Faults:

Distributor (Optispark) had to be replaced at 91,000 miles.

Water pump had to be replaced at 91,000 miles.

Interior pieces are loose.

General Comments:

This car is fast and has serious power!

Whenever you see a Eclipse or other import car, you want to show them what American cars can really do!

The styling is great and is sure to turn heads.

But, the interior was not made well, as pieces of plastic/paneling move and are loose.

Very stiff suspension, which makes small bumps shake the entire vehicle.

Overall, this is a great sports car to buy that will deliver performance and style.

Faults:

Rad went at 245000, after sitting for a little over a year.

Transmission went at 246000, due to improper rad instillation.

Driver side window motor at 245000.

General Comments:

At first glance of a Trans Am one might think it is a fast car, but until you get in side of it you can never really know the power it has.

The design of the car creates a swooping motion toward the rear, finished with a spoiler (wing) that rivals most of todays newest designs and trends. When you look at the car for the first time you can see it going 200 K/PH with out moving.

The Interior is well done with an assortment of gauges and controls at your finger tips. The driver is set in the car with all major controls and gauges wrapping around the body. The seats are deep set bucket which hug you like a new born, and makes you feel right at home.

Now the performance. The Performance of this car reminds me of something that I can't quite put my finger on. I believe that the Trans Am is the last real muscle car. From the instantaneous power to the jump in RPM's to the pull when the car hits each gear and you are thrown into your seat. I have had my cars needle buried and still pulling. What a blast.

It hugs the road and can take pretty tight corners at relatively high speeds without the rear sliding out. Of course this car is generally made to go in a straight line, but it can handle it's own in the corners.

So, the 1993 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am, I bought one for $5000, yet I feel like I paid $50000.

Faults:

Driver's side power window stopped working at 57k.

ABS broke at 52K.

A/C compressor locked-up at 77k.

Optispark distributor failed at 100K.

Transmission mounts broke twice. Once at 65k, and again at 160K.

New battery and alternator at 120k.

General Comments:

Aside from killing me in gasoline, it's the best car I've ever owned. After 9 years and 195K miles of ownership, it runs perfectly and is wickedly powerful.

In the past 9 years, I would say that I have only put about $1500.00 into the car for major repairs outside of routine upkeep. This car is as beautiful now as it was the day I bought it -- still turning heads, growls deeply (and it's all stock), and gets me where I need to go.

It is burning just a little bit of oil now, but I figure that as I'm approaching the 200K mark, it's to be expected.

I would highly recommend one of these; that is, if you can keep up with the gas and price of tires (and those are no less that $120/tire).

Faults:

Nothing yet, I've had it for about 6 months. It was sputtering threw the gears when I first got it when I was punching it, but not anymore. I don't know what caused that. Just the basics and it has served me well.

General Comments:

Performance, boy does this car shine. It takes off like a cannon, I bought mine with an after-market exhaust and intake so it's pushing about 300 horses. I floor it and it feels like the front end is about to lift off! It handles very well when its dry, and when it's wet just drive it conservatively and you should be fine. Consumer Reports said the ride is "harsh". Yea, it doesn't drive like a Cadillac, it's a modern muscle car the rumbling V8 is what makes the vibe. Mine has a CD player, but I don't use it because I love the rumble (not like I can hear the CD anyway unless I'm under 1500 RPM). It has been reliable for me so far and recommend them to anyone.