1996 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am H/O 5.0 liter High Output from North America
Summary:
Excellent Handling Sports Car
Faults:
143,000 miles - valve guides replaced under warranty
154,000 miles - water pump needed replaced.
165,000 miles - replaced entire exhaust system because catalytic converter was clogged and there was a small hole in the exhaust.
165,000 - replaced alternator and cooling fan relays.
165,000 miles - completely repainted and re-rust proofed.
187,000 miles - park brake cable needed replaced.
246,000 miles - car was literally run over by a tractor trailer on the highway.
General Comments:
In my opinion this was one of my most enjoyed vehicles. The car was very reliable, had excellent handling, and wonderful styling. I stored the car every winter and drove it from Ohio to Georgia often. This was a 5.0 liter 4 barrel high output model with 4 wheel disk brakes.
I was the second owner and enjoyed the car very much. I eventually sold the car to an employee at aproximately 198,000 miles.
The car eventually was destroyed after a tractor trailer literally drover over the hood of the car as it merged onto the highway. The weight of the truck blew out both front tires, flattened the rims, and blew the engine before the trailer come along and destroyed the rear end of the car as it spun out of control. My employee walked away from the accident with a small bruise on her forehead.
Had it not been for the accident, I believe this car would still be on the road today. I have owned 3 F-body sports cars of which the two Trans Am's have exceeded 200,000 miles with no major repairs needed.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 20th November, 2002
14th Jul 2004, 22:39
Yes, I thought the same thing when I read this review. 5.0? All Trans Ams in 1996 were 5.7s.
26th Mar 2005, 07:50
Amen.i agree. tell it like it is.
29th Apr 2005, 17:21
The car being reviewed is a 1986 model I think. In the last paragraph the writer mentions 3rd gen f-body cars. A 4 barrel carb, 5.0 liter engine and 4 wheel disc brakes sounds to me like a 1986 model trans am. In 1996 all trans am model had 5.7 liter engines and fuel injection. No 5.0 liter engines or carbs were available in the 4th gen f-body cars.
23rd Jun 2004, 09:55
Maybe I'm mistaken here... but the car has a 5.7 liter engine, not 5,0 liter right? Perhaps your car is some strange model, but I doubt it.