1999 Pontiac Firebird from North America

Summary:

Sexy car, watch your speed (and headlights)

Faults:

Drivers side headlight stopped popping up.

Actuator needed replaced (only available at Pontiac for $300)

Sealed beam headlights seem to go out frequently (just as in my previous Camaro).

Oil seems to disappear, but not leaking (haven't figured this out yet).

Watch out for police, you are targetted more than Camaros (three tickets in six months, none in four years with my Camaro).

General Comments:

Overall, this car has been 10x more reliable than my 1994 Camaro v6 (3.4).

The 3.8 engine isn't the greatest for speed and power, but it has been reliable. I think the car is just too heavy for the 3.8.

Looks wise, the Firebird has been unbeatable. Little kids and adults stare and comment about how cool it is. Girls seem to love it as well, ha. My Firebird is black, outfitted with every option except a v8 (W68 and Y87 performance and appearence packages, chrome wheels). The stock Monsoon stereo and t-tops combine for an awesome summer driving experience.

I switched to synthetic oil at 53,000 miles, which could be a reason why it seems the engine goes through oil like crazy. By 2000 miles, I'm usually adding a quart.

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

Review Date: 19th May, 2006

1999 Pontiac Firebird Trans-Am Formula LS1 V8 from North America

Summary:

The ultimate american muscle car!!!

Faults:

1) Both headlight motors go out more than I care to replace. I found a rebuild kit on E-Bay for really cheap to end the problem.

2) Paint was peeling when I bought it so I had a local shop repaint the whole car and it's still peeling.

3) Skip-Shift was VERY annoying, but a skip shift eliminator from SLP fixed that problem.

4) Burns about 1qt. of oil every month or so-I've researched this and found it to be a common problem in this year of T.-A.

5) Slight inconsistant missfire, better plugs and wires didn't fix this problem.

6) OBDII-SES light keeps telling me that "Cooling Fan relay #2" is bad, I have replaced it like 7 times along with everything else related to it EXCEPT the ECM. Still the problem remains. Car still runs great, but the computer definately has put the car into a fail safe mode, thus cutting some power.

7) A bit slow off the line, but 4:11 gears fixed that problem also.

General Comments:

As expensive as it can be to work on it, and all the performance goodies are way overpriced, I still love it to death. I wouldn't want any other car. It rides like a dream, and now thanks to the simple mods I've done it responds like nothing else I've ever been in.

The 4:11 gears work GREAT with the T-56 6-speed. Many bolt on performance parts are very easy to install and this car adjusts to them real well. The LS1 is a VERY versatile and RESPONSIVE engine. I've had many hot-rods in my day, mostly 350's and a pavement pounding 1970 Pont. LeMans with a chevy 454, and the LS1 remains my favorite.

So far I have added:

SLP 4:11 gears

SLP short throw shifter

SLP Skip-Shift eliminator

SLP Cold Air induction

SLP High flow air lid

Headders

Ram-Air Hood.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 25th November, 2005

11th Sep 2007, 22:01

Performance parts are actually pretty cheap for fbodies and the LS1 motor. Go look at parts for something like a RX-7, Supra, 350Z, or a BMW. The LS1 parts might be more than SBC parts, but its still a relative deal when you look at the cost of modding Asian or German cars.

1999 Pontiac Firebird 3.8 V6 from North America

Summary:

It's a great car for gas prices if you still want some performance

Faults:

Nothing.

General Comments:

So far I've loved the car.. I haven't had anything go wrong yet.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 4th November, 2005

1999 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am 5.7L V8 from North America

Summary:

This car is very fun to drive and catches every eye, but it could be more reliable.

Faults:

First of all, I don't think any of these things have gone wrong since I bought the car, but they were wrong or broken before I bought it. The most important things that are wrong with it are the O2 sensors. Two of them are bad and I've only had the car for three weeks. This gives me horrible gas mileage and less power. I also got the windows tinted and realized that something inside the driver's side door keeps scratching the tint. Also, the tube that the AC leaks out onto the road is clogged and leaks into the car in front of the passenger seat. This happened the first day I had the car and dealer won't fix it or anything else. My two month warranty is only on the drivetrain. Speaking of drivetrain, the clutch and/or transmission acts "weird" at times.

General Comments:

This car looks and drives awesome and it's a real head turner. Not many people have this car in my town especially in my high school. The amazing body design and power of this final generation really make it stand out. The interior is nice, but some parts are a little cheesy. I'm upset with all the things that are wrong with it, but aren't really too hard too fix. I'm not really up to spending $140 on O2 sensors either. This car eats gas (even more so with half of the O2 sensors busted) and paying for premium isn't fun. But the car's a beast and makes it a fun time to drive around with the t-tops of and the ladies in the car. Overall is looks and drives great, but Pontiac/GM could have improved the interior and lacking craftsmanship of the car.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 5th August, 2005