2002 Pontiac Firebird Full Review - Consumer Guide Automotive

Pontiac's sporty coupe will be retired after the 2002 model year, along with the Chevrolet Camaro, which shares this design. Firebird comes in base, Formula, and Trans Am hatchback coupes, and base and Trans Am convertibles. Removable roof panels are standard on Formula and Trans Am coupes, optional on the base version. Convertibles have a power top and glass rear window. Base models have a V6 engine with 5-speed manual transmission or, as an option on coupes and standard on convertibles, an automatic. Formula/Trans Am models have a 310-hp V8 with 6-speed manual or automatic. The Trans Am WS6 Ram Air option rates 325 hp, the SLP Firehawk Package 345. Antilock 4-wheel disc brakes are standard; traction control is optional. For '02, power windows, locks, mirrors, and antenna are 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. Firebird's performance and accommodations mirror those of like-equipped Camaros.

Competition

Our only Best Buy in this class, the Volkswagen New Beetle, offers interesting styling and a nice mix of comfort, performance, and economy. The New Beetle is the most practical and affordable in this class.

If raw performance is what you are after, we Recommend the fun-to-drive Acura RSX and Toyota Celica. These cars offer a lot of bang for your buck.

News

Firebird enjoyed a modest 6-percent year-to-year sales spurt for calendar 1999, only to fall back 8.4 percent in 2000 and another 25.8 percent in the first nine months of 2001. Actually, Firebird (sister Chevy Camaro too) has been on the sales skids for at least five years, and that's why Pontiac's muscle car is going away.

If you must have one of the final Firebirds, beware possible price-gouging on the Collector Edition package. Some dealers may ask full sticker, saying this last-of-the-line limited edition is sure to be a future "classic". But paint-and-trim specials, no matter how rare, seldom show any value advantage over less gilded siblings on the collector market. This one shouldn't be any different, so there's no reason to pay a premium now.

2002 Pontiac Firebird Road Test

Pros	Cons

Acceleration	Fuel economy (V8 models)

Handling	Ride (V8 models)

	Rear-seat room

	Rear visibility

	Wet-weather traction (without traction control)

	Entry/exit

Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings

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. According to GM, all Camaro/Firebird engines will run on regular, but the V8s produce their peak horsepower on 93-octane premium.

Ride Quality

Base conv, auto.	Formula, auto.	Trans Am hatch w/WS6, man.	Class Average
3	2	2	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
7	9	9	7.4

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	5.5

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	4.5

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	2.9

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	5.2

V8 models are among the world's best high-performance values, but the Camaro/Firebird design is out of step with today's tastes and trends. In any case, this will likely be your last chance to buy a new one.

Total Score

Base conv, auto.	Formula, auto.	Trans Am hatch w/WS6, man.	Class Average
38	46	46	45.5

Scores for all Sporty/performance Cars

Low Score		34
Average Score		45
High Score		59

2002 Pontiac Firebird Prices & Equipment

Model Prices

Prices Updated: 05/17/2002

Trim Name	Retail Price	Dealer Invoice	Destination Charge

Base 2-door hatchback	$20,050	$18,346	$600

Base 2-door convertible	$26,965	$24,673	$600

Formula 2-door hatchback	$25,995	$23,785	$600

Trans Am 2-door hatchback	$28,025	$25,643	$600

Trans Am 2-door convertible	$32,095	$29,367	$600

Pricing Key: Retail prices listed with each report are set by the vehicle's manufacturer. These figures appear on each car's federally mandated window sticker. Most price lists also include dealer-invoice prices. Dealer-invoice prices are what the dealer pays the manufacturer for the car and its factory-installed options. The destination charge is not included in the suggested-retail or dealer-invoice price and must be added to the cost of the vehicle. Car companies change prices frequently throughout the year. If the prices published do not match those on the vehicle's window sticker, the manufacturer has probably altered the price recently.

NA = price note available, NC = no charge.

Rebates and Incentives

There are no rebates or incentives at this time.

Consumer Guide®'s Rebates and Incentives represent a summary of national manufacturer programs available. Regional restrictions may apply, and offerings may vary by model. For a complete list of Rebate & Incentive programs click here.

Standard Equipment

Base hatchback

Powertrain

3.8-liter V6 engine, 5-speed manual transmission.

Safety

Dual front airbags, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, daytime running lights.

Comfort and Convenience Features

Air conditioning, power steering, tilt steering wheel, cruise control, cloth upholstery, front bucket seats, center console, cupholders, power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, AM/FM/CD player, digital clock, power antenna, tachometer, intermittent wipers, map lights, visor mirrors, remote hatch/decklid release, rear defogger, automatic headlights, floormats.

Appearance and Miscellaneous

Theft-deterrent system, fog lights, rear spoiler, 235/55R16 tires, alloy wheels.

Base convertible adds to Base hatchback:

Powertrain

4-speed automatic transmission.

Comfort and Convenience Features

Remote keyless entry, leather-wrapped steering wheel w/radio controls, 6-way power driver seat, Monsoon sound system, power convertible top.

Appearance and Miscellaneous

Theft-deterrent system w/alarm.

Formula/Trans Am adds to Base convertible:

Powertrain

5.7-liter V8 310-horsepower engine, limited-slip differential.

Comfort and Convenience Features

Leather upholstery (Trans Am).

Appearance and Miscellaneous

Deletes: power convertible top (hatchback).

Removable hatch roof (hatchback), performance suspension, 245/50ZR16 tires.

Optional Equipment

Major Packages	Retail Price	Invoice Price
Option Group 1SB
Base hatchback	$1,755	$1,562
4-speed automatic transmission, 6-way power driver seat, remote keyless entry, Monsoon sound system, theft-deterrent system w/alarm.

3800 Performance Pkg.
Base hatchback	$355	$316
Limited-slip differential, performance axle ratio (w/automatic transmission), upgraded steering, dual-outlet exhaust.

Sport Appearance Pkg.
Base	$1,040	$926
Aero appearance pkg., dual-exhaust outlets. Requires automatic transmission. Hatchback requires Option Group 1SB.

GT Pkg.
Base hatchback	$599	$509
Stripe pkg., dual-exhaust outlets, high-performance muffler.

Protection Group
Base hatchback	$240	$214
Remote keyless entry, theft-deterrent system w/alarm.

WS6 Ram Air Performance and Handling Pkg.
Trans Am	$3,290	$2,928
Ram air induction system, functional hood scoops, 325-horsepower engine, upgraded suspension, power-steering-fluid cooler, bright exhaust outlets, 275/40ZR17 tires, high-polished alloy wheels.

NHRA Special Edition Pkg.
Formula/Tran AM w/6-speed	$1,095	$975
Formula/Tran AM w/automatic	$1,070	$952
Power-steering-fluid cooler, Hurst shifter (6-speed), rear performance axle (automatic), 245/50R16 performance tires, chrome alloy wheels.

SLP Firehawk Pkg.
Trans Am	$4,299	$3,679
Forced-air induction system, hood-mounted heat extractors, composite hood w/scoops, 345-horsepower engine, special key fobs and dash plaque, upgraded suspension, 275/40ZR17 tires, painted alloy wheels.

Powertrain
5-speed manual transmission
Base hatchback w/Option Group 1SB (credit)	$-815	$-725


6-speed manual transmission
Formula, Trans Am	$0	$0


4-speed automatic transmission
Base hatchback	$815	$725


Hurst shifter
Formula, Trans Am	$325	$289
Requires 6-speed manual transmission.

Traction control
Base	$250	$223
Formula/Trans Am	$450	$401


Performance rear axle ratio
Formula, Trans Am	$300	$267
Requires automatic transmission. Includes 245/50ZR16 performance tires.

Comfort and Convenience Features
Monsoon sound system
Base hatchback	$430	$383
Includes leather-wrapped steering w/radio controls.

12-disc CD changer
Base convertible, Base hatchback, Formula/Trans Am	$595	$530
Base hatchback requires Monsoon sound system.

Leather upholstery
Base, Formula	$575	$512


6-way power driver seat
Base hatchback	$270	$240


Appearance and Miscellaneous
Removable locking hatch roof
Base hatchback	$995	$886
Includes sunshades, lock, stowage.

Chrome alloy wheels
Base convertible, Base hatchback, Formula/Trans Am	$595	$530
Base hatchback requires Option Group 1SB.

2002 Pontiac Firebird Specs & Safety

Vehicle Dimensions

Specification	Pontiac Firebird 2-door hatchback	Pontiac Firebird 2-door convertible

Wheelbase, in.	101.1	101.1

Overall Length, in.	193.3	193.3

Overall Width, in.	74.4	74.4

Overall Height, in.	51.2	51.8

Curb Weight, lbs.	3323	3402

Cargo Volume, cu. ft.	33.7	12.9

Standard Payload, lbs.	--	--

Fuel Capacity, gals.	16.8	16.8

Seating Capacity	4	4

Front Head Room, in.	37.2	38.7

Max. Front Leg Room, in.	43.0	43.0

Rear Head Room, in.	35.2	39.4

Max. Rear Leg Room, in.	28.8	28.8

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

Engines

	ohv V6	ohv V8	ohv V8

Size, liters/cu. in.	3.8 /231	5.7 /346	5.7 /346

Horsepower @ rpm.	200 @ 5200	310 @ 5200	325 @ 5200

Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm.	225 @ 4000	340 @ 4000	350 @ 4400

Availability	Standard	Standard	Optional

EPA City / highway mpg

5-speed manual	19/31	--/--	--/--

6-speed manual	--/--	19/28	19/28

4-speed automatic	19/30	18/26	18/26

Engine Key: l/cu in. = liters/cubic inches; ohv = overhead valve; ohc = overhead camshaft; dohc = dual overhead camshaft; I = inline cylinders; H = horizonally opposed cylinders; V = cylinders in a V configuration; W = cylinders in a W configuration; rpm = revolutions per minute; CVT = continuously variable (automatic) transmission; NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.

Safety Features

Antilock Brakes

Traction Control

Antiskid System

Front Side Airbags

Curtain Side Airbags

Rear Side Airbags

NHTSA Crash-Test Results

Test	Pontiac Firebird 2-door hatchback	Pontiac Firebird 2-door convertible

Front Impact, Driver	4	NA

Front Impact, Passenger	5	NA

Side Impact, Driver	3	NA

Side Impact, Rear Passenger	4	NA

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%.

Manufacturer's Warranty

Class	Years/Miles	Comments

Powertrain	None/--	--

Bumper-to-bumper	3/36,000	--

Corrosion	6/100,000	--

Free roadside assistance	3/36,000	--

Free scheduled maintenance	None/--	--

Manufacturers may periodically offer additional coverage as a purchase incentive. There offers are not reflected on this chart. The federal government requires two other warranties. The Exhaust Emission Warranty covers corrosion-related parts for 2 years/24,000 miles, plus 8 years/80,000 miles on the catalytic converter and any on-board diagnostic device. The Passenger Restraint Warranty covers seat belts and airbags for 5 years/50,000 miles.

Built in: Canada

Drivewheels: rear-wheel drive

< 2002 Pontiac Firebird Photos

Also in the 2002 Pontiac Firebird Review:

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Pontiac Firebird Road Test

Pontiac Firebird Prices & Equipment

Pontiac Firebird Specs & Safety

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