1985 Pontiac Fiero 2m4 2.5 from North America
Summary:
Pretty on the surface, but a mechanical nightmare under its skin
Faults:
Several little things at first until ultimately the old duke threw a rod. Fuel pump relay at 32000km no start tow truck, 39000 KMS fuel pump on the highway tow truck, left headlight motor stopped working at 42000kms, fuse panel fire at 46000KMS, blower motor quit at 48000, 12V plug died at 49000KMS, tail light bulbs started blowing regularly at 49000KMS. 52000KMS e-brake quit (surprised it lasted as long as it did. Rear right brake caliper seized up at 53000KMS, blew 3 fuses after a car wash strange never happend before at 58000KMS. Exhaust manifold gasket and thermostat at 61000km electric fan died at 62000kms. Small engine compartment fire due to battery at 64000kms on the way back from the mall. Thankfully I carried a fire extinguisher after all the horror stories I heard. Last, but not least the infamous Iron duke threw a rod right through the side of the block and there was oil everywhere. I said goodbye right there on the side of the road. I checked and changed my oil religiously and the car was too dang slow to abuse... not recommended.
General Comments:
It was slow, but fuel consumption was decent. the car was different and I thought that was kind of cool. It was a bit of a pain to fix at times, especially the electrical problems. Cheap to fix usually, but a really cheaply put together car. GM must have spent so much money developing the space frame chassis and enduraflex body panels they really cheaped out on the mechanical engineering. I'll admit having had a Fiero addiction I even owned an 87 GT before my 85 (no comparison to my MR2), but I soon realised what I was driving. It was weak then and still worse now! Buyer and collector beware, don't believe the hype.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No
Review Date: 3rd May, 2007
27th Mar 2008, 23:06
Well.. maybe it's cause the 4 only has around 92hp, and that it was geared to get 50mpg.. I dunno, it's crazy but that might have something to do with it.