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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  FANTASTIC!! - 2002 Pontiac Firebird
  By BPLatta - October 28 - 1:26 pm

  WS-6, Trans am 2 door coupe artic white, 6 speed manual tranny. Great car, fun to drive, very powerful, lightning fast, great sound system, great gas mileage (28 MPG on a 600 mile round trip). Too bad GM stopped building these. This car will blow just about anything off the road. The car turns heads ( young and old )with its great looks everywhere I go. Its one of the sharpest cars on the road and the SLP exhaust system sounds great. The car sounds so good that I really dont listen to the radio much. I enjoy the sound of the engine. She purrs like a kitten when idleing or driving at road speed but she roars like a lion when you wind her up. I love this car with no plans to trade or sell.

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  2002 Ram Air, Hurst Manual 6 - 2002 Pontiac Firebird
  By JWats - October 28 - 10:00 am

  This, simply put, is the best performance car in the 30-50k range. The only thing that could possibly be better than this is a Vette Z06. Its completely reliable, unless you think you dont have to change the oil or air up the tires. The only problem with this car is that stupid press people (i.e. Edmunds.com, Motortrend) seem to have forgotten that a car should have the goods, and not the hype. If youre ready for the real deal, a sports car that can blow the doors of any Japanese import or Ford product, then step right up. Posers may take Mustangs and Celicas.

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  happy new driver - 2002 Pontiac Firebird
  By ws6sarabird - October 28 - 10:00 am

  Love it!!! My first v8 sports car with rear drive. Every other vehicle was 4 banger turbo of some kind.

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  Love It - 2001 Pontiac Firebird
  By Vinterskugge - October 4 - 12:56 am

  This review is of the WS6 Trans Am. This is the most beautiful car ever and is a lot of fun to drive. Its a shame they are not made anymore, although if they were, they would probably be ruined with a hideous new design. This is the shape that cars should be: low, wide, 2-doors, long hood. Only drawback is lack of trunk space, but the backseat is perfect: you cannot ask for a better design as far as being able to reach into the back seat from either the outside or the front seat. No problems in light snow with all season tires. Car is still like new. True muscle car driving excitement, plus unrivaled aesthetic beauty

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  2000 WS6 - 2000 Pontiac Firebird
  By Dr. Ned - September 28 - 10:00 am

  My 2000 WS6 is the 3rd Pontiac Ive owned in a row. The car handles like a dream, it was purchased used with the skip shift eliminator already installed, along with 4.11s for the gears. The only problem Ive had is tearing through the teeth on the pinion. The stock GM 10-bolt rear axle just cannot handle over 350HP. Stock the car is 340, so any modifications and you will most likely have axle problems. Next upgrade, SLP 12-Bolt.

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  Dependable Ride - 2000 Pontiac Firebird
  By Elizabeth - September 27 - 11:46 am

  I purchased this vehicle new. The only problem that I have had with this car is the brakes (but I am always hard on brakes).

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  Dont miss out - 2002 Pontiac Firebird
  By stever - September 10 - 10:00 am

  As they have been discontinued and may be hard to find, dont miss out on the last of GMs pony cars. As nice as the next gen. GTO seems, it still lacks the Trans Ams styling big time.

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  Great sports car - 2000 Pontiac Firebird
  By johnpr - August 30 - 4:40 pm

  I have enjoyed every moment with this car, I have traveled across the country in this vehicle and have allways enjoyed the ride and the power on demand feel of this car. The only reliability issue I have ever had with this was when the battery died. This is hardly an issue though as that is a normal maintenance item. Anyhow, great car with a great ride and comfort.

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  Great Summer Car! - 1997 Pontiac Firebird
  By austin - August 27 - 8:53 pm

  This is a wonderful car, my grandmother bought this car in 1997 brand new and although it has had some major problems I still love this car. Fuel pump replaced twice and the plugs and wires have been changed every summer we pull it out of storage since it was about four years old. Car has great acceleration and good feel when shifting this 5-speed. Excellent fuel economy (23/35) when driving like this car was meant to be driven (fast). Some problems have occured at about 60k miles such as the window motors going out and the radio but thats to be expected. This car is very dangerous in the winter on ice as we live in michigan so it is only driven in the summer. Very nice car for the money!

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  2002 TA - 2002 Pontiac Firebird
  By Pasetbo - August 4 - 2:00 am

  There is no car around that delivers anywhere near the performance per dollar as the Trans Am. Doesnt have quite the "status" symbol appeal of some other cars, but if your goal is pure performance, this car cant be beat. Its nice to pull up to a stop light next to sports cars that cost twice as much, only to see them disappearing in your rear view mirror after the light turns green.