1993-2002 Pontiac Firebird Full Review - Consumer Guide Automotive

Our in-depth review covers everything you need to know about this generation Pontiac Firebird. Get the latest news, find a local dealer, and get a free price quote for this generation Pontiac Firebird.

1993-2002 Pontiac Firebird Review

Restyled like the similar Chevrolet Camaro, Pontiac's rear-drive hatchback arrived in base, Formula, and Trans Am guise. Wheelbase was the same as the previous generation, but the new Firebird measured two inches wider, two inches taller, and half an inch longer. Dual airbags were installed and antilock braking was standard. Rust/dent-resistant composite was used for most outer body panels. Base engine was a 3.4-liter V6, rated at 160 horsepower. Formula and Trans Am models held a 5.7-liter V8 that made 275 horsepower. A 5-speed manual gearbox was standard with base model; the V8 got a 6-speed. Four-speed automatic was optional on both.

Year to Year Changes

1994 Pontiac Firebird: A top-line Trans Am GT arrived for '94. This year, as a fuel-economy measure, the 6-speed manual gearbox added a system that forced the gearshift to go from first gear directly into fourth under light-throttle acceleration. Later in the 1994 model year, a convertible debuted with a standard power top and a glass rear window. Convertibles came in all three levels: base, Formula, and Trans Am.

1995 Pontiac Firebird: After the model year began, a traction-control system became available for Firebirds with the V8 engine. The line-topping Trans Am GT was dropped after a single season on the market. Late in 1995, Pontiac added a 3.8-liter V6 engine option, making 200 horsepower rather than 160.

1996 Pontiac Firebird: After a brief period as an option, the new 200-horsepower, 3.8-liter V6 displaced the 3.4-liter as Firebird's base engine. At the same time, the Formula Firebird's V8 engine got a boost to 285 horsepower. A "Ram Air" option hiked the V8 to 305 horses. A new 3800 Performance Package gave V6 models some of the Formula and Trans Am features, including 4-wheel disc brakes, a limited-slip differential, dual exhaust outlets, 16-inch tires, and quicker steering.

1997 Pontiac Firebird: Daytime running lights and air conditioning became standard in all Firebirds. The optional Ram Air package could now be installed on convertibles as well as coupes. A new center console offered more storage, a pull-out cupholder, and two auxiliary power outlets.

1998 Pontiac Firebird: Firebirds got a modest facelift and a new V8 engine for '98. Despite again displacing 5.7-liters, the V8 was all new and made 305 horsepower. When equipped with the Ram Air option, engine output was boosted to 320.

1999 Pontiac Firebird: Firebird's changes for '99 included larger fuel tanks (from 15.5 to 16.8 gallons), available traction control for V6 models, and a limited-edition 30th Anniversary package for coupes and convertibles.

2000 Pontiac Firebird: Despite rumors of possible extinction, Firebird continued into 2000 with fresh colors, new rear child-seat anchors, and newly designed 17-inch wheels for the WS6 package.

2001 Pontiac Firebird: Firebirds entered the 2001 model year with stronger engines and minor suspension revisions. The 5.7-liter V8 gained 5 horsepower and all models got revised shock absorbers. The WS6 Ram Air was no longer available on Formula, but increased Trans Am's horsepower by 15.

2002 Pontiac Firebird: Pontiac's sporty coupe would be retired after the 2002 model year. For its last year, power windows, locks, mirrors, and antenna were standard. Offered earlier in the year was a commemorative Collector package based on the Trans Am; it included WS6 equipment, yellow paint with black accents, and special wheels and trim.

1993-2002 Pontiac Firebird Road Test

Pros	Cons

Acceleration (V-8s)	Fuel economy (V-8s)

Steering/handling	Ride

Antilock brakes	Noise

	Rear-seat room

	Entry/exit

	Rear visibility

Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation

Few cars can match the level of performance of a Firebird. V8 versions promise acceleration of the sort that shoves your spine right into the seatback. V6 powered 'birds aren't exactly slugs, either. With manual shift, in particular, they feel lively enough in everyday driving. The stronger 3.8-liter V6 delivers particularly brisk acceleration and strong passing power. Also, the V6 is considerably more fuel efficient, netting 17-20 mpg versus 15 for the V8 models. Available traction control on recent models helps deal with horrendous grip on slippery pavement. Even a base-model Firebird holds the road well, though naturally not with the tenacious grip delivered by the Formula and Trans Am cars. On the downside, those low-profile tires on V8 models roar over most pavement surfaces. They also combine with stiff suspension, to produce a jarring ride over bumpy roads. Firebird's low-slung cockpit is best for two adults. Getting into the rear and finding a comfortable home back there is a challenge. Even children might have trouble. Up front, a hump in the floor cuts into passenger leg room. Cargo space is adequate, as long as you don't expect too much. Structural rigidity and assembly quality are much better than in prior Firebird generations.

Value for the Money
Firebirds are styled more aggressively than Ford's Mustang, and exhibit more muscle-car character, though a Mustang is easier to live with for everyday driving.

Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings

Pontiac Firebird Trans Am automatic	Rating

Performance	8

Fuel Economy	2

Ride Quality	3

Steering/Handling/Braking	8

Quietness	2

Controls/Materials	6

Interior Room	4

Room/Comfort (rear)	2

Cargo Capacity	1

Value within Class	3

Total:	39

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.

1993-2002 Pontiac Firebird Reliability

Trouble Spots

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.

Brake noise: Rear brake squeal can be eliminated by replacing the brake pads with revised ones. (1993-94)

Coolant leak: The 3.8-liter V6 may leak coolant into the engine from the intake manifold. A new gasket kit, revised throttle body nuts, and sealing compound is available. Redesigned manifolds are also available in the aftermarket. (1993-2002)

Coolant leak: Coolant loss via plastic intake manifold is corrected by installing upgraded manifold and gaskets plus new PCV kit. (1995-02)

Doors: The power door locks may not operate due to a rubber bumper falling off of the actuator arm. (1994-95)

Engine temperature: Overheating and coolant loss may be due to rough surface on radiator filler neck. Neck should be sanded smooth and cap replaced. (1999-2000)

Manual transmission: Manual transmissions tend to pop out of gear in cold weather until the interior warms up. (1993-94)

Starter: The starter may keep running after the engine starts, or the key is turned off, due to a short in the wiring. (1995)

Transmission leak: Fluid may leak from the pump body on 4L60-E transmissions due to the pump bushing walking out of the valve body. (1995-96)

Vehicle shake: Cars with the 5.7-liter engine may vibrate at highway speeds, which can be corrected by replacing the driveshaft with an aluminum shaft (although this usually results in axle noise becoming more apparent). (1993-96)

Consumer Guide® Estimated Repair Costs

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.


Item Name	Repair Cost

A/C Compressor	$535

Alternator	$290

Automatic Transmission or Transaxle	$775

Brakes	$255

Clutch, Pressure Plate, Bearing	$755

Exhaust System	$470

Radiator	$410

Shocks and/or Struts	$595

Timing Chain or Belt	$330

Universal Joints	$200

NHTSA Recall History

1994: Misrouted V8 fuel line may contact "air" check valve; heat could damage line.

1995: Lower coupling of steering intermediate shaft could loosen and rotate, resulting in loss of control.

1997: Seatbelt retractors on some cars can lock-up on slopes.

1999 w/manual transmission: Clutch master cylinder on a few cars may have incorrect retaining ring, preventing disengagement when clutch pedal is depressed.

2002: Welds near the lower driver's-side door hinge do not meet specifications.

1993-2002 Pontiac Firebird Prices

Prices	Good	Average	Poor

1993
Firebird	$2,200-2,800	$1,600-2,000	$400-500
Formula, Trans Am	$2,900-3,500	$2,200-2,700	$700-800

1994
Convertible	$2,900-3,600	$2,200-2,700	$700-800
Firebird coupe	$2,500-3,100	$1,800-2,300	$500-700
Formula convertible	$3,700-4,500	$3,000-3,600	$1,100-1,300
Formula, Trans Am	$3,200-3,900	$2,500-3,000	$800-1,000
Trans Am convertible	$4,200-5,000	$3,400-4,100	$1,400-1,700

1995
Convertible	$3,400-4,100	$2,700-3,200	$900-1,100
Firebird coupe	$2,800-3,400	$2,100-2,600	$600-700
Formula convertible	$4,400-5,200	$3,700-4,300	$1,500-1,800
Formula, Trans Am	$3,700-4,400	$3,000-3,600	$1,100-1,300
Trans Am convertible	$4,900-5,700	$4,200-4,800	$1,900-2,200

1996
Convertible	$3,800-4,500	$3,100-3,700	$1,200-1,400
Firebird coupe	$3,100-3,700	$2,400-2,900	$700-900
Formula convertible	$4,900-5,700	$4,200-4,800	$1,900-2,200
Formula, Trans Am	$4,000-4,700	$3,300-3,900	$1,300-1,500
Trans Am convertible	$5,500-6,400	$4,700-5,500	$2,300-2,600

1997
Convertible	$4,300-5,000	$3,600-4,200	$1,500-1,700
Firebird coupe	$3,500-4,100	$2,800-3,300	$900-1,100
Formula convertible	$5,500-6,300	$4,700-5,400	$2,300-2,600
Formula, Trans Am	$4,600-5,400	$3,900-4,500	$1,700-2,000
Trans Am convertible	$6,100-7,000	$5,300-6,100	$2,600-3,000

1998
Convertible	$4,900-5,700	$4,200-4,800	$1,900-2,200
Firebird coupe	$4,000-4,700	$3,300-3,900	$1,300-1,500
Formula, Trans Am	$5,500-7,000	$4,700-6,000	$2,300-2,900
Trans Am convertible	$7,300-8,300	$6,600-7,500	$3,600-4,100

1999
Convertible	$5,700-6,500	$4,900-5,600	$2,300-2,700
Firebird coupe	$4,700-5,400	$3,900-4,500	$1,800-2,100
Formula, Trans Am	$6,800-8,500	$6,100-7,600	$3,200-4,000
Trans Am convertible	$8,500-9,700	$7,700-8,700	$4,400-5,000

2000
Convertible	$6,500-7,500	$5,700-6,600	$2,900-3,400
Firebird coupe	$5,600-6,400	$4,800-5,500	$2,300-2,600
Formula, Trans Am	$8,500-10,700	$7,700-9,600	$4,400-5,600
Trans Am convertible	$10,500-12,000	$9,500-10,800	$5,600-6,400

2001
Convertible	$7,800-8,800	$7,000-7,900	$4,000-4,500
Firebird coupe	$6,700-7,500	$5,900-6,600	$3,100-3,500
Formula, Trans Am	$10,200-12,500	$9,200-11,300	$5,300-6,500
Trans Am convertible	$12,800-14,500	$11,600-13,200	$7,300-8,300

2002
Convertible	$9,500-10,800	$8,600-9,700	$4,900-5,600
Firebird coupe	$8,100-9,000	$7,300-8,100	$4,100-4,600
Formula, Trans Am	$12,500-15,000	$11,300-13,500	$7,100-8,600
Trans Am convertible	$15,000-16,800	$13,700-15,300	$9,500-10,600

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.

1993-2002 Pontiac Firebird Specs & Safety

Vehicle Dimensions

Specification	2-door convertible	2-door coupe

Wheelbase, in.	101.1	101.1

Overall Length, in.	195.6	195.6

Overall Width, in.	74.5	74.5

Overall Height, in.	52.7	52.0

Curb Weight, lbs.	3481	3311

Cargo Volume, cu. ft.	12.9	33.7

Standard Payload, lbs.	--	--

Fuel Capacity, gals.	15.5	15.5

Seating Capacity	4	4

Front Head Room, in.	37.2	37.2

Max. Front Leg Room, in.	43.0	43.0

Rear Head Room, in.	35.3	35.3

Max. Rear Leg Room, in.	38.9	28.9

Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.

Powertrain Options and Availability

Base-model Firebirds started off with a 3.4-liter V6 engine, but turned that one in for a 3.8-liter late in 1995, earning 40 more horsepower. The 5.7-liter V8 under Formula and Trans Am hoods developed 275 horsepower in 1993-95, adding 10 in '96. A "Ram Air" option hiked the output of that latest V8 to 305 horsepower. In 1998, an all-new V8 replaced the old unit. Despite a similar displacement, horsepower jumped to 305 on the base engine and 320 with ram air. With V6 power, the manual shift is a 5-speed; with a V8 comes a 6-speed gearbox. Automatic transmissions are 4-speed units, with either engine. V8 horsepower increased by 5 in 2001; SLP Firehawk package added another 5 horsepower.

Engines	Size liters / cu. in	Horse- power	Torque	Transmission: EPA city/hgwy	Consumer Guide Observed

ohv V6	3.4 / 207	160	200	5-speed manual: 19/28 4-speed automatic: 19/28	5-speed manual: 18.6 4-speed automatic: 18.8

ohv V6	3.8 / 231	200	225	5-speed manual: 19/30 4-speed automatic: 19/29	5-speed manual: 18.6 4-speed automatic: 18.8

ohv V8	5.7 / 350	275-310	325-340	6-speed manual: 16/26 4-speed automatic: 17/25	6-speed manual: 16 4-speed automatic: 15.1

ohv V8	5.7 / 346	305-330	335-350	6-speed manual: 17/26 4-speed automatic: 18/24	6-speed manual: 15.5 4-speed automatic: --

Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.

NHTSA Crash-Test Results

Test	1999 Firebird

Front Impact, Driver	4

Front Impact, Passenger	5

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Side-impact crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%; 1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.

Built In: Canada

Drive Wheels: longitudinal front-engine/rear-wheel drive

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Also in the 1993-2002 Pontiac Firebird Review:

Pontiac Firebird

Pontiac Firebird Road Test

Pontiac Firebird Reliability

Pontiac Firebird Prices

Pontiac Firebird Specs & Safety

Pontiac Firebird Photos

Pontiac Firebird Full Review