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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  WS6 Heaven - 2001 Pontiac Firebird
  By Cancerman - October 6 - 10:00 am

  I looked at many cars during my search and ran across my black WS6 T/A while looking at an Acura. I was getting frustrated by the lack of imagination in most of the current crop of Jelly- bean shaped cars, but this one is different. Gorgeous. Fast. Sounds as aggressive as it goes. Forget about the relentless pursuit of blandness GM and build something like this with character!

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  This is one awesome car!!! - 2001 Pontiac Firebird
  By NJones - October 6 - 10:00 am

  Punch the gas at 30mph and listen to the tires rip loose! Ive taken this car stock to 13.20@106 at State Capital Dragway. To say that that isnt impressive is ignorant. The car handles great, gets decent enough gas mileage, and as long as you dont have to sit in the back seat, youre comfortable!

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  I Love This Car!! - 2002 Pontiac Firebird
  By falcon2722 - October 6 - 10:00 am

  Very fun car to drive. I bought a black 2002 WS6 Trans Am with the Hurst 6 spd shifter. I thoroughly enjoy driving this car.

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  Talk about a Muscle Car - 2002 Pontiac Firebird
  By Arturo59 - September 20 - 10:00 am

  With all the kids in college it was time to get rid of the minivan. We always wanted a vet but could never see spending all that cash. Never was a Ford man, so the Mustang wasnt an option. Then saw the Ram Air hood and that sold us. Looks were the biggest thing, the fact that it was fast, had the same engine as the vet and was about $20k less, sealed the deal. The last of a dying breed, but we love it. If we have to take somebody with us, they can squeeze in the back, too.

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  Sweeeeeeeet - 2002 Pontiac Firebird
  By viperedge - September 18 - 2:00 am

  Always wanted it, finally got it. 2002 Conv, only V6, but still love her. Cant find a better looking car under 100000 if you ask me. Fun to drive, and with spring coming, looking forward to the top down and driving for days.

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  Trans Am - 1995 Pontiac Firebird
  By tafrenzy - September 16 - 6:46 am

  This car is amazing, my Dad bought it in 1995 and after 12years in the house its been mine for 3 years. Its seating position is low and tiring for long rides but a car like this is meant for racing and the seats with regards to that are perfect. I got 305hp stock motor. It isnt driven in winter. It just wont go straight. Too powerful with low end torque. It still has 47670km on it. Its still brand new, black on black. Its a beautiful summer car. I wouldnt sell in another 50years. Nothing is wrong with it. So far the only thing we changed since we had it are the tires and oils. Other than that the original smell is in it. Beautiful car to have.

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  Love my Bird - 1999 Pontiac Firebird
  By Truckin2001 - September 15 - 7:26 am

  I bought my Firebird used with 73,000 miles on it. I have had now for about 1 month and so far so good. I have had one head light motor go about. But think about it. The gear on the inside of the motor is plastic... stupid yes but that is what it is. You can go out and buy metal replacement gears for both motors for half the cost of buying a new motor from the dealership. So those of you who complain of light motors going out look at other cars out there with flip up lights... I am sure if you ask their owners they have had problems with theirs as well. Yes the Firebird is a sports car. Who buys a sports car for rear seat room and trunk space? If you want that go out and buy the Grand Prix.

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  Fast - Not Furious - 2000 Pontiac Firebird
  By Classy Bird - September 1 - 10:23 am

  Ive owned this car since it was new. Originally I had trouble with the power antenna and one of the headlights not popping up. Four trips to the dealer and the headlight finally was fixed - loose connection to motor. One other problem I had was the gas line regulator valve leaking gas into the engine when it was hot causing hard starting. Ive not had any problems since these. Ive been real happy with the gas mileage. I get 18 mpg in town and 30 mpg on the highway. Thats with a heavy foot. Would have bought the TA except insurance would have been 4 times higher even though I havent had a ticket for 15 years. Also, cost difference was $16 grand - buy another car for that.

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  transam the legend lives - 1999 Pontiac Firebird
  By c. hall - September 1 - 10:00 am

  Had problems with paintwork on both sides of roof pillar,all ok now,30,000 on clock and all is ok.

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  goods and bads - 1999 Pontiac Firebird
  By ws6mania - August 24 - 10:00 am

  I love my WS6, i mean, LOVE IT, its fun to drive and a great looker, i have had more girls check me out since i got this car, however, the fact that i average about a grand every two months in maintanance is just rediculous, im seliing it as soon i get the piston that broke replaced, dont think this car is maintanance free, be sure you can afford it.