How reliable are Pontiac Firebirds from 1990 - 1999?

Question

I'm thinking about buying a older firebird, but I don't know much about them. Any thoughts?

Answer 1

you are talking about two different generations of this car. but any way like any car out their if you take care of it IE regular maintenance then these cars will last. The only reason why people put down car makes and models is because they them selves don't know how to or are not aware that their cars need more than gas and an oil change.

Answer 2

Reliability should be pretty good but not in the top of the class, I would rather get a Ford Mustang 5.0 over a Pontiac Firebird.

Answer 3

OK first of all you have the 3rd generation and the 4th generations there. They are 2 completely different body styles. Depending which one you want my suggestion would be if you pick a 3rd gen(1990-1992) stick with the V8. The V6 are junk. The 4th gens 1993-up are OK as long as you have a 3.8 or better in them.

Personally the Firebirds are more of a girls car because of its amenities. They are more of a laid back type of car. Now if you are looking for something that means business. The Camaro is the way to go!!! The ex police cruisers are the best.

Answer 4

I have a 97 drop top with 180k on it. Ive got the 3.8 on it and have had to replace only 1, yes only 1 driveability part. I had to replaced the mass air flow sensor and it was about $110. Other than that Ive replaced 2 pieces for my drop top, due to the fact I live on a bumpy dirt road. The car is great and super reliable. It goes everywhere with me in the summer. I just cant bring my-self to sell it due to the high mileage. Nobody wants to pay for it. Oh well, their loss my gain. Its gonna be getting a New body kit and a ram air hood along with a stroked LS-6 and a lil blower.

Answer 5

Any Firebird or Camero will give you periodic headaches. None of these cars had the best ratings for reliability, but not many other cars do either. Just say "What the F&#K" and buy one. They are fun to drive, look awsome and are better than any rice-rocket. I prefer my 72' GTO, but they are imposible to find now or to afford to buy.

Answer 6

Not sure about the later years but mine had so many problems I was tempted to leave it at the car dealer.

1) T-top leaked - according to Pontiac considered trim so not covered by lemon law.

2) electrical system shorted out while driving home one night

3) wind shield wipers shorted couldn't turn them off.

4) battery died, couldn't recharge had to buy new.

5) when they tried to repair the t-top they left black adhesive all over liner and on upholstery.

6) also at the dealer someone scratched the paint down to metal on driver door, they claimed I had turned it in that way.

7) car turned in for repairs with 3/4 tank received with only 1/4 tank. they claimed they had to test drive it to verify repairs, and this was for a leaking t-top, don't need to drive it to test that out.

Answer 7

They are not reliable and a bear to work on when they break down. These are image cars with a high-maintenance relationship. I owned a Camaro that was on the same chassis more or less and it was more show than go. Get a Toyota or Honda if you want reliability.

Answer 8

i own a repair shop,,and i had a 91 it was a pretty good car,,and i work on a few of them,,there all right as long as they have been taken care of,,if not it will break you in repair cost,,they can give a lot of trouble if they have been run to death,,just be care full when you buy something,,make sure its not junk,,take someone with you ,,and let the look at it,,and make sure its what you want before you buy it,,good luck with it,,i hope this help,s.

Answer 9

The reliability is really out of the question here. Most of these sports cars were whooped on and beat to hell. Find one that has lower milaege with records..carfax it too to make sure it wasnt rebuilt.

Answer 10

had a 82 t top loved it but it just had a 2.8 in it