1990 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am 5.0

Summary:

All problems aside, I love this car

Faults:

Had to replace the original alternator.

Replaced cracking serpentine belt.

Replaced driver's side headlight motor.

Replaced transmission mount.

Replaced brakes.

Converted air conditioner to 134-A.

Got seat covers to cover holes in the driver's seat.

Trunk motor and light are broken, haven't gotten around to replacing them.

Fog lamps need a new fuse.

General Comments:

The car handles great.

It's very reliable, all the problems I have caught before they were problems, except for the alternator.

I don't think that the cabin is uncomfortable, there is a lot of leg room. However my friends and family have complained about the room, and my sister with long legs has a hard time crawling out.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 28th September, 2002

27th Mar 2017, 22:49

With my 1980 base Pontiac Firebird, entering & exiting the car are easy. "You just fall into the seats and then climb out."

28th Mar 2017, 09:01

It's best to just use cars like this mainly as a 2 seater. Take the other adult's car if you are taking 4 people out. Or let small kids use the rear seat. On front seats on our sports cars, we sit sideways and spin in. The hardest car to enter for myself is my son's Viper. You have to bend backwards at a severe rake to enter. We are both in great shape, but would see it as very difficult otherwise. Once in, other than limited headroom at 6' height driver or passenger, it's fine. A lot of newer sports cars have a flatter floor and less sill issues than in the past. Once you are in, it's great though. On rear seat cars, other than what we own now (2 seaters), they have mostly been a joke. Even first gen Camaro and Firebirds. I tend to put my seat far back. That meant 1 passenger in the back. And they wouldn't be very happy back there for long.

29th Mar 2017, 06:38

Not true. The back seats in a Trans Am truck are actually pretty comfortable. They're not so vertical and hard on the back like some +2's in cabs like the Tacoma or 300ZX.

29th Mar 2017, 12:43

Most sports car have a lower roof line to the rear. 2 doors are good for small adults or kids. If I had a 69 Cadillac 2 door coupe with the double handle release for front and one for rear passenger, and lots of room in the back as a 6'1" passenger, I would agree on that one. Luxury, not a sports car obviously.

30th Mar 2017, 04:57

The author of the review, and the first comment, were referring to the front seats being too low.

*SMH*

30th Mar 2017, 14:28

OK, so unless you're a Munchkin, rear seats in sports coupes are useless. And a Viper is hard to climb into. Got it.

Oh, and here's your "Trans Am truck". No "pretty comfortable" back seats in it. Fair warning, you'll wish you hadn't looked at it:

www.fiberclassics.org/pegaus

30th Mar 2017, 14:52

Incorrect. Read under comments on the initial review. About friends and family impressions as passengers.

31st Mar 2017, 04:34

The most commonly p-occupied passenger seat, is usually the front passenger seat.

*SMH*

31st Mar 2017, 21:21

I also bought a car with a rear seat so both kids could attend shows. They would bring their own cars so they could leave when they felt like it. Sitting through a show can get long and boring at times. I don't do as many as in the past An interesting piece of information is you can buy a lowering kit for the Viper to gain 1 inch of headroom. Not that anyone may care - just making conversation.

1990 Pontiac Firebird Formula 5.7 TPI

Summary:

It will put butterflies in your belly... the

Faults:

Anti-theft key system failed.

Has blown 4 transmissions. (since I bought it)

Knock Sensor failed.

Oil sending until failed.

Door pins/hinges constant problem.

General Comments:

This car will grab your behind and slam it in the seat. I have run this car very hard in the 2 years I've owned it (drag racing, street racing, etc.), and it still holds up just fine. A few modifications such as custom exhaust, K&N air filter, and air foil were cheap additions that made her even more powerful. WS6 suspension is a dream, it handles batter than any car I have owned. It is such a beautiful car that to this day when I look at it, I can't help, but almost drool. The interior as well is very pleasing.

It has led me to be involved in a few car clubs, meeting wonderful people.

For the guys: This car is a serious chick magnet! It seems everywhere I go, somebody wanders over to me to talk about this car.

Only two warnings to potential buyers...

The 700R4 transmission is simply not strong enough for this car. I advise a seriously built one, or a totally different transmission such as a TH350. Also, be sure it is already equipped, or prepare to purchase Sub-frame connectors. The car has too much torque and will actually crack on the back roof corners from the frame twisting due to the power.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 24th September, 2002

28th Mar 2006, 20:56

Next time you blow your transmission have them put in an internal shift kit. It should help some.

11th Apr 2006, 07:33

I just purchased a 1990 firebird formula. It has a 350 tune-port injection under the hood is there any thing I should watch out for? I only paid a $1,000 dollars for the car. Iam about ready to start restoring her to her original. Any advise would be helpful.

David.