1988 Pontiac Fiero Coupe 2.5 4 cylinder from North America

Summary:

One great car. Pick up the Fiero if you want inexpensive fun!

Faults:

Ignition module failed once.

General maintenance.

General Comments:

Purchased this car sitting on the side of the road. Little did I know it was the beginning of a love affair. The car was babied by the previous owner... the paint gleamed, and it had an interior you could eat off of. He never drove it. I had to buy it, only $2800 dollars after talking him down... I felt as if I had ripped off the old man.

I drove it for 3 summers, racking up the miles, but did not drive it in winter, as salt could easily destroy this beautiful car. Now it sits up in the barn, hardly being driven, but in almost as good shape as when I bought it. I take it out to local car shows occasionally, and wrench on it a bit here and there whenever I have the time. I have talked with people about the car, on the rare occasions I take it out, and describe it to them as if one was driving a lawn chair... that is honestly how it feels. It goes around corners at any speed you want without squealing the tires or a loss of grip. The interior, while dated in appearance, feels like the cockpit of a fighter jet. Fuel consumption is 30 MPG; not bad for an automatic.

I in fact loved the car so much, I had to buy me a 2nd junker (85 4 cylinder manual) to beat around in. I had slight problems keeping her running, but it was incredibly fun to drive. I am afraid to drive my yellow 88 for fear of it breaking down or ruining it, so it sits... but when I do get it out of the garage, it feels like nothing else.

Fiero. Not the fastest car, but it makes one feel like a million bucks!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 28th April, 2015

1988 Pontiac Fiero 3800 supercharged Series II from North America

Summary:

Awesome and a head turner!

Faults:

Nothing.

General Comments:

This car is seriously FAST and handles extremely well!!

300 horsepower supercharged engine from a 2003 Grand Prix.

Performance tires, wheels, and poly bushings.

Upgraded brakes.

Bright red with scoops on the side, in the trunk and hood to cool.

Darkened windows with dark sail panels.

Runs very cool at about 180 degrees, ice cold air conditioning.

Very comfortable performance ride.

Interior immaculate with original seats.

Many think it is a Ferrari.

Will outperform most Corvettes.

Handles well.

Just an awesome car to drive.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 14th May, 2013

1st Jul 2017, 23:34

I don't know why you posted this, as you can't buy a 3800 supercharged Fiero unless the motor is replaced. The point of Carsurvey is to find fault or applause for a stock original car and post its problems... You might as well make a comment on a Formula One car...

1988 Pontiac Fiero Formula 2.8 V6 from North America

Summary:

The baddest V6 ever built. Grab a gear, if you dare!!!

Faults:

I've replaced the exhaust, front upper control arm bushings, front wheel bearings, full brake job overhaul and struts.

I had the emergency brake and air conditioning disconnected, for additional power and convenience.

General Comments:

The 1988 Fiero Formula is a "Ruby in the Dust".

My car is driven daily, minus winter months; not made for that "white stuff" here in Wisconsin.

I bought it in 2000 with 60,000 on it, and today it's closing in on 200,000.

The car, as others have said, is like a "Go-Kart on Rails". It corners like a Formula 1, and has amazing torque due to the "Muncie-Gehrig" 5 speed.

Using Nascar terms, my Formula "Sucks-up, drafts and sling-shots", like Tony Stewart's #14.

I get near 30 miles on state/county highways, and the interstate. Take it to a "Big City", and getting around is "Silly Easy".

Did I mention this thing is fast? Snappy off the line, quick through the gears, and can pass almost anything on 4 wheels. Handling is a dream. The rack and pinion steering is spot-on.

Mine is red with white decals and the Fiero black spoke rims. This car is a "Chick Magnet", however the "Lack of interior" limits "Your possibilities".

Quick warning: Contrary to popular belief, the Fiero Formula is not a good 1st car for a teenager. There were roughly 5000 of these made in 1988, and 3000 plus were totaled by 1994. Less than 500 remain on the road today.

With the engine in the rear, it drives/handles and steers unlike any front engine car. This car was built to be an "Adult Go-Kart." Any serious front end or side door collision in these cars, even with the incorporated "Roll-Cage", will result in very serious injury or death. This is not a kid's car, period!!!

I will never sell this car! It's a joy to drive, and its value as a collectors car increases daily. Personally the collectors value matters not to me, it's driving a bad-ass piece of automotive history that does.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 30th March, 2012

30th Mar 2012, 16:30

You "disconnected" the "air conditioning" and the "emergency brake" for "additional power and convenience"?

How does disconnecting the "Brake" increase "power" and "convenience", especially with a "stick shift"? And if the V6 has so much "Torque", why would you need to "disconnect" the "air conditioning"?

31st Mar 2012, 12:49

The emergency brake when engaged, interferes with exiting and entering the car easily. The air conditioner is not needed in Wisconsin, and adds "Horse-Power" back to the Formula. The torque is amazing, if ya own one; ya know what I mean.

31st Mar 2012, 18:47

Taking out the A/C and E-Brake will reduce weight, which helps acceleration and city gas mileage, but rarely enough to justify it.

Taking these things out do NOT increase power nor torque. I have no clue how they'd be more convenient either (outside of being cheaper).

9th Jun 2012, 20:07

The emergency brake does not interfere with entering and exiting the vehicle. When you pull up to apply the brake, return the handle to the lower position; the brake remains engaged. To disengage, lift the handle up, depress the button and hold the button, while lowering the brake handle.