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:

• 

  True American Muscle!!! - 1999 Pontiac Firebird
  By RacinGurl - February 19 - 11:03 pm

  Awsome car!!! I owned 4 of these cars, 2 of which i still have. I will own nothing but a Trans Am my entire life. I have both the 30th and 35th anniversarys. the 30th is a Daytona 500 Official Pace car and both have givin me absolutely no problems. Have had to replace back brake lights and front turn signals (maybe 5.00 woth of replacements) The handling is awsome and the speed is amazing. I am a 19 year old female and cars are my life, and this one is the only one that has really cought my eyes. Its a real head turner and a guy getter. Pontiac did an awsome job making this monster. It looks and sounds so mean. A great car for a responsible driver. Way too much power for a new driver car...

• 

  A truely brilliant and special car - 1999 Pontiac Firebird
  By rennfahrer - February 12 - 11:30 am

  Not many words need be said of this car. Just notice the next one you see on the road that has been properly taken care of. Near perfect sportscar design and function. Yes the live rear end does try to spoil the party from time to time, but the sheer enjoyment of driving the last properly true muscle car made in the world is an event to behold. Enough with the hillbilly ferrari jokes. These cars have exceptional road feel and lateral stability! The LS1 and 6 speed work perfectly together, getting 18mpg in the city and around 32(!)mpg highway. OEM brakes are fantastic. My car currently has 100k tacked on and feels solid as a rock.

• 

  my review - 1999 Pontiac Firebird
  By gagirl - February 5 - 2:00 am

  I have had my 99 for three yrs now and have been fairly pleased. I have had to replace the altenator once and a window motor once, other than that just routine maintenance. Im trying to sell the car because I have two children that have outgrown the small back seat but then again its a sports car not an suv.

• 

  Awesome 2K2 WS6 - 2002 Pontiac Firebird
  By kikit2 - February 3 - 10:00 am

  I absolutely love this car! I have a 2002 T/A WS6, 6-speed Hurst of course! I owned a 2001 F-150 Lariat Ext. Cab Off-Road 4X4(which I dearly loved) and one night I drove by the Pontiac dealership to see the Trans Ams and fell in love. The next day I went in and drove what was soon to be my new Pewter Trans AM. Then on 7-25-01 I bought her! No regrets!!!

• 

  T/A Muscle - 2002 Pontiac Firebird
  By Orly - January 29 - 10:00 am

  Car is Very Exicting to Drive , torque is right there at 1,500 Rpm. Goes over very smooth over bumps and very tight in turns, what a ride. Trunk is a little tight, but with the fold down rear seat you have some space inside.

• 

  Great vehicle - 1995 Pontiac Firebird
  By justinsissy1 - January 28 - 10:16 pm

  This is absolutely the funnest car i have ever owned. i just bought the car for $2700. It has 122,000 miles and is very good condition for the price i paid. Took it to the drag strip and run 15.3 1/4 mile and the car is BONE STOCK. absolutely nothing done to it but a tune up.(just plugs and wires, and oil change). I absolutely love this car. Very very good power to price ratio. I did have to put a right, rear wheel bearing in but i think that is just because the last owner run it a little hard.

• 

  Best musclecar ever - 1997 Pontiac Firebird
  By Frost7 - December 24 - 2:00 am

  Ive owned a black 97 Trans Am WS6 for the past year and my experience with it has been great. Id recommend it to anyone looking for a powerful and stylish sportscar that is all about having fun driving. The car is solidly built, hugs the road, handles like a dream, and can take off like a bat out of somewhere very hot. Ill NEVER sell this car, and its the one thing that makes the trip itself half the fun of going someplace.

• 

  WS6 Great show piece - 1997 Pontiac Firebird
  By DaBattMan - December 24 - 2:00 am

  I wasnt planning to buy a car when I walked onto the lot. But his one sold me even before I saw a salesman. I Love this car. Its my baby. I havent had any problems with it that I couldnt fix with a screwdriver or for under $200.00 (regular maint). It turns heads. Every one is watching you. Perfect for the summer with the tops down. A must have. Too bad they went and canceled this model. It is a beauty.

• 

  the wrong formula? - 1997 Pontiac Firebird
  By ex formula drvr - December 16 - 10:00 am

  bought car new and kept for 5 years with 94000 mi. Had too many problems that ruined the enjoyment of the car. Water pump, oil sending unitleak, pinion seal (2x), intake manifold leak (2x), radio volume control, rack and pinion/tie rod ends - all before I hit 60000 mi. GM should do a better job of making quality cars.

• 

  cool pontiacs - 1995 Pontiac Firebird
  By Rex - December 10 - 2:00 am

  this car is cool to drive in the rain the tires spun really tight.