2002 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am WS6 5.7 gas

Summary:

Absolute beauty

Faults:

Rear axle C-clip broke and wore out axle tip, so a new axle was needed.

Clutch master cylinder went up.

Alternator wore out.

Antenna broke.

Passenger power window stop working.

General Comments:

I love this car absolutely love this car. I got this with a salvage title so I knew it was going to be a project. Besides the problems and the aggravation of working on this vehicle, I still can't help to cherish every drive I have in it.

They are known for weak rear ends, clutches and throttle shafts. So if you were going to start anywhere with maintaining them, I would start there.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 29th September, 2009

2002 Pontiac Firebird WS6 Trans Am with Ram Air 5.7L 320 hp

Summary:

A living legend... A modern day classic!

Faults:

Sway bar end link somehow popped off on one side on two different occasions.

Windshield rattles in cold weather.

Headlights burned out on right front about 5 times in 1 year.

Paint on drivers side quarter panel behind the T-Top started spider webbing.

I have replaced the stereo in the car 3 times.

My trunk popper button fell out.

My hatch is real stiff to lift up, especially when it's cold.

I had my 'low oil' light come on 2 different times when I first bought the car.

And last, but not least... my head gasket was seeping engine oil and I just had my top half of my engine rebuilt... valves and all. Fortunately all of these things were covered under my warranty.

General Comments:

Despite all of these problems that I have had with the car... This car is a joy to drive.

I feel happy just cruising around in this car.

This car is not only beautiful to look at, but handles excellently.

It has great pick up and the engine sounds beefy.

The 10 speaker Monsoon sound system sounds great.

This car is really only comfortable for the driver, as the back seat has no leg room and passengers must sit with their legs straight in front of them.

I only wish that G.M. would start making Trans Am's again.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 7th August, 2004

28th Dec 2004, 16:41

Do you actually not know the difference between a head gasket and a valve cover gasket? Oil cannot "seep" out from a head gasket.

23rd May 2005, 07:02

To the commenter above, how is it that you think oil cannot leak from a head gasket? The majority of the "joins" that a head gasket seals are the various oil passages between block and head, and these passages are usually located around the outer edges of the two surfaces (i.e. with minimal metal and gasket area between them and the atmosphere). If the seal is not perfect between the two surfaces near one of these oil ways, oil can and does eventually find its way out and show as a visible "weep" around the block/head joint.

I had an old Vauxhall Cavalier (similar to your Chevrolet version) that ran perfectly happily for years in this state. The gasket was sealing perfectly around the cylinders and water jackets so the running of the engine wasn't affected in the slightest. The leak wasn't severe enough to affect the oil level, or to make the work of replacing the gasket worthwhile.

Of course leaks from cam or rocker cover gaskets are more common and more easily fixed, but they can and do occur from head gaskets too.

30th Oct 2010, 23:36

The Trans Am is the best car ever made... I do think it's a government conspiracy not to make them any more, as we all know that China is scared of the indestructible Trans Am.

31st Oct 2010, 18:46

I just got done rebuilding a 1979 Trans-Am. I can understand why they are OOB. This car cost 2 times more to rebuild than any Chevy. The parts were through the roof. I have $23,000.00 into it, and that is without paint and interior. However, when the paint and interior are done, it will be the best car ever built, with all numbers matching and all original equipment.

1st Nov 2010, 07:44

I own a 2002 Pontiac Trans AM Formula that has been the best car I have ever owned. I bought it with 16,000 miles on it in 2008 and it has 35,000 on it right now. It's red and black and I will do my best to keep it as cherry as it is right now! I can't believe there's no more Pontiac?

1st Nov 2010, 14:41

"I own a 2002 Pontiac Trans AM Formula"

Is it a TA or a Formula? They are two separate models...