2001 Pontiac Firebird Review
2001 Pontiac Firebird Review
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Used Firebird for sale
Appraise This CarPontiac Firebird model years
Pontiac Firebird types
- Hatchback
- Convertible
- Trans Am
See Edmunds pricing data
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Powerful V6, spectacular V8, true muscle-car performance at a bargain price.
Cons
- Boy-racer-in-gold-chains image, cheesy interior plastic, V8 nets sky-high insurance rates.
What’s new
For 2001, V8-equipped Formula and Trans Am receive five more horsepower and five more pound-feet of torque, new exterior and interior colors join the palette and the Ram Air Formula is dropped from the lineup.
Edmunds says
Although were not thrilled by the cheap plastic interior and poor visibility, the Firebird never fails to serve up plenty of cheap tire-smokin' fun.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2001 Pontiac Firebird 2dr Hatchback (3.8L 6cyl 5M) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.36 per gallon for regular unleaded in Ohio.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio
$191/mo for Firebird Base
Firebird Base
vs
$176/mo
Avg. Midsize Car
Vehicle overview
The Pontiac Firebird is a car meant to convey sex appeal. Its blend of angular greenhouse lines and softly bulging sheetmetal creates the automotive equivalent of a supermodel in a silk nightgown. Unfortunately, the bespoilered Trans Am (with its aero skirting, decklid "batwing" and louvered side scoops) ruins the effect. Not to worry; the midlevel Formula provides all of the T/A's hardware and go-fast goodies in a more restrained-looking, lighter, less costly package. The Firebird's cockpit is a futuristic blend of style and function, and is better executed than that of its corporate twin, the Chevrolet Camaro. Dual airbags and antilock brakes are standard, and the optional traction-control system can be ordered on all models. Additionally, convertible versions of Firebird and Trans Am are available (but not Formula), for a corresponding boost in price. Performance from the Corvette-derived LS1 V8 is nothing short of astounding, providing enough grunt to get the Firebird to 60 mph faster than your 10-year-old can get to 40 yards. The pushrod 5.7-liter that comes standard on Formula and Trans Am now makes 310 horsepower (up five from last year), and a more-important 340 foot-pounds (five more than last year) of tire-blistering torque. Want even more? A Ram Air WS6 performance and handling package for the T/A is available (the Formula version has been dropped for 2001), featuring twin hood scoops that force cool air into the engine, resulting in 15 extra ponies. WS6 suspension tuning and 275/40ZR-17 rubber keep the Ram Air Firebird planted to the ground, while a dual-outlet exhaust system is the last thing most poor souls trying to catch you will see. All V8 models come standard with a four-speed automatic transmission; a six-speed manual is a no-cost option. Base Firebirds are powered by a 3800 Series II V6 that makes a peppy 200 horsepower, and can be optioned with a performance package of their own. This "insurance special" includes bigger tires, a limited-slip differential, dual exhaust and uplevel steering. A slick-shifting, five-speed manual transmission is standard on the V6.
With world-class powertrains and hot-looking sheetmetal at a low base price, the Firebird fries Ford's Mustang, not only at the stoplight but also at the racetrack. Problem is, Ford's beloved pony car is pummeling Pontiac's performance flagship in dealer showrooms, outselling this GM F-body at better than a 3-to-1 clip. While Mustang's packaging and refinement may have earned it a wider audience, Firebird wears its modern-day muscle-car crown well. If this powerful pony car legend has been on your wish list for a while, the time to act is now. The current F-body's days are numbered, with 2002 as the last model year. If the Camaro/Firebird nameplates live on into the new millennium, look for them to be reborn in a vastly different form on an all-new platform.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2001 Pontiac Firebird.
5 star(81%)
4 star(17%)
3 star(2%)
2 star(0%)
1 star(0%)
53 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
5 out of 5 stars
trans am ws6 review
t/a man, 12/12/2003
2001 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am 2dr Hatchback (5.7L 8cyl 4A)
Though minor problems have been
experienced, such as mass airflow
sensor,this car is a joy to own, and
even more fun to drive. Reliability
has never been an issue,nor has ride
quality, as some might think. The ws6
ram air package is also worth it's
weight in gold. In summary, I would
most definately recommend this car to
anyone in the market, and I plan to
still … have this car for many, many
years to come.
4.63 out of 5 stars
Luv my weekend toy
crazygrrrl, 08/01/2010
2001 Pontiac Firebird 2dr Hatchback (3.8L 6cyl 5M)
At 45,000 miles, this is the only car I've ever bought new that I've never regretted buying. I would buy one again in a heartbeat if GM sells them again. The v6 may be an old design but it is strong and reliable, and my car has never left me stranded. I get compliments all the time. I love the fact that you can see the engine and all hoses, belts, etc. newer cars have that awful plastic … cover that hides everything. This car is easy to work on, aftermarket parts are readily available even after GM killed Pontiac. This is definitely an enthusiast's car. It's fun to drive and comfortable too! I love this car. I'm going to keep it until I get too old to drive.
4.38 out of 5 stars
LOVE THIS CAR!!!!
ksford1, 02/03/2014
2001 Pontiac Firebird 2dr Hatchback (3.8L 6cyl 5M)
14 yrs. ago I was in a Pontiac dealership having a
repair on my 1990 Sunbird, it was already at 150K mile. So as I was wondering around the showroom and spied a Red T-Top 75th Anniversary Edition Firebird!
Can you say IMPULSE BUY?! Well I've never been disappointed with her.
She sits in my driveway right now, looking just as good as she did the day I drove her home, and a few offers to … buy her. Sure, there could be more room in the back seat, have replaced EGR Valve, a headlight issue I solved, and recently a new ignition cylinder, but she's got almost 140k miles and I've Loved every one of them! I plan on giving her to my great-nephew in 3 years for his High School Graduation, or not...
5 out of 5 stars
Best Car Ever
01TransAm, 09/21/2010
2001 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am 2dr Hatchback (5.7L 8cyl 4A)
A more beautiful (yet mean looking), fun to drive, and comfortable car has never been made. I have the WS6, automatic, and it is still practically like new. The only thing it really needed that is not stock is subframe connectors to get rid of the body roll. I completely disagree with the Edmunds review about the interior. The interior plastic is not cheap. It it much better looking than … any new car interior, plus the lumbar support leather seats are top notch. The proportions are perfect - low profile, long hood, enough of a back seat to put stuff in. Millage is 17 city, over 25 if all highway, which is not bad, but who really cares anyway.
2001 Firebird Highlights
Hatchback
Base
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $18,855 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 21 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $191/month |
Seating | 4 seats |
Drivetrain | rear wheel drive |
Warranty | 3 years / 36,000 miles |
Safety
NHTSA Overall Rating
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverallNot RatedDriver4 / 5Passenger5 / 5
- Side Crash RatingOverallNot Rated
- Side Barrier RatingOverallNot RatedDriver3 / 5Passenger4 / 5
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront SeatNot RatedBack SeatNot Rated
- RolloverRolloverNot RatedDynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of RolloverNot Rated
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