9th Apr 2006, 19:31
I've got a 1989 Firebird Formula with the 5.0L TPI engine, a 5-speed manual, and dual catalytic converters. Ordered it new from Pontiac at the end of the model year run and before learning that this was destined to be a rare powertrain combination. Initially I had intended the car to be my daily driver, but once I learned how treacherous it was in snow, I decided to garage it every winter. Over time, I wound up driving it only in the summer months, and it's only got about 41,000 miles on it now. I now live in the southern part of the country, and can drive it almost year 'round, although I still generally only take it out on weekends when the weather is nice. The car has held up well; aside from a few minor cosmetic issues that developed over time (e.g., headliner drooping, small split in rear wing), the only mechanical problem is that the headlamp actuators are not long for this world. The car still runs like a champ and WILL outrun a lot of other vehicles (including Mustangs). In fact, about 5 months ago I had it at a local drag strip for a "fun run" night (only time it's been raced) ; a friend of mine from work has a 2004 GTO with the LS1 Corvette engine and a 6-speed, and my ol' Formula ran neck-n-neck with it during two runs down the track! Beat him in one heat, got inched out by him in the other. For the money I paid for it (about $10-11k back in 1989), it's been a great car, and is still as fun to drive now as it was when new!
6th Jun 2006, 21:36
My car is a 1989 Firebird GTA with a 5.7 350 and it has all the bells and whistles. I love this car and will beat a lot of cars out there on the street and runs like a champ. The 5.7 has the T.P.I injection and gives a couple of horsepower. Everyone on the road wishes they had my car and a lot of people stare at me when I fly pass them and they almost crash. I would never sell this car and have had a couple of offers over 6,000.
5th Apr 2006, 02:13
I have a 1989 Firebird with 240,000 miles on it. I love this car and it has never really given me any trouble. It runs and runs and I have driven it everywhere. When I went across the US I passed people who were in new cars and were stuck in the mountains and then also in the desert. Both times I stopped to help them in their newer model cars. My car was nearly flawless inside and out (I had it repainted once) and then on March 15, 2006 someone was looking at the floor of their Jeep, going 40 mph and never saw me stopped at a stop light ahead. WHAM! They hit my car from the rear and did quite a bit of damage. The insurance company wants to give me $400+ for the car and take my title. The car is still driveable and I am going to get it fixed. The offer I received makes me sick. This is an incredible vehicle and was sound and ran wonderfully and I know it can again. The insurance company's offer is ridiculous. What do you think? Those of you who have Firebirds, let me know. My car is a Knight Rider twin with all the "bells and whistles".