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 car for short time - 1995 Pontiac Firebird
  By AkosPrime - July 17 - 2:00 am

  This car was excellent for about 100K miles. I only had a few problems with it during that time: power window motors died twice & the elec system easily. All in all it was still a great ride. After 110K miles the car developed a problem that I have spent many hours and dollars trying to get fixed. Now it needs to be warmed up for 5 minutes before it can be driven anywhere no matter what the temperature outside or else the engine dies when the clutch is depressed. The car looks beautiful, its great for driving in nice weather, and fun! The quality does not lead me to believe that it is a car for the long haul.

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  1 word "FANTASTIC" - 2002 Pontiac Firebird
  By natedavis - July 11 - 9:06 am

  I bought this 02 Base model (4spd automatic) Firebird with 87k miles on it and you would have sworn it was new. Even though its just a V6, this thing still has a lot of power (205HP) stock and handles amazingly on the road at any speed. Hugs the road like no ones business. Sounds great. Super comfortable and very durable interior. Great looking exterior! Only thing Ive had to do to it was replace the fuel pump at 92k, other than that its been great! I paid $4,200 for this car, but after driving it, I would GLADLY pay double that for another one! All I can say is I found the car that no matter what else I own, will always be in my driveway!

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  AWESOME POWER! - 1998 Pontiac Firebird
  By Matthewhogue - June 21 - 10:00 am

  No matter what you think you know, you have no idea till you drive one. Go test drive one, your adrenaline will be pumping so high that you will write a check in the car on the way back while trying to still drive it. They lose value fast, so get a used one.

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  Beautiful performance - 2002 Pontiac Firebird
  By louisky123 - May 10 - 10:00 am

  Have a 99 V6-5M which has been great and just bought a 02 V6-5M to keep for eternity since GM has lost its mind and decided to stop making them. What a bargain price for this well equipped vehicle. Big, powerful V6, smooth- shifting 5 speed, 4 wheel ABS, great sound system, wide 16" wheels and tires, and same great look as the V8 (better in my opinion than the slighty gaudy Trans Am). Highly recommend the 3800 performance package to get the dual exhaust and Torsen limited slip differential (huge improvement in the traction department).

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  2002 WS-6 Trans AM - 2002 Pontiac Firebird
  By Joel - April 30 - 7:10 pm

  This is one of the most fun cars to drive. 345 hp at your foots control and did I mention, 24 mpg. Drives and rides great for a high performance sports car. Makes you feel 17 again.

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  A Great Sportscar - 1997 Pontiac Firebird
  By ken32708 - April 7 - 11:08 pm

  I have owned this car since it was new. Although it has had some problems, it is after all a sportscar and you can expect them. With just over 100,000 miles on it now, I finally had the plugs changed and the second round of new coils and wiring. That and replacing the muffler with a Flowmaster have restored the old higher power capability again. Also, I replaced the Monsoon stereo with a Sony that has is XM capable and added a 10" bass tube that LOOKS LIKE a NOX tank. The kids and grandkids want to know what I want to do with the car when I die and I tell them, Im being buried in it. When all the Firebirds are gone, the world will be a dimmer place.

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  Poor Quality - 2000 Pontiac Firebird
  By JNas - April 3 - 10:03 am

  I bought this vehicle for my son back in 2000. Its done nothing but cost me money. Things that normally dont tear up on vehicles fall apart on this vehicle. From the power windows going bad, emission problems, replaced fuel tank and pump, replaced rear diff, pinion seal, replaced numerous lights switches, power steering pump leaked and on and on. Ive spend almost as much money in keeping this car running as I did when I bought it new. This car has only 68,000 miles on it. My toyota 4 runner has 165,000 and Ive only had to replace the brakes. Ill never buy another American made car.

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  I love my 99 Trans AM! - 1999 Pontiac Firebird
  By MSPOOKIJO - March 1 - 4:33 pm

  Ive had my Trans Am for almost 9 years. I have 225,010 miles on it and I still love it! I am going to have to get a new car within the next couple of months because Im on the road so much and I need something with better fuel economy - if they still made them Id get another one though!

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  Firehawk - 1999 Pontiac Firebird
  By jhawk - February 9 - 2:00 am

  The Firehawk edition offers excellent performance. The car accelerates extremely well, and the handling is good with the modified suspension. I also like the look of the custom hood. The sound system is excellent for a factory system. My only complaint is that Ive had several major repairs done under warranty, which make me question build quality.

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  What A Car Is Meant To Be - 2002 Pontiac Firebird
  By longGone - February 8 - 10:00 am

  I have owned several sports cars and this by far is my favorite. From the quick and nimble handling to the snap your neck torque off the line, this car is a winner. The Hurst 6 speed and ram air are great additions and the sound system is incredible. Pop the T-tops and cruise.