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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  Wish it could stay - 2002 Pontiac Firebird
  By boo - December 10 - 2:00 am

  As everyone else said I love this car. I had to buy one before they were all sold out. I was fortunate enough to get my paws on one in a different state and had it shipped to the motor city. I went with black on black on black. This car is out of hand. Every where I go people tell me how much they like it. You dont see many of these babies on the road. To all you TA owners hold on to them.

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  Wish it could stay - 2002 Pontiac Firebird
  By Boo - December 10 - 2:00 am

  As everyone else said I love this car. I had to buy one before they were all sold out. I was fortunate enough to get my paws on one in a different state and had it shipped to the motor city. I went with black on black on black. This car is out of hand. Every where I go people tell me how much they like it. You dont see many of these babies on the road. To all you TA owners hold on to them.

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  Updated review- Still amazing - 1999 Pontiac Firebird
  By Slash8915 - November 30 - 5:43 am

  This is an updated review from the one I wrote back in 07. (Scroll down to see that one. Well, I still have the WS6. It now has 112,000 miles on it, and runs great. It also now has 548hp 516lbs. tq. Its WAY more fun to drive now, but quite a bit louder. My fuel economy is much worse now too. Try 12mpg and HAVING to use premium. Despite that, its still amazing, and gets looks wherever I go. One of the sexiest cars ever made. The prices on these cars is going down more and more, so if you havent picked one up yet, now would be the time.

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  Its a hand grenade! - 1999 Pontiac Firebird
  By OLDMANBOB - October 8 - 9:43 am

  It was fun to drive but its a rattle trap piece of junk. What hasnt been replaced or fixed? You name it. The rear end bearings have been done twice and third gear just disappeared. Doors sag, locks jam, wiper motor went, have replaced all rotors the fronts twice, calipers replaced, cat is rattling, sway bar links replaced, as it gets older everything is loosening up exponentially (spelling on that one?). the motor is starting to knock a bit in cold weather (sounds like a rod) and I use Synthetic Oil only. Looks nice and goes fast but wasnt made for the long haul. If your looking at one over 100K run RUN!

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  muscle car mania - 2000 Pontiac Firebird
  By rupp - September 23 - 1:10 pm

  Wow! Absolutely mindblowing acceleration and handling! Used to own a Mustang GT and there is no comparison. Aftermarket add-ons to increase horsepower are extremely inexpensive so you can do all kind of things to the motor real cheap! Love it!!

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  love my car - 1997 Pontiac Firebird
  By Soggy - September 22 - 6:06 am

  all my friends drive the usual herd cars, but this one always gets the looks. Have had it for over 7 years now, and still love this. It stands out in the parking lot, performs really well, except for minor repairs, it works pretty darn fine. Picks up speed fast, and I really like the rocketship feel of the car. Just wish that they had done something about the passenger bump and some more space in the trunk.

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  Only, ok. - 2000 Pontiac Firebird
  By Jim-Bob - August 27 - 12:30 am

  It was an ok car. Got me from point A to point B. Looks cool, but not enough power or look as cool as a Mustang, if it was the 5.7 that may be a different story (I still doubt it!) But even then the Firebird is way too wide making it impossible to park. Also, you can never see more than a foot of the hood. It always had computer problems and had to be taken to the shop constantly.

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  1997 Firebird - 1997 Pontiac Firebird
  By John - August 10 - 4:13 pm

  My dad bought me this car for my 16th birthday and I love it. It has had some minor problems with the driver window motor and the power steering hose broke. But other than that I have had only standard maintenance on it. With the 3.8 liter v6 it has enough power to keep up with some V8s and has enough power to smoke the tires. I have fun driving it but in rain and snow it is not the best vehicle on the road. My firebird is silver with T-Tops and in the summer is fun to drive overall I believe that for a 16 yr old like me this is the perfect car. and my next car will be a firebird.

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  Convertible Firehawk - 1999 Pontiac Firebird
  By firehawk - August 5 - 10:00 am

  best car Ive ever owned.

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  Convertible Firehawk - 1999 Pontiac Firebird
  By Firehawk - August 5 - 10:00 am

  best car Ive ever owned.