Skip to main content

Used 1998 Pontiac Firebird Consumer Reviews

4.7 out of 5 stars
38 reviews

See Edmunds pricing data

Has Your Car's Value Changed?

Used car values are constantly changing. Edmunds lets you track your vehicle's value over time so you can decide when to sell or trade in.

Price history graph example

Trending topics in reviews

Pros
Cons
4.88 out of 5 stars

WHAT A CAR

Bcaudill, 07/10/2002
1998 Pontiac Firebird Formula 2dr Hatchback
5 of 5 people found this review helpful

Power, Fun, Exciting. Theres is nothing more to say when it comes to this car.

Report Abuse

5 out of 5 stars

Just amazing!

American Muscle, 03/31/2007
1998 Pontiac Firebird Formula 2dr Hatchback
2 of 2 people found this review helpful

Words cannot describe how truly amazing this car is. Having owned many other sport cars in the past I didn't think I was going to get much better. Boy was I wrong! The Formula has an extemely powerful LS1 engine which is the same engine in the Corvette. The engine is incredibly smooth and sounds great. Also, I get 26 miles per gallon highway! I ran 13.48 at 105mph (stock) and I have the conservative 2.73 gears in the rear end. I am not one to insult the inports but those cars (300zx turbo, 3000gt vr4 and rx7 turbo) have nothing on this car when it comes to straight line acceleration plus it handles very well. The only import car I would put up against it is a Supra TT. Drivers race!

Report Abuse
4 out of 5 stars

Trans Am Ram Air

tedmc, 06/13/2008
1998 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am 2dr Hatchback
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Love this car! Fun to drive and the 5.7 liter coupled with a six speed tranny is pure throwback American muscle. All the horsepower and torque of higher priced cars is readily available under your right foot! It's really hard to beat this car in the bang for your buck category.

Report Abuse

4.25 out of 5 stars

The hot rod has arrived!

Mach 5, 07/04/2009
1998 Pontiac Firebird 2dr Hatchback
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

This car is awesome! It is my first car and I would not trade it. there is zero room in the back. The T-tops are awesome, but they can get cumbersome and annoying to take out and put back in. But this car is Amazing, if you can, get the Ram Air version. This is a fun and sweet ride.

Report Abuse

5 out of 5 stars

AWESOME POWER!

Matthewhogue, 06/14/2002
1998 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am 2dr Hatchback
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

No matter what you think you know, you have no idea till you drive one. Go test drive one, your adrenaline will be pumping so high that you will write a check in the car on the way back while trying to still drive it. They lose value fast, so get a used one.

Report Abuse
4.38 out of 5 stars

The last of a good thing

baddriver01, 06/17/2002
1998 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am 2dr Hatchback
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

This is my second Trans Am (my first being a 1979) and I am in heaven. I got the car cheap because of the mileage but love everything. I have only fixed some minor problems (broken seatbelt guide, radio light, weirdle worn fromt tires, A/C) but this car has all the power it had when new. T-tops are a must on these cars.

Report Abuse
4.25 out of 5 stars

Love My Firebird

jakobshay, 11/24/2002
1998 Pontiac Firebird 2dr Hatchback
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

I have a 98 Firebird with the standard V-6 matched with the 5-speed. it never fails to amaze me the power from this engine, its always smooth leaves most in the dust an I still am not stopping at every gas station in town. Many road trips later,,, its a nice smooth road car an handles nice to at speed. Im glad I am the driver however cuz I dont want to sit in the back seat!!! an luggage space is okay but could use some help in that dept!! but over all I am very very happy with the car !!!

Report Abuse
5 out of 5 stars

One of the best muscle cars ever made

TB420, 12/17/2002
1998 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am 2dr Hatchback
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

This car is great to drive even in the corners the car handles beautifully the most fun you will ever have in a car.

Report Abuse
4.75 out of 5 stars

muscule car

Salvatore , 02/05/2003
1998 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am 2dr Convertible
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

I bought this car 2 months ago and I love it! the car performance is more than I excpeted it's really fast, it handles really good in turns and what ilove the most about id is that it puts mustangs to a shame.even the top of the line mustang can not compete with this car. of cource is a GM car always puts ford in it's place.

Report Abuse
4.88 out of 5 stars

98 Firebird

luvmycar20, 08/20/2003
1998 Pontiac Firebird 2dr Hatchback
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

This car is a very fun car to drive. You will definately get a lot of compliments on this vehicle. It has a beautiful build, inside and out. I love the steering wheel radio controls. The handling is wonderful. It takes curves beautifully. The car is very reliable. I have had few problems with it. I would reccomend this car to anyone.

Report Abuse
4.5 out of 5 stars

Fun, but beware

Big MIke, 12/03/2003
1998 Pontiac Firebird 2dr Hatchback
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

I love the performance and styling of this car. Beware of problems associated with GM pony cars. Educate yourself on Gm pony cars before you buy so you know what you could be getting yourself into financially when and if thigns fail on you.

Report Abuse
4.25 out of 5 stars

'98 Trans Am M6

Jon, 10/31/2005
1998 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am 2dr Hatchback
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Everything you'd want out of an American muscle car. The in-your-face styling, the mean exhaust note, and enough torque to peel the pavement up. This car is so much fun to drive although I wouldn't recommend driving in the wet/snow often cause you will spin the tires constantly. This is a great car to pick up if you love American performance. Get on with the potent LS1, slap on an exhaust, intake, pulley, and cam along with a few suspension mods and you will never want to stop driving.

Report Abuse
4 out of 5 stars

Great Fun

Robert Linzer, 02/26/2006
1998 Pontiac Firebird 2dr Hatchback
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Driving this vehicle is really fun, definitely the funnest I've ever driven. Being able to take corners at 30 mph without feeling like your going to roll the thing is a great ride. Only things I don't like are the traction problems in wet weather and its ride height. I love the fact that its low to the ground, but its a pain to drive worrying about scraping when going through the smallest dips or transition from level surfaces to a steep slope.

Report Abuse
4.63 out of 5 stars

POWER + LOOKS = FUN

FirebirdStud, 07/07/2004
1998 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am 2dr Convertible
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

I am a firebird fan - always will be. My first car was a stock 1996 FIREBIRD V6, and I have loved the car ever since! The smell, the feel, the way people look at you when you cruise past. No other car replicates the feeling you get when you're in a Firebird. I bought my 1998 TRANS-AM CONVERTIBLE about 4 months ago, and absolutely love it! The first time I mashed the pedal to the floor, I couldn't help but smile! There is SOOO much power it is unreal.. even on the freeway, the car can rip up to 100 without missing a beat. It is a fantasticly redesigned exterior that absolutely SCREAMS, "Bad Ass" - this car demands respect!

Report Abuse
4.38 out of 5 stars

Pontiac Firebird

ev, 04/17/2003
1998 Pontiac Firebird 2dr Hatchback
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

The car is absolutely beautiful and very fun to drive. I have only had a couple of problems with this car. The running lights have a tendency to burn out very quickly and I have also had problems with the motors in the lights. It does eat up a lot of gas but it's worth it. I have had no major engine or transmission problems with the car yet.

Report Abuse
4.88 out of 5 stars

Big Lou's review

lou, 08/24/2007
1998 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am 2dr Convertible
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Everything about this car is awesome. My gold WS6 T/A vert gets stared down by everyone in the city. The hood scoops and front end are the baddest of any car out there. The power and sound of this beast let you know that its a real muscle car. With 300hp at the rear wheels, this thing flies. It was disgustingly underrated by GM so that it wouldn't take sales from the vette, but in reality they have the same engine. 350hp would be more realistic. The chrome 17" wheels are the best looking stock rims i've ever seen. With almost 100,000 miles on it, nothing has gone wrong. Doing routine maintenance will hopefully keep this car running strong forever! Long live the Trans Am!

Report Abuse
4.88 out of 5 stars

Great car

chuck-98, 03/19/2002
1998 Pontiac Firebird 2dr Hatchback
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Great car for the money! I only paid $16,500 for it. By far the best looking and most fun to drive for that kind of money. I bought this car new in 1998 and have only had it in the shop 3 times for minor work in 36,000 miles (driver's side mirror broke twice and one spark plug wire went bad). The performance of the car has been great. With intake and exhaust mods, it ran the 1/4 mile in 15.3 seconds. I get 28-30 mpg on the highway easy, 18 around town.

Report Abuse
4.75 out of 5 stars

Pontiac Firbird

Steven Glavan, 06/06/2002
1998 Pontiac Firebird 2dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I like this car a lot. Its fast and sporty looking. Its not too bad on gas. I would recommand this car for first time divers if they want a sporty looking car, but not as dangerous as the V8 model.

Report Abuse
4.88 out of 5 stars

SMOKIN HOT!

Johnnybegood, 08/30/2009
1998 Pontiac Firebird Formula 2dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

We purchased our 1998 Firebird from a friend who kept it in a barn in the winter and barely drove it in the summer. Only paid $4,500.00 for it and it is in mint condition. Fully loaded and faster than a raped ape. With this car you get the muscle, class and speed without having to pay a ridiculous price for a name. Especially one you can "blow away" LOL.

Report Abuse
4.88 out of 5 stars

Love my v6 firebird

anon@hotmail.com, 07/04/2002
1998 Pontiac Firebird 2dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I bought my standard firebird model in April of 1998. The only problem I've ever had with it was with the gas gauge not working correctly but the dealer fixed it with no problems after that. It has been a very reliable car. I had 2 Pontiac Grand Prixs before this car and I have to say that I have had very good luck with pontiac cars. One of my most favorite features on the Pontiac are the radio controls on the steering wheel.

Report Abuse
5 out of 5 stars

A Great Car!

pontiacgirl, 09/18/2002
1998 Pontiac Firebird 2dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I bought my car Firebird brand new in 1998, and it has been such a reliable car. The only thing I've had to replace are the spark plug wires, and that was after 60,000 miles. The look is beautiful, the interior is comfortable, and it drives amazingly!

Report Abuse
3.88 out of 5 stars

1998 Pontiac Trans Am

Russell Ruggiero, 02/09/2003
1998 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am 2dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

The Pontiac Trans Am offers super overall performance at a low point of entry. This is my third Trans Am and the best of the lot. The LS1 is a great engine, and maybe the best V-8 in the world, save for the LS6. A great value that is now dead. However, the new GTO will lead GM into mid-market greatness.

Report Abuse
5 out of 5 stars

fabulous car

netkenv, 02/18/2003
1998 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am 2dr Convertible
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

LS1 engine with ws6 package outstanding ride & handling, absolutely NO problems with car. not a rattle or a noise whether your doing 30mph or 70mph down the highway. Tap the gas pedal and your passing at 90mph feeling like your winning nascar! great car.

Report Abuse
4.38 out of 5 stars

WS-6 Ram AIr

Lard, 02/19/2003
1998 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am 2dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Truely the most bang-for-your-buck performance car you'll find...especially the WS-6 Ram Air! This car has it all; power, style, personality, and heritage. There is NOTHING like getting behind the wheel of a 4th generation Trans Am! This car is not for those who don't want to get noticed, nor the timid. I was surprised to find out it even gets pretty good gas mileage....considering the 5.7 liter V8! I get 19 MPG city. Not the best in wet/snowy/icy conditions so watch the back end. Buy one while you can still find one.

Report Abuse
4.5 out of 5 stars

The most beautiful car ever!

JCMoya, 07/11/2003
1998 Pontiac Firebird 2dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

After 5 yrs and 56K miles I still in love with my bird. This is my 2nd Firebird. The 1st one (1986) was the worst, but this one (1998) is the best car I ever owned (of 14 cars so far). CR use to rate the reliability of this car as the worst, but my experience is very very very different. Except for the regular Lube and New tire installation, this baby has not been touch by a mechanic. Thats right, NO PROBLEM in 5 years. Thats a lot better than my neighbor's Camry.

Report Abuse
4.88 out of 5 stars

Quite impressed

ryanjm183, 03/01/2006
1998 Pontiac Firebird 2dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Even with the unfair advantage the my wife was supposed to buy a truck for me while I was in Iraq this car has impressed me. Being in siding and window sales I lacked space and often bottomed out the suspension while carrying a lot of samples. It is also difficult to get a child restraint in and out of the back seat. All in all I would have to give my Firebird an excellent rating and would recommend it to anyone without infant(s) and/or sells siding. I've only had it in the shop a couple times for minor repairs that I didn't have time to do myself.

Report Abuse
4.13 out of 5 stars

Firebird

Jaycee84, 02/26/2004
1998 Pontiac Firebird 2dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Awesome Car For A V-6... Very Fun To Drive... Overall Reliable, Little Things Here And There... I Would Definatley Recommend This Car To Anyone...

Report Abuse
4.5 out of 5 stars

cool car

The trans am, 05/10/2006
1998 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am 2dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I don't know what to say, it's a youth's car. it's very impressive. I race it on a drag track some time and it's a beast

Report Abuse
5 out of 5 stars

Great sports Car

Thomas Schetter, 04/30/2004
1998 Pontiac Firebird 2dr Convertible
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

This is the best car that I have ever owned. Out of all of the usage that I have on this car I have only replaced the alternater after nearly 100000 miles. The car is now 6 years old and it feels the same as it did when I bought it brand new. Every where I go people are always turning their heads and looking at my car. I get compliments on my car all of the time.

Report Abuse
4.75 out of 5 stars

What an improvement!!!

blackbirdw68, 06/17/2004
1998 Pontiac Firebird 2dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

My previous car was a 96 camaro, and i gotta say WOW this firebird is such an improvment over my last car!! The performance package is awesome!!! Dual-exhaust - body kit - high performance shocks/springs. Everyone mistakes me for a TransAm cuz i almost sound like one (stock!) and look like one. its great except when they race me with their GT mustangs and beat me- hey dude this v6 almost had you!

Report Abuse
4.5 out of 5 stars

Catch It If You Can

Fish, 11/11/2005
1998 Pontiac Firebird 2dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Bought the Bird myself when I was sixteen and haven't regretted it one minute. Insurance isn't too bad since it's a V6, but heck, it still wastes a majority of comparable cars (let's see you try that again, Mr. Mustang 'GT'!). Averages about 23-27 MPG, and it doesn't take Premium like TA's need. This is a very solid car, mine is now seven years old and doesn't have a dent or crack or speck of rust or broken interior plastic. Absolutely GORGEOUS car. Only problems are with headlight motor gears, weak passenger power window, and corroded cooling system hoses (beware the black sludge). Rides rough but can turn on a dime at high speeds, and definitely turns heads! Very highly recommended!

Report Abuse
4.63 out of 5 stars

98 Trans Am

J Laack, 03/31/2006
1998 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am 2dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I love the car! It's almost like my Vette but with a back seat!

Report Abuse
4 out of 5 stars

'98 Review

justin lemhuis, 04/13/2007
1998 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am 2dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Good horsepower, outruns most stock. Good buy vs any '93 to '02 Camaro, Firebird, and Mustang. Great style over all the others mild performance mods will crush the competition. The last Pontiac will ever make.

Report Abuse
4.75 out of 5 stars

Awesome Car

Zac Stark, 03/29/2008
1998 Pontiac Firebird 2dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I just got my bird about 3 months ago and I've fallen in love with it. I'm only 16 and this is already my second car. I love driving to school in this baby and watching all the heads turn as I pull in the lot. Going to the mall is now more about getting there than being there. The car is so much fun to drive. Taking corners at 70 mph as if I was only going 30. The feeling of power as the body shakes when revved up. It's muscle all the way. The inside is a little cramped though and the system sucks big time. Don't recommend for a taller person. The passenger seat is REALLY cramped with a small bump in the floor. All in all though it's a blast to drive and is a head turner.

Report Abuse
5 out of 5 stars

Absolutely the Best most Reliable car I ever owned

Tammy Seekins, 01/18/2016
1998 Pontiac Firebird 2dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I'm the 2nd owner and I've had it for 11 years. Other than regular oil changes, replaced serpentine belt @ 140,000, replaced a/c compressor, 2 tune ups, 2 sets of tires and brakes twice oh and a head light or marker light once in awhile is all my car has required and I've driven it to South Carolina and back twice (from Vancouver,WA) and numerous trips back & forth to Seattle through the years. My husband wrecked it a few years ago that's the only reason it is being sold.

Safety
5 out of 5 stars
Technology
4 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Interior
5 out of 5 stars
Comfort
4 out of 5 stars
Reliability
5 out of 5 stars
Value
5 out of 5 stars
Report Abuse
5 out of 5 stars

98 Trans Am convertible

Lauraine, 01/20/2021
1998 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am 2dr Convertible
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I am original owner of this beautiful chameleon colored blue green convertible! I ordered it new waited 2 1/2 months for it! Have 78,000 miles on her! Drove a 73 Mustang 25 yrs before i bought Trans Am. It has so much power with V8 LS 1 engine. So much fun to drive! Best car we ever had!

Safety
5 out of 5 stars
Technology
5 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Interior
5 out of 5 stars
Comfort
4 out of 5 stars
Reliability
5 out of 5 stars
Value
5 out of 5 stars
Report Abuse
4.5 out of 5 stars

More than just for fun

Arithory, 02/07/2004
1998 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am 2dr Hatchback
0 of 1 people found this review helpful

The main focus of this car is styling and performance. Merging with traffic on the highway has never been more fun. Simple things like the aftermarket ASP Pulley or a whisper induction lid will give you an extra ten horses a piece for a cheap price. More expensive mods like headers and cam packages I've seen (ranging from 800 - 2,400 dollars) can add anywhere from 70 - 150 ponies to your ride. Of course, suspension upgrades are in order with this much power or you risk twisting your chassis, but even suspension parts should put you back less than 1,000.

Report Abuse
3 out of 5 stars

Looks great, Expensive repairs.

roseredm, 05/15/2016
1998 Pontiac Firebird 2dr Hatchback
0 of 1 people found this review helpful

Fun with the sports car look and a beautiful green/blue flake paint (chameleon.)I'm kind of small in stature and it was hard to see out of as the dash is tall and the nose of the car is long. Got some front nose scrapes from trying to turn tight. As soon as i buy this it starts turding on me with expensive repairs. AC compressor $500 and fuel pump failure $700. The fuel pump replacement is a nightmare. Must remove gas tank to get at. Sold it to a Firebird/Transam enthusiast who has much experience repairing them. It's not for the older mom (me) who lives on Social Security.

Safety
3 out of 5 stars
Technology
3 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Interior
3 out of 5 stars
Comfort
3 out of 5 stars
Reliability
2 out of 5 stars
Value
3 out of 5 stars
Report Abuse
Items per page:
50