1988 Pontiac Fiero Coupe (Base Model) review from North America

Most of the car's problems were result of the second owner not driving it for two years.

The clutch needed replacement, but that was my fault when I had the clutch at halfway, while I was driving the car slowly up a ramp. It's what happens when a novice stick shift driver drives a sports car.

The $20 coolant sensor needed replacement to restore the normal functioning of the radiator fan.

The $25 oxygen sensor needed replacement to keep the fuel to air ratio within specifications.

The spark plugs had 48 thousand miles on them, so they needed replacement.

The rubber bushings in the control arms and the shock absorbers needed replacement from hard driving, like all cars.

And finally, it needed a new coat of paint from sitting in the sun for two years.

A joy to drive on back roads, and with some horsepower upgrades, it will be great on drag strips.

The fact that the car is so light helps the acceleration, but now there are V8 kits available, which makes the power per dollar ratio great.

There are so many upgrades, and web sites dedicated to this car, and why not. It's consumer based like Saturn with its plastic body and low cost, it's Italian based with its handling and styling, the 1987 and 88' had German transmissions, and it has America written all over this wonderful combination.

And it will be back in 2003, with the Fiero GT.