Pontiac Firebird 1992–2002 car dimensions: 5004 mm long, 1892 mm wide and 1313 mm high. Unladen weight is 1,608 kg. Braked towing is 680 kg.
Dual front airbags and four-wheel ABS are standard across the range. Air conditioning and cruise control come standard. Traction control is available. The low-slung cabin suits two adults best, with tight rear legroom and a floor hump limiting front passenger space. Analog gauges and CD stereos are fitted, with optional higher-power sound systems on some grades.
The hatchback provides 365 liters of cargo space with the rear seats up. Folding the seats expands it to 954 liters.
Maximum towing capacity reaches 680 kg under normal conditions, dropping to 450 kg on long grades in high heat. Payload is listed around 434 kg on some models. The WS6 package adds a specifically tuned suspension.
The cabin is a low-slung cockpit built around the driver with reclining front bucket seats that offer good support. Leather upholstery is standard on Trans Am models and a 6-way power driver seat comes standard. Articulating seats with adjustable thigh bolsters were optional on some grades. Rear seats are tight even for children and cargo space is limited with the rear seat up but expands when folded. Materials are mostly plastic with analog gauges and a center console holding cupholders. T-top removable roof panels were standard on Trans Am coupes for open-air feel. The ride is firm and the cabin can be noisy over rough roads.
V8 models return EPA estimates of 16-18 city and 24-26 highway mpg depending on year and transmission.
Fuel tank holds 15.5 gallons early in the run, rising to 16.8 gallons later.
Dual front airbags and antilock brakes are standard from 1993. V8 models get 4-wheel discs.
NHTSA frontal crash tests rate driver and passenger at 4 or 5 stars on tested years.
Oil and filter changes are listed every 3,000 miles under short-trip conditions or 7,500 miles otherwise.
V8 Trans Am models deliver strong acceleration but return modest fuel economy in the mid-teens city and mid-20s highway. A larger fuel tank arrived later in the generation to extend range. Premium fuel is recommended for the higher-output engines.
Routine oil changes follow the severe or normal schedule in the owner manual, with chassis lubrication and tire rotation at the same intervals. Air cleaner service and transmission fluid checks fall at longer mileages. Common wear items include brake rotors and window motors.
Safety equipment starts with dual front airbags and ABS across the board from 1993. Traction control became available later. Crash-test results show solid frontal protection on the years that were evaluated, with side ratings lower where tested. Daytime running lights arrived as standard mid-run.
These cars reward careful maintenance and can cover high miles when the LT1 or LS1 V8 is kept stock and serviced. Watch for coolant leaks on the intake manifold, power antenna failures, and rear-end wear. Parts remain available through specialist suppliers.
Length 5004 mm, Width 1892 mm, Height 1313 mm, Wheelbase 2568 mm (Firebird 1992–2002)
Sources: manufacturer data, Wikipedia/auto-data.net/new-cars.com/KBB/conceptcarz.