Overview & Reviews

Pontiac upgrades the Firebird in several ways for 1997. Performance freaks will appreciate the addition of Ram Air induction to the options list of the Formula and Trans Am convertibles. Audiophiles will be blown away by the newly optional 500-watt Monsoon sound system. Luxury intenders can get power seats swathed in leather this year. Safety-conscious buyers will find daytime running lights. Additional cosmetic and comfort items keep the fourth-generation Firebird fresh for its fifth year.

• Good looks, powerful base V-6 engine, better value than Mustang

• Hefty size, seating positions, insurance costs, macho image

User Reviews:

Showing 1 through 10 of 33.00

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  Most Fun Ive Ever Had On Four Wheels! - 1997 Pontiac Firebird
  By frebo3 - December 29 - 12:33 pm

  A 60-something sport touring motorcyclist - I bought my 1997 WS6 in 2000 replacing a ten year old Mustang GT. The WS6 had run out of warranty, so I bought an extension from the GM dealer for just over $1,000. It paid off. In the next four years I had about $3K of work done for free, replacing the Monsoon audio system and rear woofers, and the power window motors.This car is a blast to drive. It corners as if it were on rails, the power lumbar support is excellent, the throttle response is incredible - the exhaust note awesome. The only thing I can liken it to is an XKE V-12 that I once owned.My wife loves the lines - says it reminds her of a Ferrari.Its been a blast!

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  I love this car! - 1997 Pontiac Firebird
  By BP - July 18 - 7:53 am

  Gas mpg on the road right now is really nice! It is very fun to drive! Love the pop-up lights and the power of the engine! 3.8 L with 200 hp whats not to love? If I wanted to I could easily boost the hp on this thing. Why do that though when it gets such great mileage for a sporty car (we aint talking about a honda civic or anything this is a firebird). If you dont want one or dont like the one you have sell it! someone else will though!

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  the good, the bad, the awesome - 1997 Pontiac Firebird
  By redfirebird15 - July 14 - 2:00 am

  the awesome: the 3.8L v6 pumps out more horses than any import you see on the road. my dad bought this car in march, and I will get it in june. So far, this is the car of my dreams. It is a red firebird, with a 3.8l v6, that generates 200hp and 225ft.lb. of torque. that is plenty of power for a 16 year old. It also makes the insurance affordable. I would recommend this car to any 16-25 singles, as it only has room for 2.

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  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!!

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  97 Firebird - 1997 Pontiac Firebird
  By Sharker - December 19 - 10:00 am

  This is a great car...but with GM Quality. At 4,000 miles 500 Watt 10 Speaker Moonson Stereo begins to act up- Volume control is touchy, and CD stacker give off Error code-Fixed by pulling Fuses. Rear Window defogger dies at 37,000 miles but was touchy from the start-but I can live without it; Drivers Power Window dies at 48,000-fixed by replacing motor and regulator; Drive ability issues rise at 57,000 miles feels like transmission is slipping....aaauugghhhh...In Short, This is a great car as long as it is under a warranty.

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  Ram Air TA convertible 97 - 1997 Pontiac Firebird
  By Raggtoppz - December 15 - 11:36 am

  great looks, super power, good handling for convertible. the ram air is the only way to go. find a used one in good condition and avg miles. fun to drive, fun to clean, and worth the money (avg 12k to 14k). im 62 and 275 lbs. its pretty comfortable. it would be perfect for someone a little smaller.

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  It rocks - 1997 Pontiac Firebird
  By Swimmerboy - June 14 - 7:30 am

  This car is more fun to drive thing my moms 2006 mustang. I have be out standing happy with my car. and it has never left me anywere. even after the waterpump went out. i was able to limp her 2 miles home. the only bad thing is she lecks a little oil. but i dont have to add oil between oil changes.

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  i love the pontiac trans ams - 1997 Pontiac Firebird
  By jared - October 7 - 10:00 am

  i currently own a 1997 pontiac trans am i have owned two trans ams in the last year and a half and i think that that is the best car i have ever bought i runs great andis fun to drive

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  Hard to find! - 1997 Pontiac Firebird
  By 97WS.6 - September 20 - 10:00 am

  I was a part of the import craze, and had big plans for my little 4 banger. Then I ran into a mechanic that laughed at me for building a 4 cylinder motor. He then took me for a ride in his 1996 Trans Am. I then realized that torque is my friend. If you like torque, this is the car for you! The feeling of having sticky tires break loose on a hot day at your own will is something that isnt accomplished by the sub-par Ford counterparts. I love the car in every way, and will take it for a cruise just for fun. These cars look great and perform to match it straight from the factory.

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  1997 Formula Firebird LT1 - 1997 Pontiac Firebird
  By jim683 - May 9 - 10:00 am

  The LT1 performs flawlessly, The car is fast and good looking, my wife says she looks GOOD in this car and she does. Gas miles on highway averages 24-27 and around 19 in city. Drop the top and go on nice days