1991 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am GTA LB9 5.0 H.O. TPI from North America

Summary:

Not for sell!

Faults:

While riding the German Autobahns with under 10000 miles at speeds in-excess of speedometer and buried in at the right, from Munchen to Berlin; on my stops to refuel, the injectors did not shutdown.

5 speed manual transmission thrust washer replaced at 12000 and 30000 miles.

Engine Alternator replaced at 30000 miles. GOODWRENCH SERVICE. Replaced again free at 50000 miles.

Rear hatch/deck Wraparound Notched Wing/Spoiler fell apart at 85000 miles. No OEM replacement available.

Fisher body notorious for alignment wear chewing up tires. So look for inexpensive high performance ones, such as FALCON.

Driver door with lower weatherstripping contact point rusting.

General Comments:

The car is a joy to drive once seated inside the tight cockpit, but cumbersome for long legs operating a clutch.

A tight 230hp TPI motor coupled to 5sp with WS6 performance suspension is loads of fun for a big boy toy. I get chirps and spins in 3rd gear as well!

Not the vehicle to teach teens how to drive.

It is not cheap to operate. Premium fuel 90 octane or better and thirsty. It hates cheap gas and you will hear it in the engine as well as feel lagging engine performance.

Read your operator's manual for shifting instructions, and try never to down-shift. This will help extend your fuel economy.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 13th June, 2010

1991 Pontiac Firebird 5.0 t.p.i. from North America

Summary:

Very reliable and fast, along with the most comfortable

Faults:

Nothing too serious... been very good to me, basic things such as alternator and starter.

General Comments:

The most comfortable vehicle I've owned; I've owned 9 other vehicles to compare it to.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 15th March, 2010

1991 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am WS6 5.0 LB9 TPI from North America

Summary:

Very hot car, an upcoming big $$ classic for sure

Faults:

The left headlight motor..

Then the right one after I replaced the left

Alternator

Headliner sag

T-tops leak

Rear tires seem to oddly wear faster than front.

Someone poured some substance in my gas tank, thought to be sugar (awaiting test result to tell me exactly what it was) and my engine is pretty much blown. This happened last week. I might drop a 383 stroker in, oh well. Can't blame vandalism on the car, though.

General Comments:

I have the trans-am WS6 version of this years firebird... meaning I have the t-tops, ws6 high performance suspension package, and ground effects body kit along with the GTA style gunmetal mesh rims. It's a really hot combination with my black paint. The car has a mean, low, fast stance and the performance lives up to how the car looks. The thing handles corners like it's nobodies business, beats a lot of other cars out from the line and at speed, sounds great, handles great, everything. I'm in love with the car.

The interior rattles around a lot from the stiff ride with the WS6 but it's something to get used to. The t-tops are the greatest, weekend summer trips to the jersey shore down the garden state parkway with the t-tops off blasting anything from pantera to CCR (by now you're thinking... wow this doesn't possibly get any more jersey, does it?) is the BEST. I get compliments from random people and it'll soon be a classic. resale price isn't much yet because KBB is stupid, but give these cars a few years and they'll become a hot commodity.

Rust hasn't set into my body because it's garaged, but I hear it's a bad problem.

Car is TERRIBLE in the snow, but whats to expect?

Overall the cars amazing, it whips down the road, handles like it's on rails (such a cliche description, but its so true), and accelerates like a raped ape. Not too thirsty on gas either. The car looks hot and is the ultimate summer cruiser.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 23rd June, 2007

29th Jun 2007, 15:44

I agree with man from jersey. I have a 91 trans am WS6 and the handling and overall performance is great. Mine is a convertible which makes it even more fun to drive. I agree that these cars are under priced. I bought my car for less than what a family car in the same condition would have cost. My WS6 handles better than any car I've ever driven. (I don't drive it in the winter - it's rust-free and I want to keep it that way.