1998 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am WS6 5.7 from North America

Summary:

No matter what needs to be fixed, you'll fix it, because nothing beats the feeling of driving it

Faults:

I bought the car used from a dealer. It has low miles (supposedly). So far things that have gone wrong:

- Electrical issues: the car would die if you had the pop up lights on at the same time as the fog lights; had electrical place fix it; cost 300 dollars.

- Right headlight went; electrical place replaced it; 30 dollars.

- Replaced all 4 tires; had almost no tread on it, especially the rear; custom tire shop; 400 dollars.

- Fixed front two rims; Corvette style rims were slightly bent, and the tire shop helped straighten them out; 80 dollars.

- Front sway bars broken and alignment; 60 dollars.

What I foresee in the future: front brakes and rotors, front struts, rear shocks, serpentine belt, belt tensioner, oil pressure sending unit, will cost close to 1000 dollars.

Then car will be perfect. I know with a used car you need to do a lot of these things, so it is expected...

General Comments:

Car is a blast to drive and looks excellent. It has a real aggressive look and is quite distinct among cars. This black car with black tint and black Corvette rims with its 5.7 V8 and the Ram Air package, and WS6 suspension and steering package will scare the hell out of everyone.

It will need routine maintenance; but this is to be expected with this type of car. The good thing is that this RWD car does not cost a lot in parts or labor. The problems are more tedious than severe. No matter what needs to be fixed, you'll fix it; because nothing beats the feeling of driving this thing.

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

Review Date: 15th March, 2011

1998 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am 5.7 from North America

Summary:

Fun to drive, expensive to maintain

Faults:

I have only owned the car for barely over 3k miles. The exterior, interior, and even engine bay are super clean, and in excellent condition. The car is all factory stock, except for the wheels and tires.

In only 3k miles I have had to fix:

Warped rotors and new brake pads on the rear.

The water pump failed.

The A/C compressor failed.

The idler and tensioner pulley on the main belt failed.

Broken window stabilizers (which scratched up my tint).

Both window motors have weakened considerably since I bought it.

The passenger side catalytic converter has now developed a nasty sounding rattle, due to internal failure.

General Comments:

The car is a blast to drive, and its looks are second to none... BUT... this car has been seriously expensive to keep running. I'm thinking about selling it after only 3 months, just because of the expense of maintenance and repairs thus far.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 23rd August, 2010

1998 Pontiac Firebird Formula 5.7L from North America

Summary:

BEWARE! I may have owned the car you're about to buy!

Faults:

3 rear ends due to incompetence of repairmen, and my driving habits.

3 clutches. (again my driving habits)

All the speakers had to be replaced.

Broke transmission mount, and both engine mounts with in 24 hours of purchase. (Drag strip)

2nd gear syncro has been weak since I bought the car.

Rear shocks were completely shot at 60k miles.

Thermostat stuck closed, drove the car 300 miles with it stuck closed. Didn't hurt anything.

Power antenna, doesn't move.

Window bracket broke completely.

Window motors.

General Comments:

From the day I bought this car I drove it like I stole it. As did the 1st owner. Fortunately the second owner was a woman who took excellent care of the car.

The differential is woefully inadequate for the weight and horsepower of the car, if you have the 6-speed, it's already on borrowed time. Scars I found on the inside of the differential housing told the story of at least 1 previous catastrophic failure.

Can't resist power shifting, and spinning the tires in 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th gears.

Engine doesn't sound best until about 140mph in 5th gear.

It's way too fast, yet never fast enough.

Has the same effect on bank accounts as a beautiful woman.

I'll never sell it.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 27th January, 2009

28th Jan 2009, 09:38

At least you're honest :D.

23rd Jan 2012, 15:16

Well... normal people would know that when you beat the hell out of a car, that it's going to break a lot.