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Pontiac Firebird

The original Pontiac Firebird came into being in the 1960s, aiming to compete with the Ford Mustang. In many ways, it shows similarities to the Camaro, but slightly different styling to the front and rear give it added excitement, as does the fact that it comes in coupe and convertible body styles. It achieved fame in 1977 when a Trans Am edition made an appearance in the film Smokey and the Bandit.

More on the Pontiac Firebird
Pontiac Firebird Origins

In the early years, the Firebird enjoyed extreme popularity as it used the same V-8 engine as the GTO. It offers the option of a high-output, overhead-cam, inline-six and appeals to drivers who want a higher revving engine and a zesty performance. During the 1960s, the Trans Am trim first made its debut. During the 1970s, the Pontiac Firebird got redesigned and only came as a coupe. Although its body styling gets increasingly extravagant, its performance becomes more lackluster against its competition.

The third generation of this model came out in the 1980s and includes flip-up headlights. By the middle of the decade, consumers could purchase the Pontiac Firebird with a powerful V-8 engine. In the 1990s, the Firebird came in a choice of either a convertible or a coupe, and once more it became known for its outstanding performance. However, as the decade wore on, it became increasingly outdated, and Pontiac finally ceased production in 2002 after 35 years. The last year saw the introduction of the 35th anniversary collector's edition of the Trans Am, which includes a 325 hp, V-8 engine with special, yellow paint designs that hark back to the 1970s and 1980s models.

About the Pontiac Firebird

The Pontiac Firebird is known as a muscle car, dating back to 1967. It looks very much like the Camaro, although it has some unique distinctions like the twin port grille, and different taillights give it a distinctive and more aggressive appearance than the Camaro. The Firebird's performs remarkably, and it drives especially well, hugging the road even around corners. It has a reputation for leaving its competitors standing. Its popularity has slipped even though it remains an American icon.

Pontiac Firebird Features

The 2002 models of the Pontiac Firebird come with additional standard equipment including power windows, mirrors, and door locks and a power antenna. The V-8 engines come equipped with a power steering cooler, and the Formula coupe includes a better car alarm, remote keyless entry, a six-way power driver’s seat, and a removable hatch roof with sunshades.

This year, the model comes in both coupe and convertible body styles and offers both a V-6 and V-8 engine. The Pontiac Firehawk edition shows modification by SLP Engineering, with SLP standing for street legal performance. This year, Pontiac also produced around 2000 35th anniversary collector editions of the Trans Am.

The base model contains a 3.8-liter, V-6 engine that pairs with either a five-speed manual or a four-speed automatic transmission. The Trans Am and Formula models both employ a 5.7-liter, V-8 engine. Body panels on the Pontiac use a composite material that resists rust and corrosion. Coupes come with removable rooftop panels, while the convertibles have a power top and a glass rear window.

Pontiac Firebird Evolution

The last generation of the Firebird debuted in 1993 as a coupe with the base, Formula, and Trans Am trims. The base and Formula trims contain a 3.4-liter, V-6 engine; while the Trans Am trim uses a powerful 5.7-liter, V-8 engine capable of producing 275 hp. Transmissions include a five-speed manual for the V-6 and a six-speed manual for the V-8, with the option of a four-speed automatic. In 1994, Pontiac reintroduced the convertible Firebird, and 1995 saw the introduction of a 3.8-liter, V-6 engine for the base Pontiac Firebird. During these early years, the engines could be somewhat unreliable and experts advise buyers to avoid these models.

In 1996, the V-8 engine gained more power, and Ram Air Induction boosted it to 305 hp. In 1998, the front end of the Pontiac Firebird got remodeled, and Pontiac introduced a new LS-1, 5.7-liter V-8, which produces up to 320 hp with Ram Air.

During its final years of production, the Firebird remained largely unchanged, and it suffered due to its low-quality interior trim and lack of refinement. It does give a very harsh ride and suffers from poor rear-view visibility. However it still moves fast and proves affordable. It delivers an incredible performance for the money.

Select a Pontiac Firebird Year

2002 Pontiac Firebird

Convertible, Coupe, Sports

2001 Pontiac Firebird

Convertible, Coupe, Sports

When people think of the American sports car, they think of the Firebird.

2000 Pontiac Firebird

Convertible, Coupe, Sports

The 2000 Pontiac Firebird is a vehicle that continues the muscle car tradition in America with its sister, the Chevrolet Camaro.

1999 Pontiac Firebird

Convertible, Coupe, Sports

The 1999 Pontiac Firebird receives a handful of upgrades over the previous year, as well as an incredible 30th Anniversary Limited Edition Trans Am model.

1998 Pontiac Firebird

Convertible, Coupe, Sports

The 1998 Pontiac Firebird offers everything drivers look for in a sports car.

1997 Pontiac Firebird

Convertible, Coupe, Sports

The 1997 Pontiac Firebird is a fourth-generation muscle car manufactured by General Motors under the Pontiac division.

1996 Pontiac Firebird

Convertible, Coupe, Sports


1995 Pontiac Firebird

Convertible, Coupe, Sports

The 1995 Pontiac Firebird is a fourth-generation performance car manufactured by the Pontiac division of General Motors.