Used 1999 Pontiac Firebird Consumer Reviews
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Love it!
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.
It's a hand grenade!
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!
- Trans Am ConvertibleMSRP: $18,90039 mi away
- Trans Am 2dr HatchbackMSRP: $37,99596 mi away
- Trans Am ConvertibleMSRP: $34,900119 mi away
1999 3.8L V6 automatic
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
TRANSAM A CAR TO BE PROUD OF
I bought my car from new in 1999 and what a great car it is, i had it shipped over to where i live in england and love it to bits. I cant understand why GM stopped production of such a beutiful looking car, and boy does it go it is very fast and the LS1 is one hell of an engine.
WS6 Supercar
This car is fun, fast, and reliable. The exterior is a work of art (and somewhat weird science with the WS6 package). Getting into the car can sometimes be a chore, but with the T- Tops you can just jump in and out of the top (haha j/k). Since I've owned it over the past year, the only problems I've had were to tighten a headlight and change a bulb, nothing exactly serious.
Love my Bird
I bought my Firebird used with 73,000 miles on it. I have had now for about 1 month and so far so good. I have had one head light motor go about. But think about it. The gear on the inside of the motor is plastic... stupid yes but that is what it is. You can go out and buy metal replacement gears for both motors for half the cost of buying a new motor from the dealership. So those of you who complain of light motors going out look at other cars out there with flip up lights... I am sure if you ask their owners they have had problems with theirs as well. Yes the Firebird is a sports car. Who buys a sports car for rear seat room and trunk space? If you want that go out and buy the Grand Prix.
I love my '99 Trans AM!
I've had my Trans Am for almost 9 years. I have 225,010 miles on it and I still love it! I am going to have to get a new car within the next couple of months because I'm on the road so much and I need something with better fuel economy - if they still made them I'd get another one though!
Great, fun car!
I bought my T/A in July of '07. I had to get a few things fixed and replaced, but that's because the previous owner didn't take care of it. I use only 93 octane gas from either Shell or Chevron, and only use Royal Purple oil. Since I've gotten ahold of it, it's run better than ever. I guess what I'm trying to say is, just take care of it. Mine has Ram Air and some mods, and it dyno'd at 370hp. Even a stock T/A is fast! I get a ton of looks, and people trying to race me. I used to have an Integra, and I have to say... American muscle is the only way to go. If you get this car, you will not be disappointed.
Clean White '99 T/A
I recently sold my Firebird Convertible for something a little quicker. This car currently has 37,xxx miles on the clock and its in outstanding condition. I love the power coming from the 5.7L LS1, same motor as my dad's '00 Corvette Convertible. When you stomp on it, this thing answers back with a lot of roar and put-you-in-your-seat power. I've done a few things with the motor to free up some more ponies and put some grippier rubber on with new 18 inch wheels, really makes this car that much more enjoyable. Its a shame GM isn't talking about bringing it back, they could really make some money if they did. I know I'd buy one, if they designed it right with the enthusiast at heart.
Owned since new....
Excellent performance. Rated 349hp by NHRA! 30mpg in 6th gear at 65mph. As close as you can get to a 60's muscle car in a late model car.
- Performance
Plan on Spending Money
I own a 1999 Firebird Trans Am convertible. The color is Pewter Metallic with gray leather. I bought it new. Back in 1999, this was a 30,000 dollar car, which was a lot back then. Very nice color. I have it detailed every year, I believe that has kept the paint nice and shinny, the problem is I have a lot of rust underneath the car. The problem now is the rear end, that has the worst rust. My mechanic thinks in time that will only get worse and one good pot hole could cause the rear end to cave in ! I live in New England and didn't have a garage to store it, but still, surprised at only 180,000 miles and I'm looking at replacing the rear end. I have to remind myself the car is 22 years old. Now I need to look for used rear end. I also am dealing with loud knocking when first start up, my mechanic said cylinder 1 is junk. Dam it ! We replaced fuel injector 1 and spark plug, still no help, he determined it's a valve. Valve one is jumping and needs replacement ! Now I need a valve job which is a big job and thousands in repair , all for one valve ! The problem is I am sucking up more gas, service engine light is on and runs crummy, bad idle, just doesn't feel right, plus you dont know if your damaging other parts while driving it with bad valve, which i have been doing. Not including all the other issues, doors are so big, they start to sag over the years, you have to slam the door shut so it catches hinge. They dont make those hinges anymore so you have to get it from junk yard and even then you dont know if your buying a junk hinge from another car. I have lost track of how many power motor window I had to put in drivers side. It's just money, money, money. I believe they were not built to last that long. Back in 1999 who knows if they car corners and used cheap parts. I should not be needing a valve job at 180,000 miles, I could see if I had 300,000 miles. These cars are fun to drive, nothing beats a V8, 5.7 liter, the power is awesome, even though a gas guzzler. It has cost me a lot to maintain this car and I'm still pouring money into. Just be prepared to spend money to keep something like this on the road and running well. The great thing is when I drive it, you constantly have people checking out this car, especially when the top is down. As you know, they don't make Pontiac anymore , for that matter Firebirds as well, so when you drive this car it absolutely turns heads because you hardly see them on the road and especially if it's real nice shape The bad thing, I have spent thousands to keep this running good and still needing major work ; rear end, that's if i can find a good one and eventually a valve job ! If you want these cars or own one and plan on keeping it, just be prepared to spend a lot of money to maintain it .
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
My Trans Am
A Trans Am is a great car for drivers that a really responsible and use caution. I love driving my car everwhere I go because it is very dependable and fuel effiecient. I think Trans Ams are the most popular car among U.S. consumers today. I think that they will bring these popular cars back out on the market soon because, people can't live without them.
Red Firebird
The car drives very smooth on the highway and with the T-Tops off is a blast in the summer. I have not had any major problems that were not covered by the warrabty. The catalytic converter was replaced a rear pinion seal and a steering sluid seal. All covered under warranty.
my firebird review
I have had 3 sets of window motors replaced, 1 battery, 1 alternator, 2 intake manifolds, 2 gaskets, and now have a new engine assembly. This car has been nothing but trouble for me. I may have had a lemon, but nothing happened for about a year. Other than engine probs, I have a blown speaker,replaced a rear seal on the hatch, and i pushed a hole in the console with 1 finger, while I was cleaning it. The plastic on both door panels is splitting. Anyone else have probs like this?
Updated review- Still amazing
This is an updated review from the one I wrote back in '07. (Scroll down to see that one. Well, I still have the WS6. It now has 112,000 miles on it, and runs great. It also now has 548hp 516lbs. tq. It's WAY more fun to drive now, but quite a bit louder. My fuel economy is much worse now too. Try 12mpg and HAVING to use premium. Despite that, it's still amazing, and gets looks wherever I go. One of the sexiest cars ever made. The prices on these cars is going down more and more, so if you haven't picked one up yet, now would be the time.
Just buy one!
The ls1 is a world class engine that no other manufacturer can match for the money, BAR NONE. It is more reliable, makes more power,& responds better to modifications than any other engine I've seen. There is no better bang for the buck, PERIOD. END OF STORY. There are better cars out there, Sure, but I'm not gonna pay TWICE the money or more for the same performance this car offers. It's had a couple headlight motors go out, two headlight bulbs, and a couple window motors fail. It's not a 100k dollar car though, so I can't complain.
Firehawk
The Firehawk edition offers excellent performance. The car accelerates extremely well, and the handling is good with the modified suspension. I also like the look of the custom hood. The sound system is excellent for a factory system. My only complaint is that I've had several major repairs done under warranty, which make me question build quality.
love the car
The car's great, except for the headlight doors. I had an earlier model and it had the same problem.
Lots of Work
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.
Red Barchetta
I'm selling my "BIRD" because of health issues. My wife and I take it to Ocean City MD. Every year and get rave reviews and comments on it.I park it in the garage and cover it in the winter. For any Rush fans out there.......I call it Red Barchetta!!!!! Bought it in 2006 with 78000. miles on it. Only has 115000. now.... I'll miss it!
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Surprising Performer on All Fronts
After having done time in an overpriced and overrated Volvo, I bought the WS6 due to it's appeal. I love the engine, handling, interior, and styling. But be careful, this car can get you in over your head quick! The pleasant surprise has been the cheapness to own (not insurance,though!). The 22 mpg fuel mileage is respectable for what it is - a V8. Better still, with 85,000 on the odo - it has only needed brakes pads, battery, tires, and light bulbs. This was a welcomed change from the Volvo that started to come undone at 50,000 - nice going GM, my faith in domestics has been restored!!
Convertible Firehawk
best car I've ever owned.
Delightful Black 99 Trans Am
I have had this car for almost 8 years and 100,000 miles. I have really enjoyed it. Always have loved the style - looks like it is flying even when sitting still. Lots of power with the V8, still gets looks (especailly after some Zaino). Corners like its on rails and brakes quickly. I get about 300 miles per fill up. Starting to have some trim problems with things falling apart, however, and was hit with the notorious '99 electrical problems such as bad alternator, bad power window motor, bad power antenna motor, several battery changes and fairly short life of headlight, fog lamp and turn signal bulbs. Despite this, my trans am has been my favorite car to date in terms of driving enjoyment.
great car
my car is the ram air trans am. and is powered by a powerdyne supercharger running 7psi. also exhaust and k&n air filter. i put it on the dyno and got it tuned. the car was pushin 500 horse and 425 horse at the rear. i smoke corvettes with it and the stock ram air looks like its not even moving. i still also beat the Z-06 too
Convertible Firehawk
best car I've ever owned.
One piece of crap!!!
NIGHTMARE! We have had so many problems with this car that GM gave us a free warranty up to 50,000. We are at 55,550 miles now and the cars sits in the driveway with a bad rear end. This car has been adult driven, maintained and never abused. This is just a partial list of problems: entire instrument cluster and replaced, A/C freezes up, front rotor problems, sensors replaced, headlamp door motor replaced, several suspension parts replaced, hatch support shocks replaced, monsoon stereo replaced, leaking t-tops, a clutch switch replaced, headlight flicker problem that could never be identified, one seatbelt replaced...
hot bird
i haved owned my car for several years and i plan on keeping this car for a very long time. I realy enjoy my firebird.
Ram Air review
This is quite simply the best car I have ever owned. A rare combination of unmatched performance and reliability with pure automotive passion thrown in. I did not have even one repair completed on the vehicle since its purchase. My Bone stock 6 speed WS6 ram air has run 12.91 @ 108.82 mph in the 1/4 at Desoto speedway outside Tampa,Fl. The LS1 simply rocks and takes on all pretenders. Like all succesfull cars that evoke passion, the Trans-am remains true to its mission of performance on all fronts, from exterior/interior design, drivetrain and suspension. Take the T-tops off and enjoy one of the all time best muscle cars.
My Favorite!
I have never been happier with any vehicle! I had to have some service done on my Trans Am, but it was all under warranty! The bakes do have a tendency to squeal. The power is there whenever you need it. Mustangs don't have a chance! It is a shame that GM is discontinuing the Trans Am & Camaro.
99 Formula Bird
Good car, look at numbers
Lots of fun, but not worth it!
I got this car as a gift when I turned 16.I am now 19 and wish I would have never saw it!It is an awesome car to drive,i've had alot of memories and fun in it.But I've have to have it in the shop every other month for the last year.I've had to replace the turn signals mulitple times,the catalitic converter twice,new battery,fuel injectors,plugs and wires twice,also had to have the O2 sensors replaced.The car has 72K miles on it and has had problems since 30K.Power window motors each replaced twice.The rotors also where shot at 40K miles.The speakers are also all blown.The car was fun for the first year now I hate it!
my 99 formula
my formula is used as a dry weather cruiser/driver which is why the miles are low.only repair to date is leaking rear axle.
BTA Firebird Review
Really fun car to drive. A real head turner. Interior controls are well laid out. Cup holder could be bigger. Actually can fit two adults in back seat unlike any other sports car. (e.g. Mustang, RX7). Great 10 speaker stereo and lots of after market upgrades if you are into that.
A truely brilliant and special car
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.
Luv this car!!
I've owned my 99 firebird for the past 3 years and although it isn't the best to drive during the winter months I have to say I look forward to the summer when I can take off the T-tops! This car definately gets one noticed! The only problems I've had with it are a blown alternator and some electrical issues but other than that its been an awesome car all around! Everyone loves it!
WoW
I've had this car for going on 4 years now and have yet to have any problems. Makes a great everyday driver and weekend racer. I would recommend this car to any responsible driver.
1999 Firebird
Great reliability and quality. It also has great performance, much better than most imports and the exterior design is amazing. These types of cars really are beautiful
Unique in all the right ways
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.
Too much fun
I have a silver 5 speed, T-top coupe with a V6-lot's of power and appeal. Yes the bucket seat is too low, rear visibility is not good, interior could be prettier.etc.but at the end of the day, driving this thing with the top off if just too much fun. I love the exterior look. I still grin as I walk out to the parking lot and see it waiting. Driving it is excellent therapy and a tension reliever-even my wife feels that way when she roars off shifting gears like a stock car racer. My neighbor has a new Vette ('06) also silver and frankly, side by side, look to look I really think my old beast still holds its own-especially when you compare our investments!
My Firebied
I love my Firebird and I would purchase a current model if available. However, my love is so vast, it does overshadow the new transmission, air compressor, alternator, and just about every belt, window motor, plug, or fluid that exists.
transam the legend lives
Had problems with paintwork on both sides of roof pillar,all ok now,30,000 on clock and all is ok.
performance
hot looking and dependable
Special Edition TA
An awesome and rare bird- the 99 special edition convertible is wonderful- 20mpg & awesome power, with excellent reliabilty thus far!
Bang for your buck
For the money, there are few cars in the WORLD which look, handle, and perform like a T/A! GM put most everything into the LS1 and the BW 6- speed tranny. I have the traction control which I leave on! I must be doing something right for at 25K miles, there's tread on the tires and I have never had a SINGLE problem. This car is excellent for eating asphalt. I've had it in 6th on the highway and it's just like an automatic. At 70 mph on cruise (EXCEPT "just accelerating to pass..."), I get over 25 mpg. These cars are a STEAL as used cars! Right now, you can pick one up for less than KBB trade. I plan to keep driving either a T/A or SS as long as I can find them! THESE cars are great!
Nothing but problems
I can't believe the problems I've had with this car. I've had both light motors replaced. All lights on the car no matter when you replaced them, have been replaced like weekly. Bad window and antenna motor. Now I have a HUGE Tranny problem that no one seems to know about unless I dish out $1000 up front to take it apart! I would never wish this upon my worst Enemy.....Good luck
I love my TA...
I have had my TA for a little over a year now. The only thing that has went wrong was the motor in the head light went and the rear axle was leaking. Of course the warrenty I bought for 1,200 bucks didnt cover it. Besides that, everything is great. The speed is amazing. I would highly recomend this car.
I Love my Ram Air Trans Am!
My Trans Am has been a very low maintenance car. The power is terrific and the mileage is very good considering the power. I have had only very minor problems with this car and it is almost 8 years old and I DRIVE it!
Bang for the Buck
This car is the most fun car I have ever driven the power of the V-8 is superb. I'm surprised with some of these reviews saying they had major problems. The only problem I have had in three years is the clutch sticking and that just turned out to be a bushing that was out of alignment. Maybe I was lucky, but my Formula has been prefroming like a champ since purchase and I ride it hard. Could use a little sprucing up with the interior, but what do you expect for under $30K.
my review
I have had my '99 for three yrs now and have been fairly pleased. I have had to replace the altenator once and a window motor once, other than that just routine maintenance. I'm trying to sell the car because I have two children that have outgrown the small back seat but then again it's a sports car not an suv.
I LOVE my Trans AM!!!!!!
I have had my Trans Am for 5 years and I LOVE it; the only way I would trade is for another Trans Am.....and they quit making them!!!! :( I hope they bring them back, and soon, I've got 145,500 miles on mine but can't think of anything I would replace it with.