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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  HOLY CRAP! - 1995 Pontiac Firebird
  By Matt With a Trans Am - March 30 - 2:00 am

  This is the best car I have ever owned. This is the best car I have ever driven. This is the best car I have ever ridden in. Need I say more? I will! This car has amazing bone snapping torque, face-lifting horsepower, and head turning looks. I have quite a few mods, custom rims and cowl hood. I dont get looks, I get stares. When I pull into the Jiffy lube to get oil changed, the mechanics line up to gawk at the Trans Am. SIMPLY AMAZING!!!!!!

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  Power everywhere in my 2002 TRANS AM WS6 - 2002 Pontiac Firebird
  By 02silverbullet - March 19 - 10:00 am

  If you are looking for a true high performance vehicle, you have to check out the WS6 Trans AM! My car has the 6-speed tranny and the evil 5.7L LS1 V8. GM rates the horsepower at 325 and torque at 350lbs. I have seen dynos that show 310-320+ horsepower to the rear wheels. This means the car is actually producing 360-375 HP at the flywheel. The car has very comfortable seating with lots of front leg room but not so much in the rear. My car also gets on average 20 mpg in the city. Not bad for a hot rod. One thing that I really like about my car is that its a very rare car.

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  Night rider - 2002 Pontiac Firebird
  By Edawg - March 14 - 3:00 pm

  I had a GTA years ago and had to get back to a sports car. So I chose what I had before. My WS6 is by far the most powerful car Ive ever owned. Just with a little modifcation and can make it as fast a vette. My kids love it and so do I.

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  Great Fun - 1998 Pontiac Firebird
  By Robert Linzer - February 28 - 1:26 pm

  Driving this vehicle is really fun, definitely the funnest Ive ever driven. Being able to take corners at 30 mph without feeling like your going to roll the thing is a great ride. Only things I dont like are the traction problems in wet weather and its ride height. I love the fact that its low to the ground, but its a pain to drive worrying about scraping when going through the smallest dips or transition from level surfaces to a steep slope.

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  By Far, The Best Sports Car Under 45k - 2000 Pontiac Firebird
  By TomG - February 28 - 10:00 am

  I bought my 2000 Bright Red Trans Am in early August of 2000 after repeatedly test driving Mustangs, Eclipses, Celicas, and even a BMW 3 series. What I wanted was a sporty, fun, and fast car for around 25 - 30k. I have every option except for the WS6 package (3k for 15 horses?) I opted for the 4 speed auto rather than the Hurst 6 speed which I found to be clumsy with long throws and an imprecise feel, not to mention that horrid skip shift. The performance of this car is just unreal. I havent had any problems thus far in the 1.5 years that Ive had it. The Monsoon sound system is simply amazing. I would reccomend this car to anyone who loves driving.

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  Quite impressed - 1998 Pontiac Firebird
  By ryanjm183 - February 28 - 2:16 am

  Even with the unfair advantage the my wife was supposed to buy a truck for me while I was in Iraq this car has impressed me. Being in siding and window sales I lacked space and often bottomed out the suspension while carrying a lot of samples. It is also difficult to get a child restraint in and out of the back seat. All in all I would have to give my Firebird an excellent rating and would recommend it to anyone without infant(s) and/or sells siding. Ive only had it in the shop a couple times for minor repairs that I didnt have time to do myself.

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  Perfect Car - 1999 Pontiac Firebird
  By Nicholas_Bostaph - February 23 - 10:00 am

  What can I say, its the perfect car. No car was ever designed that looked this nice, or performed this well. In my 3 yrs (50k) I had no problems whatsoever..except the car got more power! The seats are more comfortable than my parents 97 Vette or 99 Lexus and the blood red interior lighting is great. Im so happy with it that I sold it just so I could get a 2002 before they were discontinued. Its too bad people believe all the BS they hear and dont bother to give the TAs a chance :(.

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  Proud American T/A - 2001 Pontiac Firebird
  By Smoky Mountain T/A - February 19 - 2:26 pm

  I previously owned a 1996 Formula but wanted a convertible. Since I loved the Formula, I bought a Trans Am with only 3500 miles on it from a collector. This T/A is even better than the Formula with incredible acceleration and really too much power. The cloth top is easy to maintain and open/close. The ride is fine although I heard the WS6 handling package makes for a stiffer ride. There really is no need for the WS6 unless you are racing the car. The automatic transmission takes you right to the red line so dont bother with the 6-speed unless that is what you prefer. Why anyone would buy a foreign sports car is beyond me. It is a shame the American mindset has turned to foreign ownership.

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  hot bird - 1999 Pontiac Firebird
  By ed farmer - February 19 - 10:00 am

  i haved owned my car for several years and i plan on keeping this car for a very long time. I realy enjoy my firebird.

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  One piece of crap!!! - 1999 Pontiac Firebird
  By jimmy grover - February 16 - 2:00 am

  NIGHTMARE! We have had so many problems with this car that GM gave us a free warranty up to 50,000. We are at 55,550 miles now and the cars sits in the driveway with a bad rear end. This car has been adult driven, maintained and never abused. This is just a partial list of problems: entire instrument cluster and replaced, A/C freezes up, front rotor problems, sensors replaced, headlamp door motor replaced, several suspension parts replaced, hatch support shocks replaced, monsoon stereo replaced, leaking t-tops, a clutch switch replaced, headlight flicker problem that could never be identified, one seatbelt replaced...