1992 Pontiac Firebird Hatchback V6 Auto 3.1L Gasoline V6 from North America

Summary:

Sporty car that needs to be maintained

Faults:

Water Pump went out two months after buying the car. Replaced. The car started leaking antifreeze a few days later and then we replaced the Heater Control Valve which was also bad and leaking.

Fan Relay blew causing overheating again, replaced it, the fuel pump relay, and the a/c relay.

Routine Maintenance: Oil changes, Radiator Flushes, Fuel Filters, Air Filters, Tune-Ups.

A/C went out, had the low/high side switches replaced and worked great until recently.

Catalytic Converter plugged, Replaced.

Had Oil Sending Unit Replaced, Oil Gauge still doesn't work... Must be the gauge itself.

New set of tires.

Left Front wheel bearing went bad, had replaced and Right Repacked with grease. Also had front brake pads changed at the same time.

Had to have the key and tumbler replaced due to the security feature failing. (left me stranded only about 1/2 mile from home.)

Fuel Pump Replaced, it had started humming all the time. We found out that the fuel Strainer (designed to protect the pump) had disintegrated and was being sucked into the pump. Went ahead and changed the Fuel Sending Unit too, now my Fuel Gauge works again.

Headlights work occasionally, unplugged motors so they stay up now.

Headliner Starting to fail.

Interior is not the most rigid, starting to crack from heat.

Starter wanting to go out.

Body paint peeling/ faded, but is still good looking!

Muffler is cracked, needs a new one.

Was told my brake lines are about to burst due to corrosion. Same with the fuel Lines.

Hesitates occasionally, possibly injectors?

General Comments:

This was my first car and I paid $2,195 for it...

The 3.1 V6 Auto is not a race grade engine by any means, but it does have some pep. I can get up to highway speeds w/out a fuss. Driving around town is cool too. The exhaust sounds equal or even better than V8's. (before it cracked LOL) It is a real head turner and will spin a tire on DRY pavement with only medium effort...I'm sure it could leave a rubber patch if I floored it however I've never tried! It rides smooth and keeps the RPM's low on the highway with the overdrive auto tranny.

I happened to find one that was neglected and owned by druggies (found a joint inside the console during a repair "proof") But I believe it would be a reliable car with thorough Maintenance. Hopefully if you pick one you pick one that has had proper maintenance throughout its life.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 18th June, 2007

1992 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am 5.0 TPI from North America

Summary:

This car kicked ass!!!

Faults:

Alternator went when I got it.

2 transmission mounts.

For all that, it was a helluva lot of fun!!!

General Comments:

I loved this car, it drove so nice and had such a lot of power that I really enjoyed it.

The LEAST money I have ever had to put into a sports car.

T-tops were a blast to take off on a nice day!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 12th May, 2007

1992 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am 5.7 from North America

Summary:

Best performance for the money

Faults:

Installed complete three inch Flowmaster exhaust system.

Installed high torque starter.

Installed complete half inch fuel system.

General Comments:

This car runs high twelves in the quarter mile streetable.

Makes my five point slow Mustang seem like a Geo.

This car is great for everyday driving, more comfortable than I imagined. My other car is a 05 GTO and I choose to drive this one most days.

Can be pricey to maintain if you don't do the work yourselves.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 22nd March, 2005

1992 Pontiac Firebird Hatchback 3.1L V6 from North America

Summary:

Be warned, don't get a firebird if you can help it

Faults:

I have to say this car altogether was a big piece of crap. I think a terd can serve more purposes than these cars. They are slow and unreliable pieces of junk. When I bought the car, I thought it was going to be a nicer ride compared to the one I had before, but man was I wrong. The car sucked trash in the fuel injectors numerous times. And I changed them 2 times. The dash liked to short circuit a lot making all the gauges malfunction. The T-Tops leaked, and it was extremely slow. If you have one the the 3.1L V6, don't pull out in front of traffic. It will most likely result in a very tragic ending. The only thing the car has going for it is looks. But other than that, its worthless. I warn anyone who buys one of these cars. They are nothing but trouble. All they do is have you putting money in it to fix this and that for you to still end up with a piece of crap. If I ever get another Firebird, which I very seriously doubt, it will be one of the older, more reliable and easier to work on models.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 12th March, 2005

15th Mar 2005, 12:06

Well, the car did have 97,000 miles, probably abused, and perhaps you should have replaced the fuel filter at the same time as the injectors? And t-tops are notorious for leaking. Should have gotten the hardtop!

2nd Apr 2005, 08:46

As a general rule get the last of the series; that should be the best (in general) ; in the case of the Firebird the 2002 was the last and the best rated by Consumer Reports. Note that you can't rely completely on a CarFax and other 'investigative' reports (too many 'holes' in the history). Always get a reliable AND complete inspection before purchase, especially from the Pontiac/GMC dealer, in this case; the Mr. Goodwrench types know the vehicle best and will use actual OEM parts on the car; also check the bulletins and recalls on the subject vehicle. Sometimes when we pick style over substance we have some regrets. Test drive a 2002 and see if that has improved; only drawback in the looks department, the 'nostrils' on the hood look entirely ugly! The earlier air induction hoods from 93-97 or so look better in my humble opinion.

1st Oct 2005, 23:55

I just purchased a 1992 Formula with a 5.0l V-8 TBI, 103,000 miles, it runs great and moves, its all stock and I love it. maybe using a V-6 like it was a 350 is your problem.

6th Dec 2010, 12:59

I've had my '91 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am GTA 5.0L 5-speed since new. I have replaced alternator once, changed freon over to 134a, and repair transmission twice due to a bearing. Currently 97,000 miles easy highway miles and tight. Best bet: Any year V-8 prefer TPI, with less than 50K miles.