1988 Pontiac Firebird 305 TBI

Summary:

Impractical, but fun!

Faults:

- Leaking heater core (replaced one on my previous Firebird too).

- Broken radiator neck; plastic was brittle with age.

- Water pump failed, twice.

- Clogged catalytic converter.

- Motorized hatch release failed.

General Comments:

T-top car, very flexible in the body. Fun to drive when gas is cheap -- getting a bit pricey these days :)

Winter tires are a must, they make a big difference, even just in the rain. Speaking of rain, sometimes it finds its way into the car and puddles on the floor. Seems to leak somewhere around the hatch. I have taken this car on logging roads, and it does fine. Just watch out for the airdam on the bigger potholes.

Overall, it has been a very reliable car, still runs strong with regular maintenance. Twenty three years old, and still turns heads.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 20th June, 2011

1988 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am GTA convertible 5.0 TPI

Summary:

Best model year 3rd generation Firebird built... period!

Faults:

Trunk pull down motor, fuel pump, coil/distributor, driver's exterior door handle, and convertible top pull down motor failed.

General Comments:

Great overall looks, can't beat the body style, love the convertible conversion.

Enjoy the digital dash, steering wheel radio controls, and 5 spd transmission.

Lots of torque!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 14th February, 2010

1988 Pontiac Firebird Formula 5.7L 350cdi tpi

Summary:

Gotta get yourself one!

Faults:

On the third motor. Run them hard; if they were meant to run, they will hold together.

Fuel pump went out, that's about all.

General Comments:

Fun, fun, fun, love it to death. Has WS6, will leave posi for more than 1 block long with no prob.

Nice tight ride, corners great, outruns almost all Mustangs!!!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 7th December, 2009

10th Dec 2009, 08:39

" If they were meant to run, they will hold together"

Even drag motors (ones that ARE "meant to run") have to be rebuilt constantly.

This review is too brief and has too many inconsistencies to be credible.

And yes, the old Camaro/Firebirds were WAY too heavy to beat their 80's Mustang counterparts, except for the Vette powered later ones.

1988 Pontiac Firebird Pontiac Formula 350 V8 5.7 350

Summary:

1988 Firebird Formula 5.7 V8 Blows Away the Competition!

Faults:

Over the 20 years that I've owned this 1988 Firebird Formula 5.7 Litre V8 muscle car I've had to replace the alternator about 10 times and I only have a factory stereo and speakers. Only major flaw I guess.

It was hard to roll with the posi rear up north in New York when I bought it. Anything over 6 inches of snow I had to call in sick.

Now living in Florida I have to use a higher viscoscity motor oil, due to the year round heat demands on an already hot running engine.

Had to replace the headliner due to the HEAT in Florida to.

General Comments:

Great car all around and would blow away any Ford Mustang that met me at a light, due in part to the 350 V8 350 Chevrolet engine that Pontiac went with in the Firebird Formula in 1988.

I changed the oil every 3K miles and it still runs like a champ.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 10th February, 2008

21st Jun 2008, 13:28

The 5.7 TPI came out in 87.

1988 Pontiac Firebird F O R M U L A 350 WS6

Summary:

Thrill Ride

Faults:

When I got the car I bought it knowing that an older car was going to have problems so far I've changed the valve seals, shocks, struts, tail light bulb sockets, steering wheel, idler arm and I had an oil leak. I know it may sound like a lot, but once I took care of everything the car became indestructible. And well worth it.

General Comments:

This car has some sick power. It picks up fast from 0-100 but starts to fall off after a that, but I'm sure some engine work will solve that little dilemma. It handles remarkably well for its age and I'm surprised...I've taken 80mph turns in this car and I'm sure I can do it faster if I change my front tires because they wearing down. Just peeling out is effortless and you can't help, but punching the throttle every time you get in. I have Flowmasters on that thing and the exhaust note is mind blowing for muscle car lovers. All I really need is a paint job and some minor interior work which I can do on my own... I haven't driven it in the snow just yet, but I'm pretty sure it sucks in those situations as do all sports cars. Could have done without the t-tops though they do tend to leak although they are fun in good weather. All these cars need is some TLC and they will run forever and you will have fun driving.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 16th December, 2006