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:
Showing 201 through 210 of 385.00-
It doesnt get any more fun - 2001 Pontiac Firebird
By William - August 23 - 2:50 amIve owned a V6 camaro, a Z28, and now this Trans Am, and it is by far MUCH faster and has a lot more power than the Z28. Its got plenty of power, yet can be refined enough for city driving. Not to mention this is just a beautiful car. The leather in the car is top notch, my only complaints are with the traction control system. It does work, but its not very effective performance-wise. It decelerates the engine for too long of a time and does not enhance performance, unlike the 350Z that I sell whose traction control system is beyond par. Otherwise, this car has more power than any other car you can buy for this amount of money. Period. And the great looks, dependability, 4.5 out of 5 star
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Transam "turns the ladies heads" - 04 - 2000 Pontiac Firebird
By brandnu4u - August 19 - 2:00 amI have owned a 2000 Black Ram Air Transam with T-tops for approximately one year. It is, by far, the best sports car around for the money (VALUE). Insurance rates are ridiculous, so I am not sure how long I will be able to keep it since I recently received a traffic violation which will send my rates out of the universe!! I will miss this car greatly if and when I have to sell it to another lucky owner. Awesome power, Great look, and fun to drive. More fun than any car I have driven thus far in my life. KC (age 36)
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Kick Ass - 2002 Pontiac Firebird
By Blue02TA - July 31 - 10:00 amVery fast car, quick to start, quick to stop
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Trans Am goes out with a blast - 2002 Pontiac Firebird
By davidjanet - July 14 - 2:00 amWe love our Trans Am. It is a blast to drive. The control and power are fabulous. It is comfortable for short or long trips with the seats giving good support. For a car with this much power the economy is very good.
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Rad T/A - 1995 Pontiac Firebird
By Rad Russ - July 12 - 10:00 amA+ car all the way, Pontiac knows how to build them for sure!
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Perfect - 2002 Pontiac Firebird
By Feather - July 12 - 10:00 amShocks perfect. No bumpy rides. Fuel engine quality exellent. Perfect V8 cylinder engine quality. Exterior design is excellent and the Reliability is unbelievable. The confort is unspeakable as well as the interior design. It is the most fun to drive vechial.
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First car - 1995 Pontiac Firebird
By Mitch - July 11 - 1:53 amIm 18 years old and this is my first car. I think its one the better looking cars you can buy. Runs great at 132,000 miles and doesnt burn oil. 0- 60 time is ok and nothing to brag about. so far ive got an cold air intake an a brand new flowmaster. It maxes out at 115 in fourth at 5500 rpms. A great car to start off with. Im currently saving up for a Gto because 180hp is not enuff for me. need something that will lock me into the drivers seat not tap me. overall 8/10
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WS6 Supercar - 1999 Pontiac Firebird
By Grant Easton - June 27 - 10:00 amThis car is fun, fast, and reliable. The exterior is a work of art (and somewhat weird science with the WS6 package). Getting into the car can sometimes be a chore, but with the T- Tops you can just jump in and out of the top (haha j/k). Since Ive owned it over the past year, the only problems Ive had were to tighten a headlight and change a bulb, nothing exactly serious.
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cheap muscle - 2002 Pontiac Firebird
By George1 - June 24 - 2:00 amRam air last of dieing breed. Best preformance car less than 30K. Next best car starts at >$50k. Almost 1 yr old20k miles and no problems
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1999 Trans Am WS6 - 1999 Pontiac Firebird
By nowlin20atm - May 30 - 10:00 amI have had this car for over 3 years now with no major problems. One headlight motor went out and the radio display displayed nonsense at time, but both were fixed under warranty.
