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Used 1997 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am Consumer Reviews

4.4 out of 5 stars
16 reviews

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4.63 out of 5 stars

A great American muscle car

TransAmChick, 02/25/2009
1997 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am 2dr Hatchback
6 of 6 people found this review helpful

'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.

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4.5 out of 5 stars

Ram Air TA convertible 97

Raggtoppz, 06/13/2005
1997 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am 2dr Convertible
6 of 6 people found this review helpful

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.

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4.88 out of 5 stars

My birdie

hitman, 09/22/2003
1997 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am 2dr Hatchback
3 of 3 people found this review helpful

All I can say is if you don't have one GET ONE!!! This is the best car I've ever owned. You will never find more bang for the buck and I think it looks way better than a camaro. Never had any problems with it, and it turns heads everywhere. It may only be worth $20 000 on the market but soeone is going to have to dish out a lot more than that to take it away. The last new ones are WAY too expensive. Won't be letting this go unless someone is willing to pay what I think its worth.

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3.75 out of 5 stars

Yikes, hang on

Neild17, 07/22/2003
1997 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am 2dr Hatchback
1 of 2 people found this review helpful

WS6! Fast, fast, fast! Although I wish I had gotten the 6-speed manual. Micro racers will stall their cars at the light to keep from racing. But, mechanically, this one has been a nightmare. Replaced rear axles at 60,000, headlights constantly were being worked on, most inside lighting has already burned out or has been replaced, stiff ride which if not carefully lifts the rear wheels with the slightest bump - potential severe axle and diff damage if racing on bumpy road. Love the car, but wish Pontiac had done a little more homework on practicality and repair frequency.

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4.13 out of 5 stars

It rocks

Swimmerboy, 04/04/2006
1997 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am 2dr Hatchback
1 of 2 people found this review helpful

This car is more fun to drive thing my mom's 2006 mustang. I have be out standing happy with my car. and it has never left me anywere. even after the waterpump went out. i was able to limp her 2 miles home. the only bad thing is she lecks a little oil. but i dont have to add oil between oil changes.

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4.25 out of 5 stars

'97 Trans Am

Sinurgy, 02/28/2002
1997 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am 2dr Hatchback
1 of 3 people found this review helpful

I chose to purchase the Trans Am for two major reasons, looks and performance. It has a very sleek yet muscular look. Also the car is simply fast. Power is always available. For the money I cannot think of a better sports car. It easily out performs the Mustang (yes, even the Cobra) and is certainly more rare. While it's performance is about the same as the Camaro, it looks so much better. To get better performance\looks you'd have to head into Vette\Boxter.

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4.38 out of 5 stars

Great Car

firebirdnation, 04/12/2013
1997 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am 2dr Convertible
1 of 7 people found this review helpful

i actually have the 3.8 firebird w-68 package (ground effects and same trans am wheel/ rim sizes) but you wouldnt think it by they way it looks, handles and performs. I have beaten multiple high end cars and performance cars off the line, down the strip etc such as Corvette Z06 or Camaro z28's. This car is superb. It is my daily driver. Im now at 141xxx and still running strong. Only problem i've had is a small oil leak but thats pretty normal on all cars. Stock the 3.8 push 200hp or so and these cars have tons of potential. Iv added multiple bolt ons (cold air etc) l and full exhaust mods and a performance chip and that alone pushes the RWHP to 380+hp. Phenominal car and handles great too

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4.88 out of 5 stars

i love the pontiac trans ams

jared, 09/01/2002
1997 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am 2dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

i currently own a 1997 pontiac trans am i have owned two trans ams in the last year and a half and i think that that is the best car i have ever bought i runs great andis fun to drive

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4.38 out of 5 stars

WS6 Great show piece

DaBattMan, 01/02/2004
1997 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am 2dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I wasn't planning to buy a car when I walked onto the lot. But his one sold me even before I saw a salesman. I Love this car. It's my baby. I havent had any problems with it that I couldnt fix with a screwdriver or for under $200.00 (regular maint). It turns heads. Every one is watching you. Perfect for the summer with the tops down. A must have. Too bad they went and canceled this model. It is a beauty.

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4.63 out of 5 stars

Best musclecar ever

Frost7, 01/02/2004
1997 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am 2dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I've owned a black '97 Trans Am WS6 for the past year and my experience with it has been great. I'd recommend it to anyone looking for a powerful and stylish sportscar that is all about having fun driving. The car is solidly built, hugs the road, handles like a dream, and can take off like a bat out of somewhere very hot. I'll NEVER sell this car, and it's the one thing that makes the trip itself half the fun of going someplace.

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4.63 out of 5 stars

Most Fun I've Ever Had On Four Wheels!

frebo3, 11/28/2004
1997 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am 2dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

A 60-something sport touring motorcyclist - I bought my 1997 WS6 in 2000 replacing a ten year old Mustang GT. The WS6 had run out of warranty, so I bought an extension from the GM dealer for just over $1,000. It paid off. In the next four years I had about $3K of work done for free, replacing the Monsoon audio system and rear woofers, and the power window motors.This car is a blast to drive. It corners as if it were on rails, the power lumbar support is excellent, the throttle response is incredible - the exhaust note awesome. The only thing I can liken it to is an XKE V-12 that I once owned.My wife loves the lines - says it reminds her of a Ferrari.It's been a blast!

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4.88 out of 5 stars

hell yeah

crucial929, 05/10/2003
1997 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am 2dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

love this car .....

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4.75 out of 5 stars

Hard to find!

97WS.6, 05/11/2003
1997 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am 2dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I was a part of the import craze, and had big plans for my little 4 banger. Then I ran into a mechanic that laughed at me for building a 4 cylinder motor. He then took me for a ride in his 1996 Trans Am. I then realized that torque is my friend. If you like torque, this is the car for you! The feeling of having sticky tires break loose on a hot day at your own will is something that isn't accomplished by the sub-par Ford counterparts. I love the car in every way, and will take it for a cruise just for fun. These cars look great and perform to match it straight from the factory.

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5 out of 5 stars

Trans Am Forever

Trans Am Man, 03/26/2002
1997 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am 2dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Awsome looking, sleek, powerful, awsome stereo, comfertable, 30mpg highway, reliable, what more do i need to say?

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1 out of 5 stars

LEMON TRANS AM

Michael R Nottling, 05/25/2017
updated 12/04/2017
1997 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am 2dr Hatchback
0 of 2 people found this review helpful

Bought new w/112 miles from dealership. Dealership car all the way. All oil changes and all other repairs dealership. Went back to GMAC having been declared by the Washington State AG, to be a "lemon". This absolutely beautiful black hardtop, w/ 6sp manual, 16X10 wheels w/massive Goodyear GSC's, was as unreliable as it was stunning. My attorney said this will be a slam-dunk and he was correct. In 24 months of ownership it spent an overnight at the dealership once or more every month. Every time it was the result of a component failure. Gas tank was out three times for bad fuel pump / sender unit. Main seal on the front of the engine suffered a catastrophic failure. Too many to list quite frankly.

Safety
5 out of 5 stars
Technology
1 out of 5 stars
Performance
4 out of 5 stars
Interior
3 out of 5 stars
Comfort
3 out of 5 stars
Reliability
1 out of 5 stars
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4.13 out of 5 stars

'97 trans am ws

art hicks, 02/18/2004
1997 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am 2dr Hatchback
0 of 1 people found this review helpful

terrible in snow. computer (ses) light is very sensative to aftermarket modifications, otherwise no major problems at 37000 miles.

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