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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  LOVE THIS CAR!!!! - 2001 Pontiac Firebird
  By ksford1 - July 20 - 3:07 am

  14 yrs. ago I was in a Pontiac dealership having a repair on my 1990 Sunbird, it was already at 150K mile. So as I was wondering around the showroom and spied a Red T-Top 75th Anniversary Edition Firebird! Can you say IMPULSE BUY?! Well Ive never been disappointed with her. She sits in my driveway right now, looking just as good as she did the day I drove her home, and a few offers to buy her. Sure, there could be more room in the back seat, have replaced EGR Valve, a headlight issue I solved, and recently a new ignition cylinder, but shes got almost 140k miles and Ive Loved every one of them! I plan on giving her to my great-nephew in 3 years for his High School Graduation, or not...

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  good car - 1995 Pontiac Firebird
  By Robert Prange III - June 17 - 2:00 am

  this is a relatively good car. i felt that the exceleration could be better but for a $10,000 car you cant complain. and you know its not a corvette or anything.

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  2000 WS6 Ram Air Trans Am - 2000 Pontiac Firebird
  By sprite - June 17 - 2:00 am

  Brings a smile everytime you look at it and drive it. Power and comfort with leather interior and 325 horspower. 500 watt monsson stereo with 12 disc changer and t-tops means nothing else comes close to driving enjoyment. Ignore automotive journalists who write poor reviews. This car is for people who enjoy driving, not over the hill automobile writers whos bones creak if they are not sitting in a BMW.

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  Fun in the Sun - 2002 Pontiac Firebird
  By Ragtopman - June 17 - 2:00 am

  I got a 99 Firebird convertable for college and this car is every young guys dream come true! This car, although not a V-8, still is a blast to drive. The top comes down fast and smoothly for cruising in the sun. Very recommended for people who want a fun car to drive.

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  Slammed and Cammed LS1 - 2000 Pontiac Firebird
  By Willy - June 16 - 4:46 pm

  This is my third fbody and by far the fastest. I have modified the cars exhaust, intake, suspension, upgraded to a larger cam shaft, wheels, tires, 4.10 gears. To this day I am leaving cars 4-5 times its worth in the dust. I use it as a daily driver with a large cam and a very loud glasspack exhaust. The only problem the car has ever given me was a dead battery. It is an absolute thrill to drive and to this day still turns heads with its agressive black exterior and functional ram air hood. All the options still work, AC blows cold. Heater works unbelievably good. No oil leaks or burning. Seats are comfortable, even though the "leather" looks sort of plain. Over all this is a great car

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  Love and Hate Relationship - 1995 Pontiac Firebird
  By whitetree - June 10 - 4:46 pm

  I absolutely loved this car. The interior is comfortable, the sound system is fantastic, and easily upgraded, and the T tops are awesome! Performance is a little lacking in the v6 model, but still fun. However it requires a lot of upkeep on a variety of parts and accessories. The worst part of this car, and ultimate reason I got rid of it is that every little thing you work on is a monumental task, especially when you need to get to the half the engine tucked under the dash.

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  Luv my weekend toy - 2001 Pontiac Firebird
  By crazygrrrl - June 4 - 5:00 am

  At 45,000 miles, this is the only car Ive ever bought new that Ive never regretted buying. I would buy one again in a heartbeat if GM sells them again. The v6 may be an old design but it is strong and reliable, and my car has never left me stranded. I get compliments all the time. I love the fact that you can see the engine and all hoses, belts, etc. newer cars have that awful plastic cover that hides everything. This car is easy to work on, aftermarket parts are readily available even after GM killed Pontiac. This is definitely an enthusiasts car. Its fun to drive and comfortable too! I love this car. Im going to keep it until I get too old to drive.

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  Unique in all the right ways - 1999 Pontiac Firebird
  By AufMitterSpiel - June 3 - 2:00 pm

  I had a choice between this car and a 964 Porsche and chose this because of its raw nature. It demands a great level of skill and respect to drive fast, and I felt up to the challenge. The Borg-Warner T-56 is a beast of a shift and the live rear axle keeps me focused in mid-apex. But it all makes sense once you have kept up with a Ferrari 360 down the PCH and he pulls up next to you in disbelief...priceless.

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  Some good some bad - 2000 Pontiac Firebird
  By WS6 - May 30 - 2:00 am

  WS6 Trans-Am The Bad Interior cheap. Dash cracked. Passenger window rolls down slow. Drivers side door cracking (molding). Service engine light (bad air-pump). Poor excuse for traction control. Clutch slips when "performing" with too much weight (people in car). Stock tires crap! Speakers went POOOF! Rotors warped (110-0 doe!). "Backfire" noise when cold (lack of back pressure). Hate the skip-shift. The Good Hard hitting, throat tearing raw torque. My 6sp hurst shifted trans-am hits hard when I put it to the floor (new tires). Performs well around corners for the size of the car, suspension is stiff. Handles nice at high speeds 100+.

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  Firebirds Forever - 2002 Pontiac Firebird
  By Tyler - May 25 - 2:00 am

  I own a 2002 Standard Firebird with the Sport Appearance Package, It is a GREAT car for summer cruising with the T-tops out. My car is Pewter Metallic and 4 speed automatic transmission. This car is perfect for a teenager who wants to be seen. I would recomend this car everyone and make sure to get one before there all gone!!