1991 Pontiac Firefly Reviews

Head rebuilt at 132,000 kms, don't know cause - I bought it this way.

I've taken care of the 4 door sedan so there's no dings or rust showing, I keep it waxed and it looks really good.

I've replaced the top end again, because the overflow hose on the radiator tank fell off and I didn't check the radiator for 2 years, just the tank - it overheated - all my fault. The rest of the car is and always has been really easy on tires, brakes.

I've kept seat covers on it so the interior is very good.

I've always felt that the USA has not had the right idea in allowing the general public the choice of being able to buy a car like this. It's cheap to build (There's ton's of them still rolling) has a 1000 cc engine that, when taken care of will last for years, and when used with the 5 speed manual gears, gets a ton of miles to the gal. (The most I got, at 65 mph on a 1600 mile trip was 58 mpg measured on the USA gal.)

I don't need an electric car, nor a hybrid, and at 46 mpg in the city - I don't pollute like everyone else. The car cost me $2500 and is still worth a $1000, to the hell with the Kelley Blue Book price.

Headlight / wiper switch buttons broke.

Corrosion starting on shock towers, appears to be bad design that traps moisture between layers of metal.

Drivers seat cushion area sagging (weakening springs)

Outstanding reliability and service.

Engine still works perfectly, uses no oil.

Still averages 66 miles / imperial gallon!

Has required no repairs other than normal service.

Longevity because not winter driven.

Only weak point is corrosion on shock towers, due to a bad design that traps moisture.

With appropriate updates, this 18 year old design would be the best available car today for economy and serviceability

Exhaust systems.

Drivers window hardware.

I bought this car from a friend. The car ran and ran and ran and got almost 60 mpg! I replaced exhaust systems constantly, and the drivers window NEVER worked right, but otherwise it was a great car and I bought 2 more after it.

It was not fast, nor was it pretty, but in its 12th year it just died over a 2 week period and was scrapped.

Alternator failure at 267000km.

Original clutch replaced at 289000km - still running the original 5 speed transmission.

Head rebuilt at 339000km due to three burned exhaust valves, piston rings and bearings replaced at this time.

Original front brake rotors replaced at 349000km - $20 each.

Various plastic bits have broken over the years.

Minimal surface rust starting to appear around drivers door.

Hatchback struts recently replaced, heater core due for replacement.

This car is quite simply the most reliable and efficient vehicle I have ever owned. The first significant problem recorded - besides plastic bits breaking - was an alternator failure at 267000km.

The 1.0L engine was recently freshened up (head rebuilt and new rings/bearings) and amazingly enough only one piston skirt exhibited a tiny scratch - the cylinder bores showed absolutely zero wear. No ridge in the bore after 339,000km is quite amazing considering the mixed city/highway driving the car is subjected to. I attribute this to regular (5000km) oil and filter changes since the car was new. I also use 15-40 diesel oil in the summer (5-30 in winter) for its high detergent characteristics and additive packs and Napa Gold filters - and have since the car was purchased in 1991. I will easily get 600000km on the original pistons/bore if the rust doesn't get the car first. Even if it does, I'll just drop the engine into another body and keep going.

At 120-130km/hr highway cruise the Firefly consistently achieves 57 miles per imperial gallon. I am a long distance commuter and rack up over 50,000km per year so the fuel savings are tremendous.

The car is excellent in winter driving conditions when fitted with good winter tires. It is very nimble in traffic and really fun to drive in any season.

The car is very comfortable with great front seat leg room. I'm 6'4" 210lbs and have room to stretch.

Thieves do not target Fireflys. This is a good thing.

The safety of these mini cars is uncertain. With a Firefly defensive driving is required in a world dominated by SUVs and other land barges. This car is not much bigger than a motorbike and should be driven as such.