1996 Pontiac Firefly 1.3 4 cylinder

Summary:

A peppy, reliable, economical car

Faults:

Radiator at 260k. ($60)

Replaced front ball joint as it got weak around 260k. $130.

All new brakes/lines/e-brake cables at 265k. -$100.

New Volt performance muffler when old one fell off around 270k. -$90.

1.0 Engine replaced as it was smoking, replaced with a 1995 4 cyl 1.3l at 265k, WHAT A DIFFERENCE.- $150 + an axle ($75)

Slight body work to wheel wells, rust starting to come through, fixed at home.

Rear bumper fell off in an accident around 275k, fixed easily at home.

General Comments:

I love my Firefly. Since I replaced the old 1.0 3 cylinder with a 1.3 4 cylinder from a four-door firefly, it has made a significant difference in power and speed. This car keeps up with newer Cavaliers, Sunfires, etc. I've actually been side by side with a z24 with the speedo buried. It still handled like a dream.

Apart from regular maintenance, this car has been pretty cheap to keep on the road.

I have driven up to 500 kilometers in a day, and the car never heated up, and only spend $20 in gas.

I wouldn't recommend an automatic 3 cylinder, the standard works excellent. The car will squeal in second gear.

Overall the seats are relatively comfortable, but cruise control would be nice for long trips. The back seat is surprisingly more comfortable than my old mustang, and the hatchback is big enough with the seats folded down I moved all of my belongings in it from my old house to my new one. that's 2 cat carriers, my whole wardrobe, my computer and monitor and 3 boxes full of books.

The radio setup is odd, with my CD player installed I cannot fit a large cup in my cup holder.

This car is a blast in the winter, and it will go through almost anything.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 11th September, 2006

8th Dec 2006, 01:09

If you can find a factory sound system, replace your after-market radio and you'll get your large cup in the holder. Mine is the original Delco AM/FM/CD and still works cherry. 800,000km 95 Firefly SE.

3rd Aug 2007, 16:53

OMG. Did it actually last 800,000 kms? That is unreal and impressively impressive. I knew the little beasts would last a while but 800,000...WoW. I take my hat off to you my friend. Cheers.

1996 Pontiac Firefly 1.3

Summary:

Great little car

Faults:

My fan belt broke at 25,000 km

General Comments:

This car is cheap to buy, cheap on gas. And I have had only routine repairs.

However it is not really safe in auto accidents.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 13th May, 2002

23rd Dec 2006, 23:04

Some 10 years ago on the advice of a friend, I went straight to the local dealership and within 2 hours was the proud owner of a demo '96 Firefly. At 88,500 kilometres, this car has cost me a TOTAL of one set of wiper blade inserts and one set of spark plugs. Seat covers were installed early on and an oil treatment was added to the engine oil. That is repeated every 3 or 4 oil changes. This is the most dependable vehicle I have ever owned and only a slightly loose right side mirror concerns me presently. 90%+ of all driving is within greater Vancouver and to this day I average over 55 mpg overall, once topping over 70 mpg!