1996 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am LT1 5.7L V8 from North America

Summary:

Trans Ams Rule All!

General Comments:

I currently own a 1996 Trans Am LT1. All I have done to it is Ram Air, a power chip and exhaust. Stock it ran about a 14.2, I am now running 13.6! This car hooooks up.

I'm only 17 years old and my parents unfortunately still have a say in what I can do to my car. So if I put on a supercharger they would know and I would have to take it off etc. So therefore I'm soon to put on a 150 shot of nitrous. I should be in the 12's with the nitrous. If anyone has any suggestions for me, post them.

Thanks,

T.O.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 24th October, 2004

28th Mar 2005, 12:14

Hey I have a 1996 Trans Am LT1, I was told to change the Air Intake from factory to a K&N Air intake. the Hypertech chip deal, along with a termosat. And in addition to add pulleys. I am also thinking about the Nit. route however I want to keep it just American Muscle.

28th Jul 2007, 23:44

Hey there, just putting it out there, but if you want your engine to last way longer don't use the nitrous. It's very violent on the engine and a specially an older engines might not take that kind of abuse. Even if you decide on that nitrous don't over do it.

Mechanic, Mat.

13th Aug 2007, 21:49

Headers steel crank get the heads done. I wouldn't recommend NOS, but hey its not my car. I'm 18 I own the same car you got.

1996 Pontiac Firebird Formula 5.7 LT1 from North America

Summary:

Great bang for the buck

Faults:

Replaced the fuel pump at 41000 at a cost of over $300.

Have replaced the headlight motors 3 times.

General Comments:

This is a really great car, its realy fast and handles well.

Plus it can smoke the tires like there is no tormorrow.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 13th August, 2003

1996 Pontiac Firebird Formula LT-1 350 V8 from North America

Summary:

Fairly cheap for the amount of horsepower and options

Faults:

Water pump went when I first got the car at 80,000. Easily replaced.

General Comments:

Awesome car with easy and cheap modifications.

This car handles great and spins its tires at will, like a muscle car should. If you like getting sucked into your seat, this car is great at doing just that.

I throw studded tires on and weight in the hatch for the winter, and it does very well in the snow.

Would only replace this car with a newer LS-1 Firebird or a Corvette. Lots of fun especially with the t-tops. Girls stare all the time.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 27th July, 2003

26th Feb 2011, 17:45

Don't trade it for anything! A timeless work of art!

22nd Mar 2012, 09:21

I agree completely. I longed for one since they first came out with this style. I finally purchased one right after Christmas, and I will never get rid of it. Looks awesome, sounds incredible without the catalytic converters and custom exhaust, and is incredibly fast. No other car on the road even comes close to looking like it; very distinct and aggressive. Best car I have ever owned.

1996 Pontiac Firebird V6 from North America

Summary:

The last American car I will ever buy

Faults:

I have had numerous problems with my vehicle. To begin, with only 100 miles on this car the aluminum wheel cracked under the cold weather and had to be replaced at the cost of $350 for a used one. At 12,000 miles the car lost power steering and the steering unit had to be replaced. The ignition was replaced twice at 18,000 miles and again at 35,000 miles. At around 40,000 miles the brakes started squeaking constantly, even when not pressing on the brakes. This squeaking could also be heard when steering to the left. I have had this problem fixed several times by having the rotors turned, but they are now worn down so much that they need to be replaced. Replacement of the rotors is not an option at $900 each.

The majority of my problems have occurred in the last 15,000 miles. At 60,000 miles the A/C compressor had to be replaced for $850. The alternator went out at 70,000 miles and was replaced. At 71,000 miles the A/C compressor bracket broke causing the belt to break. Also around this time the headlights (they pop up and down) started making horrible grinding noises. It's because the motors need to be replaced. This is also very expensive at around $500 per headlight. Needless to say, I did not replace the headlight motors, and now the headlights are stuck in the "on" position. At 72,000 miles the door locks became jammed in the "unlock" position for a couple of weeks, until I finally gave in to a mechanic. In addition, the hatch no longer stays up by itself, and the stereo display is no longer visible. This also has to be completely replaced for approximately $600. Aftermarket stereos are also pricey because it is manufactured as a double-din stereo. The passenger speaker cuts out constantly, but that is the least of my problems.

Just recently (in the last 500 miles) I have noticed that my car is leaking/burning 1 quart of oil per week. The brakes are still squeaky prompting attention from everyone I drive by. The right windshield wiper hasn't been functioning. Also, a normal wiper blade is about $3 to replace. Pontiac came up with the great idea to make the Firebird have a special wiper blade costing $15. Don't even ask about the cup holders, or should I say cup-spillers. There is only one and it dumps directly into the shifter anytime you break.

I know I have forgotten some things. But let me just end here by saying that this is quite possibly America's worst vehicle ever.

General Comments:

I don't have anything nice to say about this car. Don't buy one. This is not a reliable form of transportation. However, it might make a good yard display.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 25th February, 2003

27th Feb 2003, 18:57

OK, that's a huge list of problems, which is very rare for this car. You must have a rebuilt car or something as Firebirds/Trans Ams are reliable cars. I wouldn't judge American muscle based of your vehicle. If you take a look at other people's comments on this vehicle, you will notice they are all very pleased with their vehicles, as am I. I have a 95 and have had only minor problems with it. It too bad you have had such problems.

Now if you had a Mustang... well then I wouldn't be surprised at all...