Speakers fade from one side to the other. (Replacing them.)
Starting to burn oil through the valves.
Gas tank seems to be small, not sure though.
No air conditioning, it's a black car so it gets very hot in the summer.
Sunroof (manual) is difficult to deal with, you have to jiggle it just right to close it properly.
Sunroof lining beginning to deteriorate.
No power steering, so parking is a bit of a hassle at times.
Car is low to the ground so I may be forced to park it over the winter.
I bought it used, so I am not sure if there was something to prop up the trunk lid (back), so in the mean time I have to hold it.
The car has good pickup and is quite fast.
Sounds more powerful than it actually is.
Not very practical (two seater), but still awesome to drive.
Handles corners awesome, as there is no power steering. I love it!
Very low to the ground so in general you can drive fast and not flip the thing!
Calling a Fiero "impractical" depends on your definition of the term. I've had people tell me that a two seat, mid engine car with minimal cargo space is the stupidest, most "impractical" thing they've ever heard of. Then they drive away, by themselves, in their $40,000, eight passenger mega huge SUV (that will NEVER go off road) and get 15 miles to the gallon. Who exactly is the impractical one here anyway?
They did not have power steering because the engine is in the back and this would mean a slew of hoses going the full length of the car.
There is no prop rod for the back, the springs should hold it up, but if you have a spoiler the "hood" may be too heavy for them.
You're right, the sun roof is a pain, but it should add to the fun of the car.
The 2.8L V6 puts out plenty of power as the car is so light.
On the issue of practicality, Fieros were designed to be a fun light sporty car, not a family car. I love my Fiero and can't wait for the summer so I can drive it again.
I have recently traded my 85 Ford F-150 for a 85 Pontiac Fiero GT. I loved the car from the moment it pulled into the driveway. When I got the car, it needed a new clutch, left side skirt and some paint. Now 3 1/2 months later it is sport new engine hardware, side skirts, 17' 3 spoke chrome rims, interior and exterior neon glow and shaved door handles. I would way rather have my Fiero than any of my friends' Honda civics or acuras. FIERO ROCKS!!!
The Iron Duke in the Fiero wasn't known for spectacular 0-60 times, but, at least with a 5 spd, it would cruise along at 90 or 100 mph without complaining. Nevertheless, there was lots of noise coming the engine, something the Duke was well known for. I didn't mind too much, I like to be able to hear my engine working.
My '85 Fiero 2m4 handles well in the winter months even though it is a low setting car. I prefer using studded snow tires on all four wheels rather than tire chains because the plastic fenders would not hold up against a loose chain! Other wise, here in the Lake Tahoe/Carson City area, most roads are kept clear enough that the Fiero is able to navigate if you use due caution as with any rear wheel drive vehicle in winter conditions.
I live in England and have just bought an 1984 2M4 and its lush. The power steering is a problem for parking, but you can't beat the handling on our narrow country roads, and the noise of the iron duke is fantastic. Mine is a pretty much standard auto at the moment, but I am going to do some serious work lowering the suspension, and brake upgrades, new exhaust and wheels... just as soon as the rain stops. Fiero forever!
I've owned a 85 Fiero GT for about three years now and I love it. It has around 93,000 miles on it. I've never had more fun driving any other car I've owned and this includes my 91 Z28 convertible. It's been reliable and handles the road like a "champ". I never have to worry about it starting in those cold Buffalo winters. I don't drive it in the winter, but from time to time I will give it a start while it's in storage. I plan on purchasing a 88 GT and converting it to a v8. It was a car designed way ahead of its time. It's 20 years old, yet still looks modern. It's sad Pontiac stopped producing these cars. I can only imagine what the car would look like if it was built today and if Pontiac had a bigger budget to work with while making it. Long live the Fiero and it's owners!!!
I own a 1985 Fiero GT. It is a fantastic looking and fun to drive car.
I have a 1985 gt and it is awesome to drive. at present I am having some tech issues, but I got it for cheap with only 76000 miles on it.
I owned a 1985 between 1990-1997 & I found clutches were replaced as often as brakes. Otherwise, this car was a true sleeper, as its reputation was that of a slowpoke based on its 1984 debut. Hands-down, this was the best handling car I've driven. These cars can still be had at decent prices, and are still worth a strong look for the TRUE sporting car enthusiast.
Fieros are know for clutch problems. It is not a driver problem, but a defect in the clutch pedal. Check out on line for this issue and you will see that the clutch pedal is made of soft metal and begins to bend or warp, this doesn't allow the clutch to engaged fully and thus the clutch slowly wears out. I had the problem on my 85 GT. I had it replaced by the garage after reading up on the problem and after my 3rd clutch within 1 1/2 years.