4th Gen Pontiac Firebird With A V8 - The Devil On Your Shoulder

Better Than New

00:00 - OPEN:

The 4th Gen Pontiac Firebird With A V8 is The Devil On Your Shoulder

The focus of today’s episode is a car that can bring out the inner hooligan in all of us. And for those who aren't certain if an inner-hooligan lurks just below the surface of their personality, rest assured that if it's there, this car will find it, yank it loose and set it free.

01:15 - INTRO

Looking for Fun? Get a Firebird With A V8 and a Manual Transmission

So what is this car that makes good people do bad things? It’s the 1993-2002 4th Generation Pontiac Firebird, and in the case of today’s episode, I’m suggesting you get your 4th Gen Firebird with a V8 and a manual transmission, not a 6-cylinder engine and an automatic.

05:25 - You Might Want One If...

• You always wanted a V8 muscle car, but you keep putting it off
• You like the idea of driving something different that still offers up serious driving fun and performance at a great price
• You have a bit of a wild streak and you’re looking for a way to express it.

07:00 - 4th Generation Firebird Details

SPECS – 1993 Pontiac Trans Am with 5.7-liter V8

• Engine: 5.7-liter V8
• Output: 275-hp/325-lb.ft of torque
• Curb Weight: 3455 lbs
• Transmission: Borg Warner 6-speed manual (4-spd auto optional)
• Tires: 245/50-16
• Brakes: 4-wheel Disc with ABS
• Axle: Live axle rear end

PERFORMANCE - 1993 Pontiac Trans Am w/5.7-liter V8

• 0-60 mph: 6.2 (Motorweek) & 5.5 (Car and Driver)
• Quarter Mile: 14.7 @ 98-mph (MW) & 14.2 @ 99-mph (CD)
• 60-0 Braking: 111-ft (MW)
• 70-0 Braking: 172-ft (CD)
• Road-holding: on 300-ft skidpad, .89 G (CD)
• Road test fuel economy: 22-mpg (MW), 20-mph (CD)
• EPA Fuel economy rating: 17-city/25-highway

EXTERIOR STYLING

The long, low and sleek aero-look of the 4th Generation Firebird drew inspiration from the design of the 1988 Pontiac Banshee IV show car and from the later California Concept Camaro.

INTERIOR APPOINTMENTS

The 4th Generation Firebird has a functional cockpit that doesn’t compromise driving fun. Up front it has comfortable bucket seats for driver and passenger that offer good support with leather or cloth seating surfaces. On the downside, the interior plastic material won’t win any awards. Slick and cheap-looking, it won't win any awards. In back, 2+2 seating with a folding rear seat back adds to carrying capacity under the rear hatchback, while also offering seating for two additional passengers for short trips.

13:00 - What's Great And Not So Great About The 4th Gen Firebird

WHAT'S GREAT:

• Quick
• Loud
• Seriously fun to drive
• Decent enough ergonomics
• One of the last affordable V8 pony cars

WHAT'S NOT SO GREAT:

• Serious on-throttle over-steer, so pay attention
• Not safe for novice drivers… especially in the rain
• Don’t buy one for your newly minted 16-year old driver
• Requires a healthy dose of mature executive function to stay upright

13:50 - What To Look For In a 4th Gen Firebird With A V8

• Adult Owned
• Minimal owners
• Well maintained (no deferred maintenance)
• No wrecked/rebuilt examples
• Store indoors out of the elements
• Unmodified stock examples are best
• Relatively Low miles
• Get the manual transmission.

16:55 - What Should You Pay For a 4th Gen Firebird With A V8?

These cars are still affordable, but prices will go up over time, especially for models that offer more power and performance, including the WS6 package T/A, the Firehawk SLP and others.

• $6,000 - $9,000: I have found amazing deals in this price range.
• $9000 - $12,000: Best value - Good cars will pop up, but be quick
• $12,000-$15,000: You should easily find good cars in this range
• $15,000+ Collector and well-optioned low-mile, one-owner cars

24:00 - CLOSE

No one said your commute had to be boring or you that had to be practical and buy a car that fits into some adult-shaped mold. So go buy a 4th Gen Firebird with a V8 while they’re still affordable, then cancel your therapy sessions and live a little. You can thank me later.