Faults:

Previous owner (s) Neglected the car for years, apparently. Bought cheap and restored/customized it. All top engine gaskets, rear main seal, catalytic converter, exhaust, front trans seal, rear shocks, alternator, tensioner pulley, serp belt, replaced stereo, installed custom white gauges, custom headlights. A portion of repairs were preventive maintenance i.e. rear main and front trans seal.

General Comments:

I am anything but a typical car owner. Cars I buy IMPROVE in condition during my ownership. I don't tolerate neglect or lingering issues with what I drive and the model has to have redeeming qualities beyond typical or I won't own it.

The Firebird, and especially the Firebird Convertible I bought struck me as a car with huge potential. After including a body kit and other customizations, as well as bring it up to top condition... it might as well be a Ferrari. It COMMANDS attention. A visit to McDonald's drive-thru resulted in half their staff, gathering at the window, manager included.

Best of all, with the 3.4 Litre V6 that gets 29 MPG on the highway, I don't feel guilty driving it. This car is an absolute BLAST to drive. It corners exceptionally well and when healthy, the 3.4 engine DOES have guts, especially after the intake has been upgraded and a Flowmaster exhaust installed.

Car bought for $2100. Invested $3,000. Feels like a million bucks.

Faults:

- Shifting linkage needed adjustment at 105K. (Shifter indicator was in park and went into reverse.)

- Thermostat stuck open at 108K.

- Water pump went out at 112K.

- Turn signal switch stopped working at 113K.

- Starter solenoid wouldn't work also at 113K. (Required to start the car.)

- Headlights and taillights were very dim at 116K.

General Comments:

Pros:

- Looks nice

- Great on gas

- Can do burnouts (but not big ones)

Cons:

- Frequent mechanical problems

- Frequent electrical problems

- Rusting inside engine block.

I had this car for over a year and already had to dump at least $4,000 into it. Engine has not been reliable at all. Coolant was brown and engine block is rusting on the inside. Water pump and starter solenoid both went out in less than a month. Although the engine great on gas, they're a huge pain in the butt to work on. You have to take out so many components just to replace one!

Firebird is a great car, but the 3.4L engines lack horsepower and torque! GM should have only put V8's into Firebirds, considering it's an AMERICAN MUSCLE CAR!

Faults:

Alternator in 2001, wiper blades, tires changed twice in 11 years, right headlight motor.

General Comments:

Almost new when I bought it, has been very reliable. Handles and feels well when driving. Cruise speed 75-80 at 2500 rpm on highway, I may sell it due to growing family. Tuned up car/changed timing belt at 100,000.. Never broke down, definitely a fancy looking car.

Faults:

The torque arm bushing wore out at about 97,000 miles.

Wears through tires very fast.

General Comments:

Super fun to drive because it is very fast.

The interior makes you feel like your in a race car which adds to the pleasure of driving it.