Faults:

The Fiero's transmission died at 77,000 miles, but was replaced.

The seats have worn out, but have been replaced with gray seat covers.

The exhaust system was severely rusted and destroyed when I got the car, but was easily rebuilt.

In the winter, I crashed into a guard raid almost head on at 40 MPH, thus slightly warping the front end of the frame. And caused a intermittent problem when the headlights going up, but not turning on or doing down. Eventually the headlights stopped going up electrically and have to be cranked.

General Comments:

My 1986 Pontiac Fiero is a great summer car, but I wouldn't recommend driving it in New England's strong winters. I found that out and crashed at 40 MPG on the highway. The car is extremely strong and durable and bounced off the guard rail with only minor damage. Parts were replaced by using ebay and spending less than $40 dollars.

As for myself, I suffered no injuries, thanks to my seat belt. The car did not even stall when I crashed, and I was able to quickly put the car in reverse and get out of the oncomming lane and out of the way of a semi.

However, since my crash there has been minor electrical problems. Like the headlights don't raise anymore, and the radio goes nuts every now and then.

The Fiero is a great starting car, and is very safe and durable. If I was in any other car when I crashed, It would have crumpled and I could have been killed.

I get about 320 miles a tank, which is about 8 gallons, or 9 if I fill it to the very top.

It's a great sporty looking car, that's sure to be a classic.

Faults:

Had to change the clutch twice, but it was 100k miles in between changes. Routine things like EGR Valve, EGR Tube, Transaxle seals. Also most suspension parts (ball joints, tie rod ends, control arm bushings...) have been replaced. That's about it, in the 120k miles I've owned it.

General Comments:

It has 270k miles on it, and the heads haven't been off yet, it doesn't use oil in between 3k mile changes.

For something this much fun to drive, it's been very reliable.

But, I think it's time for more horsepower, either a caddy 4.9 V8 swap, or a turbo for the 2.8 V6 after a rebuild.

Faults:

The engine developed a knock at 120,268 miles, which happened to be a spun connecting rod bearing.

General Comments:

For the 18 miles that I drove it, the car had very impressive handling. The car stayed glued to the ground.

However, it was only moderately fast.

The car is somewhat hard to get into because it sits so low to the ground.

Gas mileage was good, averaging about 23 miles per gallon city driving.

Faults:

Leak in exhaust manifold.

General Comments:

This has been one of the most reliable cars I have owned (and all my others have been 1-2 years old). Still runs as good as a new car. It is an old car, which is the only reason for more maintenance costs. No 16 yr old car could run well without proper care.

My Fiero is reliable, looks incredible, handles like a dream, and has plenty of head/leg room (I'm 6'). It also has plenty of trunk space, contrary to what some people who have never owned a Fiero, say.

I wouldn't encourage someone who isn't willing to take care of a Fiero to buy one. If you are willing to give it the required attention that any old car needs, then you will find yourself with an amazing, fun, sporty car.