Faults:

Recently replaced the transmission - GM TH700-R4 4-speed plus overdrive. Cost me $2171 US.

Heater core failure in late 2001, filled my passenger footwell with 50/50 coolant/water. Reran heater hoses to bypass core, will replace soon with a $22 part from Auto Zone. Cost is not the issue but time - I will need to remove and replace the gauge cluster and console.

Replaced front windshield after a rock cracked it on the freeway at 110mph.

Front brake rotors had developed radial cracks after previous owners let them wear too thin.

Spoiler cracked when paintshop overtightened its bolts under previous ownership.

Alternator failure last winter. $80 part.

General Comments:

Tires cost upwards of $600 for a full set of Z's.

Great performance, very fast. With Z-rated tires, this car can corner at 35 without a squeal.

Back seats are not meant for humans. Then, it *is* a sports car.

This is not a fuel-efficient car. I get 11-12mi/gal in the city and around 20 on the freeway.

Faults:

The hatch shocks had to be replaced.

Seats have been recovered, and the t-tops seal had to be replaced.

Everyone wants to race, no matter what kind hunk of junk they're trying to compete me with.

General Comments:

This car was bought from a dealer, where I was immediately surprised to see that it had never been driven in the winter.

Although it is 13 years old now, it drives, and handles like it is brand new. What an awesome car to drive, too bad I have to put it away for the winter come November.

Faults:

Car sat for a year before I bought it, when I got it there were some problems with a loose starter wire causing the car to break down at my friend's house. That was a real pain.

Windshield wipers wouldn't stop for 15+ wipes until you turned it off, needed a new wiper motor.

Voltage regulator went (had to change the alternator), but I think we managed to gronk it after jumping the car wrong.

If it sits for a while sometimes the battery will die, however so far it looks like the alarm system is at fault.

Cruise control doesn't work.

A/C works fine, but still uses R-12 so it's a pain to charge/convert.

The interior can sometimes rattle, but I'd be hard pressed to find any car with its age and history (even the mythological Honda) around here that doesn't exhibit the same wear. You can either go through the whole car and reinforce all the original screws and glue and whatnot, or turn up the volume a bit, or roll down your windows and listen to the engine. I prefer the latter.

Previous owner never changed transmission fluid, I hope I never see the day when this comes back to bite me.

Parts are cheap and plentiful for this model, but running costs are higher than average due to the expensive performance tires, 92 octane gas, and insurance costs that the car requires.

General Comments:

I love my Firebird, it's the car I always wanted and nothing compares to gliding through the cool air on a summer night with the T-Tops off and the moonlight shining onto the dash. Makes every driving experience a joy.

Performance is adequate for me, but could be much better. If you want a really fast engine, opt for a 350 (5.7l) TPI. If you want a hardcore, diehard reliable engine get something like mine, a 305 TBI. With 160,000 miles on the original engine and tranny it still runs smooth and makes good power. If it ever goes I'd like to drop a 350 in, but I still hope it never goes.

I highly recommend this car, while not as practical as most, it does what a car is really supposed to do -- look great and move fast (people who think 6 cupholders and heated seats are the essence of the automotive spirit may look elsewhere). Find a nice one and take good care of it, it'll reward you tenfold.