1989 Pontiac Firebird 2.8 MPFI V6 from North America
Summary:
Beautiful piece of junk
Faults:
Ignition problems galore! Replaced the key and cylinder (key has chip in it).
Replaced neutral start switch.
Replaced starter (4 times).
Installed a heat shield on the starter.
Had the security system bypassed (300 dollars!).
Replaced fuel injection control module (another 300 dollars!).
Replaced alternator (with original equipment - 150 dollars).
Replaced all of exhaust system including muffler, pipes, and catalytic converter - 400 dollars.
Headlights would not go up or down on their own (I repaired them myself).
General Comments:
A stunningly beautiful car with a flawless sapphire-pearl paint job.
Original rims with Goodyear Eagle T/A tires in awesome shape.
The best handling car I've owned, and quite powerful for a V6!
Excellent gas mileage, even with A/C on and stepping into the gas.
Blue tinted windows to match the car's "chameleon" white to blue paint.
With all the problems I had with the ignition, and still had with it even after all the repairs, I called this car a "beautiful piece of junk".
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 23rd April, 2003
4th Dec 2005, 19:54
The pass key system is a pita, and I am allways afraid of loosing my keys. I don't blame you for being frustrated with your car. I own an 89 IROC Z Camaro (350 with all options), and it is very costly for repairs on this car also. The trick to owning these cars is to buy all the parts you need aftermarket, and either put them in yourself or pay someelse to do it. EBAY has been the best thing ever happen to my car, since I bought $2000 of suspension and brake parts for $600. They are new parts from respectable manufacturers also. EBAY is also great for NOS stuff like locks, panels, interior and trim pieces, badges, and much more.
I think you would have been happier with the Formula or GTA version of your car, it has more features, more horsepower, and is more fun to drive. I'll admit though that I have driven the V6 version also, and they are fast for a V6 too.
Good luck with your car, just use the Internet and better mechanics to your advantage. Otherwise the "little problems" will continue to put a big hurt on your wallet.
If your disappointed with your car, older Camaros are cheap and come without the hassle of "flip-up" headlights.
6th May 2003, 10:18
What did you mean a chip in the key? I'm not familiar with this. I'm having ignition problems with 88 Pontiac 2.8 V6.