1986 Pontiac Fiero SE review from North America

Clutch failure (twice).

Transmission repair (cracked ring - engine must be pulled to make repair).

Alternator (twice).

Radiator.

Throttle position sensor.

Brake work (rotors and pads).

Wheel bearing.

Battery (twice).

Radio/Cassette.

Fun to drive. Nice power from 2.8 litre six. Responsive engine. Excellent air conditioning, heating, window clearing. Power assisted steering is a nice compromise. Purchased for under $3,000 (in 1993). Good instrumentation with optional displays (RPM, etc.) Fairly quiet for highway cruising. Okay gas mileage.

Lots of leg room. Almost no room for luggage. Two seats is a big drawback. Trunk compartment (a slot) too close to engine and tiny. Sun roof can be removed, but not easy to get out or store.

Many reliability issues (see above) -- apparently parts are hard to find, now. Those of the most concern were the transmission, clutch and battery (air vent lets rain through onto the battery; issue can be resolved by installing a battery with side rather than top posts). When battery posts corrode you will be left in a no start situation (this happened three times to me in three years). Alternator also failed at a most inopportune time.

Engine runs hot and it is important to keep an eye on cooling system.

I miss this car, but not the cost of repairs. It is probably best for someone who can make some of his/her own repairs or who has a reasonable mechanic.