1991 Pontiac Firebird Formula 305 V8 TPI from North America

Summary:

A money pit, but worth every cent

Faults:

The tires have worn much faster than the mileage they were supposed to get from un-induced wheel spin and wheel hop.

The alternator went on the way to my wedding rehearsal.

One of the catalytic converters plugged and the exhaust has rusted a hole; soon to be replaced by an SLP system.

Replaced shocks/struts at 95,000.

Some brake work at 95,000.

Replaced idler arm at 95,000.

Hood shocks never worked from 87,000.

Rattles and squeaks like mad in cold weather.

Replaced water pump at 135,000.

It needs a transmission mount, as the shifter moves vertically with the throttle.

The doors rattle on the inside when shut, and are stubborn in cold weather.

General Comments:

It was fast, but newer cars are leaving it in the dust.

It rides like a brick on wheels, but corners are awesome! The stiff ride has also loosened up a lot of screws and such causing rattling.

It's a unique car and gets a lot of double-takes, as the paint is still immaculate and is a rare dark red.

This car was never meant to be a daily driver.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 18th January, 2004

1991 Pontiac Firebird Coupe 3.1 from North America

Summary:

I'm definitely sticking to GM vehicles on my next buy

Faults:

Computer went at 150,000 miles, cost of $250.

Fuel pump at 200,000.

Replaced Ball Joints at 225,000 miles.

General Comments:

This car is extremely durable and reliable. I have over 240,000 miles and have changed little more than tires and oil. I do believe GM vehicles are superior products. My last car was a 1982 Firebird which I put over 300,000 miles and sold it in good condition. My Firebird has the ground effects which add style. Even now I have a few guys wanting the car when I'm ready to sell. Even though it only has a V6 it is pretty quick. I have extra fat 235/60's tires and it can spin them for a block at the start even after all those miles. I get an average of 23 miles per gallon, but I have gotten as much as 36 miles per gallon going to Florida on the highway. The 4 speed automatic with locking torque converter is a wonderful.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 20th September, 2003

1991 Pontiac Firebird Coupe 3.1 from North America

Summary:

Best car I ever owned and fun to drive!

Faults:

In the 9 year's I owned this thing I replaced the rear hatch pull down motor and the seat back latch. The rest of it has just been regular wear item's like the alternator which is on it's second one only, starter solenoid and battery. Recently, after 13 year's and 140,000 + miles I had to replace the fuel pump... the original fuel pump.

General Comments:

Great car, very quick for a 6 cylinder and responds like nothing else I ever driven. This thing will do just about whatever you ask it to do. Other than wear from over the year's and mileage, hardly had to touch this thing as far as repairs. Just been ding routine stuff. Too bad they stopped making them last year, I hope they bring them back.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 28th May, 2003

1991 Pontiac Firebird coup 3.1 V6 from North America

Summary:

Great!

Faults:

The alternator has gone out on me 4 times. I don't know why, I just keep changing them. The starter to is another thing I have changed it 3 times so far. T-Tops don't leak, however I get water leaks from rear hatch, I might have to change the seals.

General Comments:

I love this car!!! Even though the minor things that have gone wrong, it still looks great. People keep coming up to me to take a closer look. My opinion, the best look Firebird ever.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 24th March, 2003

1991 Pontiac Firebird Formula 5.0 TPI from North America

Summary:

Looks good and handles better

Faults:

Alternator went at 155000 km. It was my fault for running my sub woofers all the time when the car wasn't on.

Catalytic convertor went at 160000 km, replaced the entire exhaust system while it was in the shop.

Car rattles, makes a lot of squeaking sounds.

General Comments:

Car handles very well with WS6 suspension option.

Acceleration is decent, but if you're looking for real performance, go for one with a 350 under the hood.

Very reliable.

Good gas mileage for a V8.

Responds well to modifications.

T-tops don't leak.

Could use bigger back seat.

Hood shocks are temperamental, don't like to work when it's warm out.

Has little problems like every 10 year old car, but on the whole, it's a great car.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 27th November, 2001