2000 Pontiac Firebird: Road Test
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2000 Pontiac Firebird ▼
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- MSRP: $18,690 -$31,050
- Invoice: $17,101 -$28,411
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Our road test for the 2000 Pontiac Firebird includes a full evaluation of the 2000 Pontiac Firebird from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2000 Pontiac Firebird, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2000 Pontiac Firebird help you decide if a 2000 Pontiac Firebird is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| Base conv, auto. | Formula, auto. | Trans Am hatch w/WS6, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 8 | 9 | 5.7 |
Few cars match the V8 Firebirds for acceleration, and even the V6 is surprisingly lively.
FUEL ECONOMY
| Base conv, auto. | Formula, auto. | Trans Am hatch w/WS6, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 4 | 4 | 6.2 |
The biggest Formula and Trans Am drawbacks are a piggish thirst for premium fuel--16-17 mpg in our tests--and the high insurance premiums they rate.
RIDE QUALITY
| Base conv, auto. | Formula, auto. | Trans Am hatch w/WS6, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 3 | 3 | 3.2 |
Base models deliver a more compliant ride than the V8 jobs in exchange for more cornering lean and a bit less grip. V8 models have low-profile tires and stiff-kneed suspensions that make for a less-forgiving ride, though it's not annoyingly harsh.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| Base conv, auto. | Formula, auto. | Trans Am hatch w/WS6, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 8 | 8 | 6.8 |
All Firebirds handle like the sporty cars they are. No matter where you live, spring for the optional traction control, as the combination of rear drive, wide tires, and abundant power make Firebirds skittish on wet roads.
QUIETNESS
| Base conv, auto. | Formula, auto. | Trans Am hatch w/WS6, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | 3 | 3 | 3 |
Tires howl and rumble a lot; add in a too-prominent exhaust note and heavy low-speed steering and you have a tiring car for the daily commute.
CONTROLS
| Base conv, auto. | Formula, auto. | Trans Am hatch w/WS6, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 5.4 |
Instruments and controls are mostly clear and handy, though the radio and climate systems sit too low for easy adjusting. Visibility suffers from the "bathtub" seating, wide roof pillars, and a high tail.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| Base conv, auto. | Formula, auto. | Trans Am hatch w/WS6, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 4 | 4.2 |
As in Camaros, front leg room is compromised by a large floorboard bulge, and coupes have limited head room for 6-footers. Firebird's low, swoopy styling makes entry/exit a crouch-and-crawl chore, means aggravated by tight spaces by long, heavyish doors.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| Base conv, auto. | Formula, auto. | Trans Am hatch w/WS6, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | 2 | 2 | 1.3 |
The rear seat is the usual token sporty car gesture and tight even for pre-teens.
CARGO ROOM
| Base conv, auto. | Formula, auto. | Trans Am hatch w/WS6, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 3 | 3 | 2.8 |
The coupe's cargo area is a deep but oddly shaped well that's still fairly useful, and the rear seatback folds for additional space, but the convertible's trunk is tiny.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| Base conv, auto. | Formula, auto. | Trans Am hatch w/WS6, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 4 | 3 | 3.2 |
Firebirds offer good performance value but are hardly practical. A Mustang is more comfortable and easier to live with day to day. The Ford also outsells the Firebird and Camaro combined, which means you should expect sizeable discounts if you go with one of the GM models.
Total Score
| Base conv, auto. | Formula, auto. | Trans Am hatch w/WS6, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 37 | 44 | 44 | 41.8 |
Total Score: 42
Scores for all Sporty/performance Cars
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