2001 Pontiac Firebird: Road Test
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2001 Pontiac Firebird ▼
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- MSRP: $18,855 -$31,215
- Invoice: $17,252 -$28,562
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Our road test for the 2001 Pontiac Firebird includes a full evaluation of the 2001 Pontiac Firebird from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2001 Pontiac Firebird, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2001 Pontiac Firebird help you decide if a 2001 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 |
V8 versions deliver fierce acceleration yet are docile in traffic. V6 Camaros and Firebirds have spirited pick up and are cheaper to insure than V8 models.
FUEL ECONOMY
| Base conv, auto. | Formula, auto. | Trans Am hatch w/WS6, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 4 | 4 | 6.1 |
In our tests, we averaged 18.6 mpg with V6/5-speed, 15.1 with V8/automatic, 14.7-16.2 with V8/6-speed. V6s use regular fuel; GM recommends 91-octane premium fuel for the V8s, but says 87-octane regular is acceptable.
RIDE QUALITY
| Base conv, auto. | Formula, auto. | Trans Am hatch w/WS6, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 3 | 3 | 3.5 |
Not designed for comfort. V8 models, with their lower-profile tires, ride more stiffly over bumps than the firm but relatively compliant V6 versions.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| Base conv, auto. | Formula, auto. | Trans Am hatch w/WS6, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 8 | 8 | 6.8 |
All have sporty, responsive steering and handling, though their stiffly sprung tail can skip around on rough pavement. Traction control is an essential safety feature on slippery surfaces.
QUIETNESS
| Base conv, auto. | Formula, auto. | Trans Am hatch w/WS6, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | 3 | 3 | 3.2 |
We expect lots of mechanical ruckus in "muscle" cars, but V8 Camaros and Firebirds have a tiresome exhaust rumble, plus noisy high performance tires.
CONTROLS
| Base conv, auto. | Formula, auto. | Trans Am hatch w/WS6, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 5.6 |
Firebird's dashboard is unnecessarily over-styled but controls and gauges are easy to locate and decipher. Plastic and unpadded vinyl abound in old-school-think cabin.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| Base conv, auto. | Formula, auto. | Trans Am hatch w/WS6, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 4 | 4.3 |
OK for two adults, but low roof, high door sills, and "bathtub" seating result in cramped feeling, poor rear vision. Long, heavy doors aggravate entry/exit.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| Base conv, auto. | Formula, auto. | Trans Am hatch w/WS6, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | 2 | 2 | 1.5 |
Fit only for kids.
CARGO ROOM
| Base conv, auto. | Formula, auto. | Trans Am hatch w/WS6, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 3 | 3 | 3 |
Concentrated in a rectangular rear well big enough to swallow two golf bags. Coupes' seatback folds for extra versatility. Both body styles suffer high rear liftover.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| Base conv, auto. | Formula, auto. | Trans Am hatch w/WS6, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 6 | 5 | 4.6 |
V8 models are among the world's best high-performance values, but Camaro/Firebird design is out of step with today's tastes and trends.
Total Score
| Base conv, auto. | Formula, auto. | Trans Am hatch w/WS6, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 38 | 46 | 46 | 44.3 |
Total Score: 43
Scores for all Sporty/performance Cars
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