1999 Pontiac Firebird Review | Edmunds.com
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1999 Pontiac Firebird

 
 
 
Edmunds Review (54) MPG
 
 
Pontiac Firebird Features and Specs

Features & Specs

  • Engine 3.8 L V 6-cylinder
  • Drivetrain Rear Wheel Drive
  • Transmission 5-speed Manual
  • Horse Power 200 hp @ 5200 rpm
  • Fuel Economy 17/28 mpg
  • Bluetooth No
  • Navigation No
  • Heated Seats No
See All Features & Specs
 

Review of the 1999 Pontiac Firebird

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  • Pros

    Powerful V6, spectacular V8, true muscle car performance package at bargain-basement price.

  • Cons

    Boy-racer-in-gold-chains image, cheesy interior plastic, sky-high insurance rates for V8 models.

  • What's New for 1999

    Electronic traction control is now available on all models, with a bigger gas tank and an oil life monitor standard. A Torsen…

 
What Others Are Saying

Customer Reviews

  Average Consumer Rating (54 total reviews)

Love it!

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Vehicle: 1999 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am 2dr Hatchback

In 2007, I was looking for a camaro as I had had a 1973, 1978, and 1989 in the past and loved them. Then I saw the red T/A sitting at a buick dealer. A 1999 with only 34,000 miles on it. T-tops, leather power seats with power lumbar support, auto-trans, 10 speaker cd stereo, I was in heaven! I love that when you tromp on it, it plants you back in the seat and the tires chirp in the first 3 gears even when you leave the trans in Drive. She is beautiful. As for repairs, I have had to replace one head light motor, one power window motor, two modules, and for some reason, multiple turn signal bulbs. I try to keep the milage down, but I love to drive it so it now has 65,000 miles. I adore my t/a.



1999 3.8l v6 automatic

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Vehicle: 1999 Pontiac Firebird 2dr Hatchback

I just recently went on a road trip from the Hi-Desert, CA to both Phoenix and Prescott, AZ. The care handles very nicely and is fun to drive. The only thing is it made my back sore after driving 300 miles. It's not really a car built for comfort, especially for a tall person like me who's pushing 6'3". It has awesome styling and pretty good acceleration for a V6. It gets alot of head turns, especially at night with its stylish headlights. Without any additions it tops out at 118 to 119mph. I'm sure with a supercharger and/or turbo it would max out around 130 to 150mph. I'm just guessing though. It comes standard with a crappy stereo system that has alot of issues. I changed it out



It's a hand grenade!

by on
Vehicle: 1999 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am 2dr Hatchback

It was fun to drive but it's a rattle trap piece of junk. What hasn't been replaced or fixed? You name it. The rear end bearings have been done twice and third gear just disappeared. Doors sag, locks jam, wiper motor went, have replaced all rotors the fronts twice, calipers replaced, cat is rattling, sway bar links replaced, as it gets older everything is loosening up exponentially (spelling on that one?). the motor is starting to knock a bit in cold weather (sounds like a rod) and I use Synthetic Oil only. Looks nice and goes fast but wasn't made for the long haul. If your looking at one over 100K run RUN!



Lots of work

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Vehicle: 1999 Pontiac Firebird 2dr Hatchback

I owned a 1997 Firebird before I bought this one and sold it with 167k and never had a single issue out of it, so naturally I bought another one. This one has been nothing but a headache. After having the vehicle for a week, my check engine light came on. Misfire due to bent valve and my automatic tensioner was bad. $1300 to fix. Three weeks later, car started running rough, then not at all. I had to replace all three coil packs and ignition module. Chrome rims had some sort of defect where they would not hold air, so I had to buy another set. Then yesterday it started the same rough running as before. Also, the electrical systems randomly quit operating and turn signals burn out in 2 days.



Unique in all the right

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Vehicle: 1999 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am 2dr Hatchback

I had a choice between this car and a 964 Porsche and chose this because of it's raw nature. It demands a great level of skill and respect to drive fast, and I felt up to the challenge. The Borg-Warner T-56 is a beast of a shift and the live rear axle keeps me 'focused' in mid-apex. But it all makes sense once you have kept up with a Ferrari 360 down the PCH and he pulls up next to you in disbelief...priceless.



A truely brilliant and special

by on
Vehicle: 1999 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am 2dr Hatchback

Not many words need be said of this car. Just notice the next one you see on the road that has been properly taken care of. Near perfect sportscar design and function. Yes the live rear end does try to spoil the party from time to time, but the sheer enjoyment of driving the last properly true muscle car made in the world is an event to behold. Enough with the 'hillbilly ferrari' jokes. These cars have exceptional road feel and lateral stability! The LS1 and 6 speed work perfectly together, getting 18mpg in the city and around 32(!)mpg highway. OEM brakes are fantastic. My car currently has 100k tacked on and feels solid as a rock.


 
 
 
Gas Mileage

EPA-Rated MPG

  • 17
  • cty
/
  • 28
  • highway
Calculate Yearly Fuel Costs
 

Other Firebird Years

 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Full 1999 Pontiac Firebird Review

What's New for 1999

Electronic traction control is now available on all models, with a bigger gas tank and an oil life monitor standard. A Torsen limited-slip rear axle comes with V8 models (and V6 cars with the performance package), while an eight-speaker Delco/Monsoon sound system goes into the convertible. A power-steering cooler is now available for V8s, and a Hurst shifter is optional on the six-speed manual transmission. The Ram Air WS6 package now sports dual outlet exhaust, and two new exterior colors debut, Pewter and Medium Blue Metallic. The 30th anniversary Trans Am sports an extroverted paint scheme that features two blue stripes running over the hood and deck lid.

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