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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  Most fun in years - 2002 Pontiac Firebird
  By BADBLKBRD - May 30 - 2:00 am

  I dont know what car your editor was driving to give it a 5.5 rating, but it must not be the same car I have. I have a Firebird Trans Am with the WS6 option and it is by far the best performance car I have ever driven for this price range. I have had no problems with the car so far, and being that Im a 60 year old performance enthusiast, it will probably be the last car I will ever buy. I say that because GM saw fit to discontinue a car, that if properly marketed could have been a big seller. I cant afford a Vette and I see no performance cars the calibur of the F- Bodies coming along in GMs future.

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  TA - 1995 Pontiac Firebird
  By guilt1 - May 29 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car in 2005 and have had very few problems with it. The car handles amazingly well. The engine runs strong and I havent experienced any major issues with it yet. The 275 hp LT1 is a little down on horsepower, but that can be solved with just a few small and fairly cheap modifications. In my personal experience with the car, I find the more I do to it, the more it rewards me with better gas mileage, more horsepower, and more fun when I plant the gas pedal. The seats are comfortable even on fairly long drives. If your car has t-tops then I highly recommend getting T-top shades on hot summer days. This car is for sure one that I would like to keep around for the long run.

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  These cars are fun - 2002 Pontiac Firebird
  By Barron - May 27 - 3:33 am

  This car is super fast, look great, and turn heads of all ages everywhere I go. Its now 9 years old and is still one of the best looking cars on the road. Ive owned mine a few years now with zero problems and I will say that the car is as much fun now as the day I bought it. Highly recommended!

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  Its Just Awsome!!!! - 1995 Pontiac Firebird
  By sandeep kaistha - May 24 - 10:00 am

  I brought this car earlier this year (used) and have already put in about 10,000 miles in about 4 months.This is a serious performance car and fun to drive.I have driven a lot of mustangs and camaros but "the firebird" steals the show.....

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  "LOTB" 2K2 WS.6 A4 by Larry - 2002 Pontiac Firebird
  By Larry - May 5 - 1:23 pm

  The 2002 model year is the last year for the f-bodies, therefore, I bought a 2002 Trans Am WS.6 before they become scarce. I loved the looks of Trans Ams and especially WS.6 models. This is my 4th f-body, previously owned 1988 Camaro 5SPD.[305v8], 1994 Z28-6SPD., 1995 Trans Am-6SPD., 1996 Z28-6SPD. and will say this is by far the best in looks, pure speed, handling-(275-40ZR17 wheels and tires sure help) and getting a thumbs up from other motorists. I was looking for a 6speed but got a great deal on an auto[4L60E] in arctic white that I couldnt pass up. Interior has fighter jet cockpit sensation, 500 watt monsoon audio. Got 25mpg-Greenville NC. to Erie PA. No problems as of 30k miles.

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  READ THIS!! - 1995 Pontiac Firebird
  By Mandersn - May 2 - 10:00 am

  These idiots below me who said bad things about this car, dont know what theyre talking about! Ive had 3 TAs and theyve all been great. My 1995 has 95K miles on it and only in the shop for maintenance. As far as other reviews...the bad ones are only from people who dont take care of the car and rag it out every time they drive it. They quit making these to make room for new vehicles (GTO, SSR) not because they are unreliable. Morons often break things or dont take car of their cars and then blame the car when something goes wrong....what a shame. I would recommend a TA to anyone looking for a good fun car with cool looks and great power.

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  Rock solid... - 1995 Pontiac Firebird
  By TreyT - April 19 - 2:00 am

  This car has been rock solid. I had an after market krager wheel break causing a spin on the highway which managed to mess up the rear suspension and the front susp but the car remains solid, performance is excellent and Ive managed 29mpg on the freeway with the 6 speed manual. Excellent daily driver and excellent performance at a bargain price.

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  Good with V-6 but go for V-8 - 2001 Pontiac Firebird
  By Hadula - April 6 - 10:00 am

  Id owned a 2001 firebird and I think it took me one months time to regret my not going in for the V-8 engine. Not that the V6 was bad but it definitely lacked the vroom of the v8. Went on 1000 mile trips (one way) and this car was an absolute delight to drive. Among the most comfortable for long rides definitely. The seating is especially good for such rides. Had some problems with its brake rotors which had to be replaced at 10K miles and seemed like again around 18K miles. Was covered by warranty though. But would recommend it to someone looking for the best looking coupe there is.

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  My Favorite! - 1999 Pontiac Firebird
  By ne14wood - April 6 - 10:00 am

  I have never been happier with any vehicle! I had to have some service done on my Trans Am, but it was all under warranty! The bakes do have a tendency to squeal. The power is there whenever you need it. Mustangs dont have a chance! It is a shame that GM is discontinuing the Trans Am & Camaro.

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  Love Trans Ams - 2000 Pontiac Firebird
  By ShellsSSR - March 31 - 9:30 pm

  I have been driving a Trans Am since 1981. My first one was a 1979 4.9 gold one that was 2 yrs. old when I bought it. My best and favorite one! I drove it for 200,000 miles and had the engine rebuilt. Loved that car. Drove it for 17 yrs. Then ordered my 1997 Trans in 1996, then my 2000. Ive been giving her a rest because now I also own a 2004 Chevy SSR. I really like vehicles. We are G.M. people only because of my brother, Mike, who worked for them before his sudden death in 11- 05. Miss him severely. I used his gm discount on my 2000, so I probably will never let this car go. My car is very clean,never in any kind of crash, babied like no other (except the SSR) and only has 50,000 mi.