Faults:

I drove this car for 12 years with just regular maintenance. It has never broken down and required towing.

Less problems with this car than others I have owned.

The biggest problem is that even Pontiac dealers are ignorant about repair of the car. Apparently, I have better mechanical knowledge than their "Technicians".

General Comments:

Because I was so happy with the car, I decided I'd be keeping it for a long time. That's why it was worth doing the following.

The original engine, while spirited, was underpowered. That was solved with installation of a 3.4L V6 with Vortech Supercharger, and other engine goodies.

Original handling was pretty good, but improved suspension components, sport springs and performance wheels/tires make it about the best handling car I've ever driven.

As the car is now, its high speed cruising capabilities are so good, I wish we had the autobahn here. Too many cops around to really work the car.

I installed a high-end stereo, and have won many ISACA awards. The setup is for sound quality, so the music sounds "correct" whatever is played. The car was featured in Car Stereo Review.

New paint and minor changes updated the look of the car, so it turns heads wherever I drive it.

Details at www.fierosound.com.

Faults:

The fuel pump relay quit, but it was only $17 dollars to replace.

The driver's side headlight motor wore out.

General Comments:

This is an excellent handling car, and the "bang for buck" factor is extremely good with these cars.

The ride can be a little harsh on longer trips.

The little 2.8 motor is very reliable, gets good mileage, (22 city/ 34 highway) and performs quite nicely when mated to a standard transmission.

Faults:

Fuel Pump went out.

Starter went out.

General Comments:

I fell in love with this car.

It hangs on to curves like a bat in a wind tunnel.

Acceleration is remarkable and runs like a scalded dog.

Outperforms most cars on the road.

Rolling the windows down, cranking the radio, and flying down curvy roads in this car is the ultimate thrill ride.

Turns heads wherever it goes.

Modifications include:

Holley big bore throttle body.

K&N air filter.

Catalytic converter removal.

17 inch Motegi Racing wheels.

Holley intake scoop.

Super Chip.

Faults:

The thermostat failed at 105000 miles.

The headlight actuators failed (The device that raises the headlights) at 110,000 miles.

The distributor failed (Actually just the ignition module) at 120000 miles.

The center console plastic-leather has warped slightly. (common problem)

It is a 15 year old car... :)

General Comments:

Don't let the above list frighten you about the repair costs of this car. The engine/transmission and other physical parts are just standard GM components.

The thermostat was the easiest thing on the car to do, you simply unscrew the thermostat housing cap and drop in the new thermostat.

Cost: 8.00.

The headlights were rebuilt with a set of plastic bushings and a pair of.99 cent dry seal gaskets. (It only took 30 minutes to do with simple hand tools.)

Cost: 18.00.

The ignition module on the distributor can be replaced without even pulling the distributor. (It sits half under the cap.)

Cost: 40.00.

A very cheap, reliable car that is a breeze to work on. You have the handling of a mid-engined 2 seater (the motor/transmission are located behind you) without the difficulties and costs of some of the more expensive/exotic sports cars.

Ever try to work on a second generation Toyota MR2 turbo? Have fun... (the first generation cars are even worse)

These cars are cheap, and well styled. If you want a fun project car there are plenty of motor swap kits available from the aftermarket. (Such as Turbo 4cyl., Supercharged v6's and even GM v8's) As well as suspension and brake upgrades.