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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  Fun to look at... THATS ABOUT IT! - 1995 Pontiac Firebird
  By MattE - May 2 - 10:00 am

  What a piece of junk! I bought this car as something to just goof around in because my everyday ride is a Ford F-150. WHAT A WASTE OF MONEY! This car is in the shop every other week...It is not reliable at all! I admit that it is nice to look at, but its just not worth anything.

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  last of the great one - 2002 Pontiac Firebird
  By Keith Feemster - April 30 - 11:36 am

  This car puts a smile on my face everytime i step into my garage how all the body lines go together from front to back. Performance far better then the mustang. How the car handles it self when going through corners and when you go straight and mash down on it picking up speed in no time.

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  fabulous car - 1998 Pontiac Firebird
  By netkenv - April 30 - 2:00 am

  LS1 engine with ws6 package outstanding ride & handling, absolutely NO problems with car. not a rattle or a noise whether your doing 30mph or 70mph down the highway. Tap the gas pedal and your passing at 90mph feeling like your winning nascar! great car.

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  Love it. - 1995 Pontiac Firebird
  By Jon Bradley - April 29 - 10:53 am

  Ive had this car for almost a month now and I must say I absolutely love it. I bought it for $3500 with 164,000 miles. The previous owner (and only owner) loved this car very much! There isnt a scratch on it and the interior is better than most used vehicles I was looking at from the 2000s. I am 17 and this is my very first car, and I must say that this right now is my single most important material posession. The only thing I have had to fix on this vehicle was a bad brake light. The rest is basically like new.

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  SMOKIN HOT! - 1998 Pontiac Firebird
  By Johnnybegood - April 26 - 11:03 am

  We purchased our 1998 Firebird from a friend who kept it in a barn in the winter and barely drove it in the summer. Only paid $4,500.00 for it and it is in mint condition. Fully loaded and faster than a raped ape. With this car you get the muscle, class and speed without having to pay a ridiculous price for a name. Especially one you can "blow away" LOL.

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  Awesome Car - 1998 Pontiac Firebird
  By Zac Stark - April 25 - 11:10 am

  I just got my bird about 3 months ago and Ive fallen in love with it. Im only 16 and this is already my second car. I love driving to school in this baby and watching all the heads turn as I pull in the lot. Going to the mall is now more about getting there than being there. The car is so much fun to drive. Taking corners at 70 mph as if I was only going 30. The feeling of power as the body shakes when revved up. Its muscle all the way. The inside is a little cramped though and the system sucks big time. Dont recommend for a taller person. The passenger seat is REALLY cramped with a small bump in the floor. All in all though its a blast to drive and is a head turner.

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  Great Car - 1997 Pontiac Firebird
  By Chadwick - April 24 - 10:00 am

  This car is awesome. Its sleek design and stylish looks combined with the raw power of the engine make this car one of my favorites.

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  Could be great with some improvements - 2002 Pontiac Firebird
  By ajax - March 30 - 10:00 am

  The pontiac 2002 Firebird TransAM coupe has the looks that make you just want to stare at it when you see one. I suspect the Ram Air would put most sports car lovers over the top with envy. There are some negatives that come with the acolades. Three issues in particular are the way the car idles when standing still with the car in drive and foot on the break.( shaky ). The second problem is the Rotors warp frequently. Suspect bad manufactured pads cause extream heat friction that cause the warpage. The third item is the Head lights make alot of noise when closing them. ( Bang! ) Otherwise a great car looking car with excellent speed when you need it most.

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  Reasonable Drive - 2001 Pontiac Firebird
  By 7Jewels - March 21 - 10:00 am

  Fun to drive. Takes customizing well. Add a flowmaster and a cold air induction package and youre in there. The powers good and its fun to drive, but it sucks on gas. The handling is really good, but its better with 17in wheels and 45 series Z-rated tires. Good gripe and side-slipe is controllable. The only thing I hate about this car is the "Skip-shift" feature. I bought a six-speed for controllablity. Skip-shift is a buzz kill.

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  Hi - 2001 Pontiac Firebird
  By CoolAIArtist - March 7 - 8:23 am

  well I think I got such a wonderful deal at 6,000 dollars for a 01 Bird The only thing I have a problem with is when it rains and thats all. I like the 31 hwy mpg cause Im daily on the Highway anyway. I have been offered way above what its worth and always have people staring because the car is a head turner. Pontiac Red and T-tops it is by far one of my fav cars the only thing above it is the Dodge Viper.