The 1997 Pontiac Firebird Convertible Base is a Rear-wheel drive Convertible. It can accommodate up to 4 passengers. It has 2 Doors and is powered by a 3.8L V6 OHV 12 valves engine which outputs 200 hp @
5200 rpm and is paired with 4 speed automatic gearbox. The 1997 Pontiac Firebird Convertible Base has cargo capacity of 215 Liters and the vehicle weighs 1577 kg. In terms of ride assists, the 1997 Pontiac Firebird Convertible Base has stability control and traction control in addition to anti-lock brake system (ABS). The vehicle has an optional engine as well It offers and. Safety features also include None and None. The front suspension is while the rear suspension is. The car also features a It has as standard. Electronic features include Cruise Control. For convenience, the car has Power windows and Power door locks. There is also a remote keyless entry feature. Moreover, the car has. The steering wheel has audio control buttons. In terms of performance, the car has 218 N.m of torque and a top speed of 215 km/h. The 1997 Pontiac Firebird Convertible Base accelerates from zero to 60 mph in 8.2 seconds and hits quarter mile at 16.1 seconds. Fuel consumption is 12.7 L/100km in the city and 7.8 L/100km in the highway. The car price starts at $ 30,625
Estimates based on a driving average of 12,000 miles per year
Used Condition
Trade In Price
Private Party Price
Dealer Retail Price
Outstanding
$ 3,874
$ 4,378
$ 4,664
Clean
$ 3,421
$ 3,877
$ 4,132
Average
$ 2,516
$ 2,875
$ 3,069
Rough
$ 1,611
$ 1,873
$ 2,005
Except for a small period of history during the early '80s, Firebird has been synonymous with performance since 1967. The blue-striped Trans Am from 1969 comes to mind, along with the 1974 SD-455, the 1977 black and gold 6.6-liter T/A abused by Burt Reynolds in "Smokey and the Bandit," the orange 1978 Firebird Esprit driven to fame by James Garner in "The Rockford Files," the 1989 Turbo V6 Indianapolis 500 pace car, and this, the current iteration of Pontiac's F-car.
The Firebird, in base form, is a beautiful car. The blend of angular greenhouse lines and softly bulging sheetmetal creates the automotive equivalent of Kim Basinger in a silk nightgown. Unfortunately, the bespoilered Trans Am, with its aero skirting, decklid Batwing, and peek-a-boo driving lights ruins the effect. Not to worry; the Formula provides all of the T/A's hardware goodies in a more restrained, lighter, less costly package.
The Firebird's cockpit is a nice blend of style and function, and is much better executed than that found in its corporate twin, the Chevrolet Camaro. Dual airbags and anti-lock brakes are standard, and Firebird Formula and Trans Am can be equipped with an optional traction control system. Additionally, convertible versions of each model were introduced in 1994, so if top-down motoring is preferable, for a boost in price it is yours.
Performance from the Corvette-derived 5.7-liter V8 is astounding, providing enough power to get the Firebird to 60 mph faster than your ten-year-old can get to 40 yards. The LT1 V8 is good for 285 horsepower. Need more than that? A Ram Air WS6 Performance and Handling Package for the Formula and T/A is available, featuring twin hood scoops that force cool air into the LT1, resulting in 20 extra ponies. WS6 suspension tuning and P275/40ZR17 tires keep the Ram Air Firebird planted to the ground. Ram Air is available for the first time this year on convertible editions of the Formula and Trans Am. Base models are powered by a 3800 Series II V6 that makes 200 horsepower, 45 more than rival Ford Mustang. A Performance Package for base Firebirds includes four-wheel disc brakes, a limited slip differential, dual exhausts, bigger tires and a tighter steering ratio.
Pontiac has substantially improved the Firebird for 1997. In addition to the expanded availability of Ram Air, the Firebird can be equipped with a new 500-watt Monsoon sound system. Power seats can be covered in leather this year, and four-way seat adjustment is standard on all Firebird models. Air conditioning also makes the 1997 standard equipment list, along with a new center console with dual auxiliary power outlets. Base Firebirds get engine vibration dampeners and bodyside moldings, while Ram Air coupes receive 17-inch high polished wheels. Green Metallic joins the exterior color roster, and interiors can be dyed Dark Pewter if you please. Finally, GM makes good on its threat to add daytime running lights to the Firebird despite the car's hidden headlamp system. High intensity parking lamps glow all day long. Just great.
With world-class powertrains and hot sheetmetal at a low price, the 1997 Firebird fries Ford's Mustang. Stay away from the well-optioned Trans Am, because the Formula provides all the performance and image you need, and keeps your budget well in the black.
1997 Pontiac Firebird Convertible Base Exterior Colors
1997 Pontiac Firebird Convertible Base Interior Colors
Unveiled in 1995, the Pontiac Firebird Convertible brought a different perspective over this popular car model produced by the US car manufacturer ever since 1967.
The 1994 Pontiac Firebird represents the fourth generation of this popular car first introduced by the American company in 1967.
The Pontiac car company draws its name from the town of Pontiac, Michigan, where Edward M. Murphy first established the Pontiac Buggy Company in 1893, which specialized in making horse-drawn carriages. Several years later, in 1907, when Murphy realized the future was in motor driven vehicles, he turned the buggy company into the Oakland Motor Car Company.
This company was bought by General Motors in 1909 after the timely death of its founder. The first Pontiac car was the Five Passenger Coach in 1926, introduced to the public at the new York Auto Show. It was a six-cylinder engine meant to be powerful enough to outrun the 4-cylinder cars on the road at the time, but still be cheaper than most models.
The success of this first model which sold in record numbers spawned the next six-cylinder car, the Pontiac Big Six in 1929, so named because of the increased displacement and horsepower. At first Pontiac cars were marketed by GM as a low-price version of their Oakland models, but starting with the 30s, the company tried to ditch the image for “reliable but otherwise boring” cars.
They set their eyes on a more younger market,and tried to capture their attention with faster, better looking cars such as the Torpedo Deluxe 8 and the Chieftain Super Deluxe which also came in coupe versions. A thing also worth mentioning is the fact that Pontiac was the first to offer engine options for the same car to the customer.
But the first defining model for Pontiac was the 1957 Boneville, the one who introduced the fin design that would define a whole era of American cars. Among American cars manufacturers, the Pontiac was now seen as a car that was flashy like a Chevrolet but reliable and cheap like an Oldsmobile or a Buick.
In 1964, the first American muscle car was born and it incidentally was a Pontiac, the GTO (Grand Turismo Omologato). From then on, the 60s was going to be all about going as fast as you can with the biggest engine possible. The only thing is that you looked good while doing it in a Pontiac. While the other manufacturers were quick to imitate this trend, the GTO remains the original muscle car.
But the GTO wasn't the only cult car to come out in the 60s bearing the Pontiac logo. In 1967 another American symbol saw the light of day, the Pontiac Firebird, a direct contender for the Dodge Challenger and the Mercury Cougar. Then came the Firebird Trans Am in 1969. both these cars continued to be produced by GM until 2002, a testament to their success.
As the oil crisis from the 70s hit America, GM was going strong with a long range of gas-guzzling motors that weren't that environmentally friendly. With all the new emissions regulations and fuel shortages, people just didn't want big muscle cars anymore and GM was forced to downsize just to be able to stay on the market.
That's why during the 80s, the Pontiac Fiero was a car considered by many to be built out of the scrap parts of other GM models. This didn't make it very popular with the public but the fact of the matter was that later versions of the car were actually rather good from a performance point of view.
There followed a long period for Pontiac during which all cars sold would be some other GM models simply bearing the Pontiac logo. The only notable appearances were the Pontiac Trans Sport, a people carrier and the Sunfire. Pontiac affifionados might also remember the 90s version of the Firebird, a very torpedo-shaped car, the quintessence of the American sports car.
In order to help the company come out of its bad pass, the famous GTO was ressurected but the results were not to everyone's taste, just as the Firebird did not go well with traditionalists. Based on the Australian Monaro Vauxhall chassis, the new GTO would have the same stamina as its predecessor but from a visual point of view it lacked any originality whatsoever, a fact that turned many fans away from the new model.
Lately, Pontiac is returning to its roots as a muscle car provider for the masses as the first model to have a V8 engines since 1987 was announced in 2005, the Pontiac Solstice
1997 Pontiac Firebird Consumer Reviews
outercompleted, 02/25/2009
A great American muscle car
'97 Pontiac Trans Am. Love my baby! I bought this car used (one owner), and it's now 11 years old, but you'd never know it. It's been very dependable and hasn't given me any major problems, except that I go through rotors fairly fast even though I'm not hard on braking. Obviously not recommended for everyone, but it's awesome to drive. It's my daily driver, and I put about 8,000 miles on it annually. Not too good in the snow, but if you've driven RWD before, you'll know what to expect - Traction control helps. If you have a "beater" and can keep a car like this in the garage in the winter, that's the best option. It's a shame GM doesn't make these anymore; they are sorely missed.
agreecost, 01/30/2008
Great Summer Car!
This is a wonderful car, my grandmother bought this car in 1997 brand new and although it has had some major problems I still love this car. Fuel pump replaced twice and the plugs and wires have been changed every summer we pull it out of storage since it was about four years old. Car has great acceleration and good feel when shifting this 5-speed. Excellent fuel economy (23/35) when driving like this car was meant to be driven (fast). Some problems have occured at about 60k miles such as the window motors going out and the radio but that's to be expected. This car is very dangerous in the winter on ice as we live in michigan so it is only driven in the summer. Very nice car for the money!
underpassaffected, 06/13/2005
Ram Air TA convertible 97
great looks, super power, good handling for convertible. the ram air is the only way to go. find a used one in good condition and avg miles. fun to drive, fun to clean, and worth the money (avg 12k to 14k). i'm 6'2 and 275 lbs. its pretty comfortable. it would be perfect for someone a little smaller.
flyablepursuable, 11/03/2006
Good Driving Car, Solid
This car is an excellent car to drive, it's real solid, the power is not too bad either, the formulas were actually faster than the Trans Ams, with a 5.7 second 0-60 compared to the Trans Am's 6.1 second 0-60.
conclusiongigabyte, 10/28/2019
1998 Pontiac Firebird
"4th Gen. Trans Am Last of the breed very fun"
Bought my 1998 Trans Am convertible from a private party. Wanted a muscle car for shows and weekend fun. Bought it completely stock. Added some bolt ons for increased horsepower. Love it! Very fun and fast enough. Drive in the dry seasons. Stays in the garage winter months.
stararticle, 07/22/2019
1996 Pontiac Firebird
"Great sports car"
I've had my baby for over 20 years now and it's been a joy to drive. It's got more than enough power and torque. It's comfortable and gets really good mileage on the highway. I don't drive it often anymore but when I do I love every minute of it.
frarchedalfred, 03/10/2019
1997 Pontiac Firebird
"1997 Pontiac Fireird Formula Convertible, LT 1"
Although I put a new top on it in 2010 it has recently started to leak. I think it is the rubber seal that needs to be replaced. The driver seat has ripped and needs to be recovered.
I have owned and still have a 2009 Kia amanti it is now 2024 I have 51000 miles on this car excellent handling in all weather except ice and deep snow very fast in traffic I think the handling is tight and responsive. My spouse has driven this on the interstate frequently and the first thing he did was get it up to 220 mph at this speed is floaty but under 80 mph just a pleasure to drive *****
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