2000 Pontiac Firebird
  By J Wier - December 12 - 2:00 am

  This car is pure excitement! It will get you as many or even more looks than a Corvette. It is as fast as a Corvette (excluding ZO6) for 2/3 the price. There isnt a better feeling in the automotive world than tearing down the open highway with the T-tops off and the sweet exhaust note of the WS6 Trans- Am!!!!

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  this car rocks the asphalt - 1995 Pontiac Firebird
  By llDavell - November 17 - 10:00 am

  So fun to drive i bought mine off of my neighbor the car is just to fun to drive. Mine is LOADED leather seats sooooooooo comfortable of course i had to add my own system and a few other mods.

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  My 2 Cents - 1995 Pontiac Firebird
  By chris~~ - November 13 - 2:00 am

  Bought this car used in 97, still have it without any problems, just minor things. Only change oil, tires, 1 tune up and minor work on transmission, small leak. Gets good gas mileage and descently quick when you hit the gas and it sounds good, throaty when RPMs are up. It gets peoples attention especially girls when driving around with T-Tops off.

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  Find of a lifetime - 2000 Pontiac Firebird
  By Zabo - November 9 - 8:30 pm

  Found my bird neglected but with extremely low mileage at a Ford dealership for a good price. While I was more of a Camaro guy myself this car made me a convert right quick. For a 10 year old F-Body this car does show its age in some places, but still looks, feels, and arguably quite relevant in todays day and age. Granted the mileage isnt even a shadow compared to newer cars but you have to ask "Self, why did I buy it?" However, I will say that if you want more than stock; be prepared to turn this car from stocker to rocker as in its stock form this car is already stretching its limits. But since when did anyone buy a muscle car and keep it stock?

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  POWER + LOOKS = FUN - 1998 Pontiac Firebird
  By FirebirdStud - November 7 - 10:00 am

  I am a firebird fan - always will be. My first car was a stock 1996 FIREBIRD V6, and I have loved the car ever since! The smell, the feel, the way people look at you when you cruise past. No other car replicates the feeling you get when youre in a Firebird. I bought my 1998 TRANS-AM CONVERTIBLE about 4 months ago, and absolutely love it! The first time I mashed the pedal to the floor, I couldnt help but smile! There is SOOO much power it is unreal.. even on the freeway, the car can rip up to 100 without missing a beat. It is a fantasticly redesigned exterior that absolutely SCREAMS, "Bad Ass" - this car demands respect!

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  Gotta Love It - 2000 Pontiac Firebird
  By CobraKiller - October 30 - 2:00 am

  Love this car, the only Mistake GM made is not making it after 2002. Little things that can be done to increase airflow, and it is so much fun. Sometimes I drive other cars/SUVs home but I always miss my TransAm. Replacing the factory Goodyear tires is a must, Firestone Firehawks are a must, better handling in the rain then the car did on dry pavement.