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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Trans Am review from a daily driver pers - 2000 Pontiac Firebird
By Hurley711 - February 23 - 8:56 pmThe car looks great and is fun to drive, but it also has some major downsides. Annoying pop up headlight motors break every few years. The cheap plastic interior rattles to no end, even SFC didnt eliminate all of the noise. Pros on the car are performance and styling. Head turner no matter where you go. Also can be easily modified to make more power if you need it.
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I love trans ams! - 1995 Pontiac Firebird
By Curt - February 23 - 7:30 amThis is an excellent car to drive. I would recommend only to single people or couples, not families. Also, not a great car to lug around your friends. Despite the lack of space this car is definitely worth buying if you love speed. There are areas to improve, but for the cost I really cant give you a good reason not to buy one.
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2002 Trans Am/Sunset Orange Metallic - 2002 Pontiac Firebird
By Joes2002TA - February 21 - 10:00 amThis Is Pontiacs most exciting vehicle of all time.It has so much performance that it is a big disapointment that it will be discontinued this year.The only area that this vehicle does not excell in would be the fuel economy department.I guess that if you can afford one of these dream cars, you really dony worry about how far it will travel on a tankfull of gas.
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Harley Davidson Of Automobiles - 2000 Pontiac Firebird
By CHIEF TA - February 9 - 2:00 amThundering exhaust, tire smoking torque, sexy curves - all with 26 MPG on the highway! Too bad everyones so hooked on the boxy dullness of SUVs that theyve allowed these cars to die.
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A great American muscle car - 1997 Pontiac Firebird
By TransAmChick - January 27 - 2:20 am97 Pontiac Trans Am. Love my baby! I bought this car used (one owner), and its now 11 years old, but youd never know it. Its been very dependable and hasnt given me any major problems, except that I go through rotors fairly fast even though Im not hard on braking. Obviously not recommended for everyone, but its awesome to drive. Its my daily driver, and I put about 8,000 miles on it annually. Not too good in the snow, but if youve driven RWD before, youll know what to expect - Traction control helps. If you have a "beater" and can keep a car like this in the garage in the winter, thats the best option. Its a shame GM doesnt make these anymore; they are sorely missed.
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Catch It If You Can - 1998 Pontiac Firebird
By Fish - January 9 - 8:50 amBought the Bird myself when I was sixteen and havent regretted it one minute. Insurance isnt too bad since its a V6, but heck, it still wastes a majority of comparable cars (lets see you try that again, Mr. Mustang GT!). Averages about 23-27 MPG, and it doesnt take Premium like TAs need. This is a very solid car, mine is now seven years old and doesnt have a dent or crack or speck of rust or broken interior plastic. Absolutely GORGEOUS car. Only problems are with headlight motor gears, weak passenger power window, and corroded cooling system hoses (beware the black sludge). Rides rough but can turn on a dime at high speeds, and definitely turns heads! Very highly recommended!
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What A Disappointment - 2002 Pontiac Firebird
By Caligirl - December 22 - 6:36 pmI bought this car in 2002 straight off the lot. I loved this sport, affordable car. It was fine for the first 6 year with only 60k miles on it. Then, things changed. Both window motors burned-out costing $350 a piece. Then the fuel pump, $1000. Finally, it was the use of mid-level oil filters rather than a AC Delco oil filter, that caused berrings and crank-shift damage. Never again!
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Best of the Best - 2001 Pontiac Firebird
By smyrna-man - November 30 - 2:00 amThis car is the most fun to drive of any production car I have purchased in my 54 years. Drive this one you will buy it.
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My Firebied - 1999 Pontiac Firebird
By Leslie2762 - November 27 - 6:16 pmI love my Firebird and I would purchase a current model if available. However, my love is so vast, it does overshadow the new transmission, air compressor, alternator, and just about every belt, window motor, plug, or fluid that exists.
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nice car - 2002 Pontiac Firebird
By cama97 - November 22 - 10:00 amIt is the best car to drive. fuel economy is great when you consider the power it puts out. it is very comfortable for 2 passengers and the t- tops are great, you essentially get a convertable without convertable problems. The price was great when you think of what you can get in that size for that price. A vw bettle?
