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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I love my WS6! - 2002 Pontiac Firebird
By Jamie Miles - November 22 - 10:00 amThis is what a muscle car is supposed to look and drive like.
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My review - 2000 Pontiac Firebird
By "Ali" - November 19 - 2:13 amIm the biggest Firebird fan-I know the car. And i love it. Thats why it got a great rating.
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Not enough Power - 1995 Pontiac Firebird
By Ballsaga - October 24 - 10:00 ami have found the firbird to be a dissapointment, if you are looking for something that goes, buy a trans-am, pay the extra money, i wish i did.
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The Ultimate Sleeper - 2000 Pontiac Firebird
By Richy Rich - October 24 - 10:00 amIf you ever pull up beside a quiet sounding Formula Firebird, dont test it. This is the fastest car Ive ever drove. And most the people I show it to assume its a 6 cyl. because of the stock exhaust. The Firebirds are some of the best looking cars on the market, and the 350V8 Really backs its up.
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Luv this car!! - 1999 Pontiac Firebird
By Partygirl - September 30 - 4:00 pmIve owned my 99 firebird for the past 3 years and although it isnt the best to drive during the winter months I have to say I look forward to the summer when I can take off the T-tops! This car definately gets one noticed! The only problems Ive had with it are a blown alternator and some electrical issues but other than that its been an awesome car all around! Everyone loves it!
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98 Trans Am M6 - 1998 Pontiac Firebird
By Jon - September 27 - 10:20 amEverything youd want out of an American muscle car. The in-your-face styling, the mean exhaust note, and enough torque to peel the pavement up. This car is so much fun to drive although I wouldnt recommend driving in the wet/snow often cause you will spin the tires constantly. This is a great car to pick up if you love American performance. Get on with the potent LS1, slap on an exhaust, intake, pulley, and cam along with a few suspension mods and you will never want to stop driving.
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BULLET PROOF - 2001 Pontiac Firebird
By THE FURY - September 26 - 7:06 amYOU KNOW,I HAVE TO SIDE WITH THE OTHER FORTUNATE OWNERS OF THE UNTOUCHABLE WS6. WHEN COMES TO THE REMARKS THAT YOU EDITOR PEOPLE ARE MAKING ABOUT CHEAP THIS AND POOR THAT, IT MAKES ME WONDER AS WELL ARE YOU SURE YOU WERE TESTING A TRANS AM OR WAS IT A 1980S TURBO SUNBIRD. THE ENGINE IS IN A CLASS BY ITSELF, AND THE BRAKES.....LETS JUST SAY I WASNT THE ONE IN THE MIDDLE OF THE INTERSECTION STOPPING FROM 90MPH AGAINST THE SO CALLED "ULTIMATE DRIVING MACHINE" (540i) TO BE EXACT!!!!
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Best Car Ever - 2001 Pontiac Firebird
By 01TransAm - September 9 - 10:00 amA more beautiful (yet mean looking), fun to drive, and comfortable car has never been made. I have the WS6, automatic, and it is still practically like new. The only thing it really needed that is not stock is subframe connectors to get rid of the body roll. I completely disagree with the Edmunds review about the interior. The interior plastic is not cheap. It it much better looking than any new car interior, plus the lumbar support leather seats are top notch. The proportions are perfect - low profile, long hood, enough of a back seat to put stuff in. Millage is 17 city, over 25 if all highway, which is not bad, but who really cares anyway.
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A Thank You to GMC - 1995 Pontiac Firebird
By john v. diaz - September 3 - 10:00 amWith just under 100k miles and 7 years of service,the only major repair to this vehicle has been a front wheel speed sensor with a cost of approximately $500 cost. Normal repairs has been, tires, battery, and serpentine belt. Its a shame that more buyers werent drawn to purchase this fine vehicle, since 2002 is its last year due to poor sales. But recommend that any people interested in a sports vehicle of this type check out any replacement that GM may offer in the near future.
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Special Edition TA - 1999 Pontiac Firebird
By TxTA - September 3 - 10:00 amAn awesome and rare bird- the 99 special edition convertible is wonderful- 20mpg & awesome power, with excellent reliabilty thus far!
