1987 Pontiac Fiero GT review from North America

Exhaust manifold leaks at tube-to-flange welds at 20,000 miles. Fixed by dealer under warranty.

Totally plugged catalytic converter had to be replaced @ 51,000 at my expense. (The symptom is a rattling sound like a bag full of coat hangers.)

Shift cable needed replacing @ 54,000. (The symptom is tennis elbow-like pain in right arm.)

Cracked diaphragm in clutch pressure plate at 62,000 miles resulted in damage to flywheel bolts (!) and required replacement of bolts and new clutch. (The mechanic is a friend and showed me the damaged bolts. Unbelievable.)

How can a mid-engine sports car with four-wheel disk brakes, fully independent suspension and rack and pinion steering be this disappointing?

Simple:

The antique solid-rotor disk brakes are lousy.

The A-arm front suspension is cobbled together from junk Chevette parts.

The McPherson strut rear suspension from the Citation can't keep the back wheels pointed in a consistent direction. A slight change in pressure on the gas produces direction changes that are way out of proportion. (Poly Urethane bushings could help a bunch here.)

With fast steering, sloppy suspension and a short wheelbase, this car corners like it's on rails, but where those rails are is anybody's guess. Finessing the steering wheel to maintain your line in a hard, fast corner is impossible since the car has no road feel whatsoever. Try driving this thing on a truly fast stretch of winding road and you could get dead in a hurry.

The rear spoiler blocks out the headlights of following cars. Be VERY careful changing lanes at night.

The massive center console (it hides the gas tank) always gave me an intimidating crushed-up-against-the-door feeling.

Quick evasive maneuvers were hindered by elbows hitting the door and console.