1986 Pontiac Firebird V6 from North America
Summary:
Great car, I'll miss it!
Faults:
Struts and shocks, and steering linkage eventually wore out, but were very cheap to replace.
The car has needed a new alternator about every 5 years, which seems to be average for about any vehicle.
The water pump went the first year I owned the car at about 210k.
The seats eventually wore out and the headliner started to sag, but these are an easy and cheap fix for anyone whose slightly handy and owns a socket set.
... and of course, lots and lots of tires! LOL.
General Comments:
The car is very fun and economical to drive. Even with the V6 the tires are very easy to break free with the 5spd.
Roomy and comfortable for the driver and passenger, but very little room in the back seats.. really only enough room for kids.
Super reliable. Probably would still be driving it if it weren't for the incentives on new vehicles right now.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 7th June, 2009
8th Jun 2009, 19:51
I'd keep it as a side vehicle when you buy your new car. They won't give you squat as a trade-in. If it's been so reliable, why get rid of it?? Or you could give it to a friend or relative who needs another car.. at the price the dealer will pay for it you might as well just give it away..
27th Dec 2011, 21:50
The V6 Firebird from 86 had 135HP.
You're 20 horses off, and he could easily have some mods on something that old that he doesn't know about.
I completely agree with the wheel alignment suggestion. 135 still isn't that much...
1st Jun 2015, 03:35
I have a 1986 Trans Am. I love it, it's my baby. I take good care of it, but you've got to put money into it. I have 160,000 on it and it runs good.
I am looking to Oct 20 2015 for the new Trans Am GTO to come out, but $40,000 is too much for me to pay for a car, SO I'll keep my Trans Am until I die.
So goodbye... Carmen in Livonia.
13th Sep 2015, 03:28
What Trans Am GTO?
13th Sep 2015, 12:32
Modified Camaro: www.transamdepot.com
8th Jun 2009, 12:34
The reason you needed to replace so many tires on a 6 cylinder Firebird was probably due to a badly needed wheel alignment and not from the power of the V6, which BTW, is only 115HP. So I seriously doubt you burned the tires right out! I like how V6 Camaro/Firebird and Mustang owners always over exaggerate the power of your cars.