1988 Pontiac Firebird Reviews - Page 5 of 6

My alternator went when I put a stereo system in. $90-

Had to replace the front calipers, pads and hoses *cheap fix though* $75 for everything.

Headliner has worn around t-tops. Didn't fix that yet.

Tires on the back needed replacing. $96 a piece. (it's hard not to have a little fun)

I have owned 2 3rd gen Camaro's (1 RS, 1 Z28) and this is my second of the Pontiac make (1st was a WS6 Formula.) This car outperforms and out-handles all of them.

The manual transmission is a must, automatic is just no fun in these cars.

With a good aftermarket exhaust (Hooker is an excellent choice) the car sounds as great as it looks.

Many people will not like how low the driver sits, personally, I like it.

All in all, I love my '88 Trans Am, wouldn't have bought anything else!

Wiring was bad when I bought it Aug 99.

Fuel Filter Sep 99.

Tore off Transmission Pan Dec 99.

Replaced thermostat Feb 00.

Replaced Alternator 3 times April 00.

4 new tires May 00.

New starter Aug 00.

New brakes Jul 01.

New ignition cylinder May 02.

Tore off transmission pan again May 02.

This car is fast.

On the highway I can get 500 kms to one tank of gas. In town, I cannot brag about the gas mileage.

For the past two years it has been very reliable, and has not broken down in a mechanical way. I have not been afraid to drive it across the country at all.

I now live in Ontario, but my car is plated in Saskatchewan. I have to have it inspected soon, and I figure I'll need new back tires, new windshield, catylitic convertor, e-brake cable and new front brakes.

The alternator failed at 150,000 miles.

The Mass Air Flow sensor failed at 152,000 miles.

My bright red beauty still as the original engine and transmission although I believe it was painted before.

My interior is as perfect as the exterior, what a beautiful ride.

Although not driven in northern Michigan winters, the summers are well driven.

The water pump gave way at 56K ($225).

The driver's seat is showing some age.

The right front wheel has scuff marks from curbs on the outer lip.

This car is amazingly fast, but not too much faster than my 1987 Nissan 300ZX turbo that I had before this.

GM really needs to keep the F-Body alive or it will start losing customers.

Transmission started to slip at 120,000, the day after I got back from the race track.

The most annoying problem is the VATS security system. It failed a several times, each time past its previous warranty. I hot wired the car because I was tired of paying for it.

The front end is also a headache, I have replace the tie rods, power steering gear, lower ball joints (twice), and it still doesn't feel right. Expect these problems around 90k miles.

The foam rear spoiler is cracked beyond repair due to the sun.

Aside from a couple of minor headaches, I love this car.

It has awesome acceleration. I can still drive at 100mph+ and feel like I am moving slow.

The handling is unexpectedly great for a car of this size.

The exhaust sound from the Flow-master system is sweet, though I do get pulled over for it. It always sounds faster than I really am going.

The gas mileage is good if you don't stop on the freeway. It is poor around town.

After a new paint job last year, people always stop and ask if I want to sell it. Never!!! I plan to be the last owner of this red bird.