Each vehicle report contains one rating chart for representative model. Consumer Guide® rates in ten key areas: Performance, Fuel Economy, Ride Comfort, Steering and Handling, Interior Noise, Controls and Materials, Driver Room, Passenger Room, Cargo Capacity, and Insurance Costs. These ratings compare the particular vehicle rated to ALL other vehicles, not a vehicle's standing in a particular class. In the ratings table, "1" is the lowest rating and "10" is the highest rating.

Consumer Guide's® Auto Editors have scoured repair bulletins and questioned mechanics to search for commonly occurring problems for a particular vehicle. In some cases we also give possible manufacturer-suggested solutions. In many instances these trouble spots are Technical Service Bulletins posted by the manufacturer, however, we have our own expert looking at additional vehicle problems.

Automatic transmission: TH-700-R4 automatic transmissions may shift late or not upshift at all. The problem is a stuck throttle valve inside the transmission. (1990-92)

This table lists costs of likely repairs for comparison with other vehicles. The dollar amount includes the cost of the part(s) and labor (based on $50 per hour) for the typical repair without extras or add-ons. Like the pricing information, replacement costs can vary widely depending on region. Expect charges at a new-car dealership to be slightly higher.

1990: Fuel return hoses on 5.0- or 5.7-liter V8 engines may break at either crimped coupling.

1990: Plastic components of seatbelt-buckle assemblies could be weakened by exposure to direct sunlight and high interior temperatures.

1991: Metal latchplates of seatbelts may not engage buckle assemblies.

1992: Automatic-transmission shift control cable can separate.

1992: Fuel-filler neck's solder joint can develop cracks or leaks.

This chart details a range of prices in year-by-year listings for vehicles in three condition levels:

Good: a clean low-mileage, solid-running vehicle that needs little or no repair.

Average: a car with normal miles on the odometer, perhaps a few scrapes or dings; engine might need a minor repair or two, but runs acceptably well.

Poor: might have potentially dangerous problems with the engine and/or body, or abnormally high mileage; definitely in need of mechanical attention. Valuations reflect wholesale prices paid by dealers at auction, and retail prices on used-car lots. Each range covers all trim levels and engine types for a vehicle with a typical amount of equipment--usually an automatic transmission, air conditioning, stereo, etc. Fully loaded vehicles may cost more. Average mileage is 12,000 miles per year. Keep in mind that these are guidelines only. Actual selling prices vary- especially from region to region.

Pontiac provides its entry-level Firebird with a 3.1-liter V6 that offers 140 horsepower at 4400 rpm and 180 pound-feet of torque at 3600 rpm. The step-up Formula models receives a 5.0-liter V8 that provides 170 horsepower at 4000 rpm and 255 pound-feet of torque at 2400 rpm. The Formula's V8 is optional for the base model. Standard on the Trans Am and optional on the others is a High Output 5.0-liter V8 that delivers anywhere from 200 to 230 horsepower, depending on the exhaust system, transmission, and other equipment. The high-end Trans Am GTA features the 5.7-liter V8, which is an optional engine for both the Trans Am and Formula. Its horsepower ratings range from 235 to 240 at 4400 rpm, and torque figures reach 340 pound-feet at 3200 rpm. The 5.7 V8 comes only with an automatic, while the other engines offer both an automatic and a 5-speed manual gearbox.