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:

• 

  Horrible squeaking and rattling. - 2000 Pontiac Firebird
  By Magnus - April 26 - 10:00 am

  The rattle started after only 1200 miles. The squeaking started the first summer when it got warmer. I have had it in the shop over 10 times and nothing has been done. They have all heard the noices but have not been able to fix the problem. It is obviously a lemon. But no one takes responsibility for it. Good warrenty, NOT.

• 

  4th firebird Love those F-bodies - 1995 Pontiac Firebird
  By alysinwunderland - April 14 - 2:00 am

  I buy at least 1 used Fbody Pontiac Firebird/TA every year! I love them. I have had 3 other 1994-1997 Firebird/TAs. They have been reliable fun to drive vehicles that keep their value pretty well. This is the body syle I love. The sloped front end is more attractive than the new style. I get comments on the car almost everyday...sometimes even offers to buy it. I recommend this for young people and the young at heart.

• 

  Fun Car!! - 1997 Pontiac Firebird
  By B4May - April 13 - 5:30 pm

  I have been driving this car for 6 years and I still love it as much as I did the day I got it. Rides a little rough, but its a sports car after all. Love the steering wheel radio controls - Im forever spoiled and will never drive a car without them. Also love the great orange dash lighting. T-tops are very fun, but I dont use them as often as I could because they are kind of a pain - manual removal and have to store them in the trunk, so it must be empty to do so. I have had problems with the spark plugs - mechanics complain because they are difficult to change. Back seat is small - but again, its a sports car, so you dont buy it for hauling people or cargo. Super fun to drive!!

• 

  Great, fun car! - 1999 Pontiac Firebird
  By Slash8915 - April 4 - 5:50 pm

  I bought my T/A in July of 07. I had to get a few things fixed and replaced, but thats because the previous owner didnt take care of it. I use only 93 octane gas from either Shell or Chevron, and only use Royal Purple oil. Since Ive gotten ahold of it, its run better than ever. I guess what Im trying to say is, just take care of it. Mine has Ram Air and some mods, and it dynod at 370hp. Even a stock T/A is fast! I get a ton of looks, and people trying to race me. I used to have an Integra, and I have to say... American muscle is the only way to go. If you get this car, you will not be disappointed.

• 

  Best Bird yet - 2000 Pontiac Firebird
  By Fredsbird - March 28 - 5:33 am

  I bought mine new and it has proven very reliable. It has a solid feel, great looks (mine came with a beautiful metallic blue paint and chrome wheels).I have had 3 birds of various gens and none have been good off the line at a light, but on the highway they are incredible. I first learned this when I found the passing gear going 80, it was like light speed kicked in. The gas mileage city/hwy is incredible. I had a weird noise in the engine but it went away, I believe it was due to my feeding it lower octane, stick with 93.

• 

  2002 WS6 6M - 2002 Pontiac Firebird
  By JohnWS6 - March 9 - 10:00 am

  I just got my black 2002 ws6 with the 6 speed manual transmission and its been nothing but pure fun. The car handles very well and for the power it makes its pretty light on gas. The stereo system is very nice, not only does it have 500 watts of power, but the sound is very clear and with no static. Turn off the traction control, slam on the gas, now your havin fun!

• 

  a REAL American Muscle Car - 2001 Pontiac Firebird
  By Justin_25 - February 25 - 2:00 am

  In my pursuit of finding a fast, fun, and afordiable car, i have found a true winner in my Trans Am. Its a true American Muscle Car. But at the same time, thats the problem too. Its a true american m.c. It has rather poor build and is UNCOMFORTABLE to drive. I cant keep gas in this thing! In a way i guess you could say its almost a burden to drive. But when it all comes down to it, it wasnt built for these things. It was built for one thing. SPEED!!! Mission accomplished. But i think Im gonna hit my dad up for a new BMW.

• 

  T-REX - 2001 Pontiac Firebird
  By HOVEN - February 5 - 5:06 pm

  I have recently purchased a 2001 convertible. I know it is old and has a few miles on it. I bought it with the prospect of fixing it up into a mean machine. The car is one of a kind.

• 

  great car if you take care of it - 1995 Pontiac Firebird
  By rusty chang - January 29 - 4:26 pm

  Im admittedly easy on cars when I drive, thus why I still have 265K miles on my original 1977 FB. The 1995 FB Formula is much better built and more reliable. Driving the speed limits I also receive about 3 MPG better than the sticker EPA ratings for those years. All my friends whove owned expensive foreign cars, supposedly so reliable, no longer have them, theyve all broken down...so the bottom line is even these FBs will outlast the rest if proper maintenance and care is given. Spend the money when you need to for upkeep and enjoy the results. Youll beat all the odds from Consumer Reports who in 1978 called my 1977 a Lemon year car to avoid. Same goes for the 95 Formula

• 

  2002 Trans Am - 2002 Pontiac Firebird
  By Tony M - January 16 - 2:00 am

  This car is a blast to drive. More power than the sane mind would expect. Everyone from 5 to 85 comments on the car. This car gets 25 mpg at 80 mph in 6th gear. Last weekend I folded down the rear seat and hauled home several 4X8 sheets of plywood and 2X4s from Home Depot ... I kept it under 80 for the trip home :)