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Used 1999 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am Consumer Reviews

4.6 out of 5 stars
35 reviews

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Pros
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5 out of 5 stars

Love it!

firebirdemt, 09/04/2012
1999 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am 2dr Hatchback
5 of 5 people found this review helpful

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.

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3.75 out of 5 stars

It's a hand grenade!

OLDMANBOB, 08/30/2010
1999 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am 2dr Hatchback
9 of 11 people found this review helpful

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!

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4.38 out of 5 stars

TRANSAM A CAR TO BE PROUD OF

firebatbird, 07/12/2004
1999 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am 2dr Hatchback
2 of 2 people found this review helpful

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.

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4.88 out of 5 stars

WS6 Supercar

Grant Easton, 08/27/2004
1999 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am 2dr Hatchback
2 of 2 people found this review helpful

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.

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4.63 out of 5 stars

I love my '99 Trans AM!

MSPOOKIJO, 12/06/2007
1999 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am 2dr Hatchback
2 of 2 people found this review helpful

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!

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4.25 out of 5 stars

Great, fun car!

Slash8915, 09/16/2007
1999 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am 2dr Hatchback
3 of 4 people found this review helpful

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.

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4.75 out of 5 stars

Clean White '99 T/A

Dirtybird54, 03/18/2007
1999 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am 2dr Hatchback
2 of 3 people found this review helpful

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.

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4.5 out of 5 stars

Updated review- Still amazing

Slash8915, 04/02/2009
1999 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am 2dr Hatchback
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

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.

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4.88 out of 5 stars

My Trans Am

Trans Am B, 06/04/2003
1999 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am 2dr Hatchback
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

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.

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4.5 out of 5 stars

Just buy one!

Pushrod, 03/24/2008
1999 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am 2dr Hatchback
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

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.

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3 out of 5 stars

Plan on Spending Money

John, 11/12/2021
1999 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am 2dr Convertible
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

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
3 out of 5 stars
Technology
4 out of 5 stars
Performance
4 out of 5 stars
Interior
4 out of 5 stars
Comfort
3 out of 5 stars
Reliability
3 out of 5 stars
Value
3 out of 5 stars
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4.38 out of 5 stars

Firehawk

jhawk, 03/14/2004
1999 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am 2dr Hatchback
1 of 2 people found this review helpful

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.

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4.75 out of 5 stars

Special Edition TA

TxTA, 04/17/2002
1999 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am 2dr Convertible
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

An awesome and rare bird- the 99 special edition convertible is wonderful- 20mpg & awesome power, with excellent reliabilty thus far!

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5 out of 5 stars

A truely brilliant and special car

rennfahrer, 10/06/2009
1999 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am 2dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

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.

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4.75 out of 5 stars

Unique in all the right ways

AufMitterSpiel, 03/05/2010
1999 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am 2dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

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.

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5 out of 5 stars

Perfect Car

Nicholas_Bostaph, 09/11/2002
1999 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am 2dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

What can I say, it's the perfect car. No car was ever designed that looked this nice, or performed this well. In my 3 yrs (50k) I had no problems whatsoever..except the car got more power! The seats are more comfortable than my parents 97 Vette or 99 Lexus and the blood red interior lighting is great. I'm so happy with it that I sold it just so I could get a 2002 before they were discontinued. It's too bad people believe all the BS they hear and don't bother to give the TAs a chance :(.

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4.75 out of 5 stars

My Favorite!

ne14wood, 09/22/2002
1999 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am 2dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

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.

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5 out of 5 stars

Convertible Firehawk

firehawk, 10/06/2002
1999 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am 2dr Convertible
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

best car I've ever owned.

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4 out of 5 stars

my 99 formula

brt blue bird, 11/11/2002
1999 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am 2dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

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.

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2.75 out of 5 stars

One piece of crap!!!

jimmy grover, 11/23/2002
1999 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am 2dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

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...

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5 out of 5 stars

WoW

Justin Baker, 02/09/2003
1999 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am 2dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

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.

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4.75 out of 5 stars

I love my TA...

Lynn2464, 08/31/2003
1999 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am 2dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

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.

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5 out of 5 stars

transam the legend lives

c. hall , 10/07/2003
1999 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am 2dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Had problems with paintwork on both sides of roof pillar,all ok now,30,000 on clock and all is ok.

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4.63 out of 5 stars

Bang for your buck

Capt. Gary, 02/12/2005
1999 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am 2dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

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!

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4.38 out of 5 stars

I Love my Ram Air Trans Am!

BigJim, 10/11/2005
1999 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am 2dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

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!

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4.63 out of 5 stars

I LOVE my Trans AM!!!!!!

MSPOOKIJO, 02/04/2004
1999 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am 2dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

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.

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4.88 out of 5 stars

Ram Air review

K James, 02/21/2004
1999 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am 2dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

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.

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4.63 out of 5 stars

Surprising Performer on All Fronts

Steve , 03/03/2004
1999 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am 2dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

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!!

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4.5 out of 5 stars

Delightful Black 99 Trans Am

LCBIII, 05/17/2006
1999 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am 2dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

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.

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4.25 out of 5 stars

great car

jason vargas, 07/12/2004
1999 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am 2dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

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

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4.63 out of 5 stars

performance

fire hawk, 03/10/2002
1999 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am 2dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

hot looking and dependable

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5 out of 5 stars

Convertible Firehawk

Firehawk, 10/06/2002
1999 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am 2dr Convertible
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

best car I've ever owned.

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4.38 out of 5 stars

1999 Trans Am WS6

nowlin20atm, 04/18/2002
1999 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am 2dr Hatchback
0 of 1 people found this review helpful

I have had this car for over 3 years now with no major problems. One headlight motor went out and the radio display displayed nonsense at time, but both were fixed under warranty.

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4.13 out of 5 stars

goods and bads

ws6mania, 05/10/2002
1999 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am 2dr Hatchback
0 of 1 people found this review helpful

I love my WS6, i mean, LOVE IT, its fun to drive and a great looker, i have had more girls check me out since i got this car, however, the fact that i average about a grand every two months in maintanance is just rediculous, im seliing it as soon i get the piston that broke replaced, don't think this car is maintanance free, be sure you can afford it.

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4.88 out of 5 stars

True American Muscle!!!

RacinGurl, 06/14/2005
1999 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am 2dr Convertible
0 of 1 people found this review helpful

Awsome car!!! I owned 4 of these cars, 2 of which i still have. I will own nothing but a Trans Am my entire life. I have both the 30th and 35th anniversarys. the 30th is a Daytona 500 Official Pace car and both have givin me absolutely no problems. Have had to replace back brake lights and front turn signals (maybe 5.00 woth of replacements) The handling is awsome and the speed is amazing. I am a 19 year old female and cars are my life, and this one is the only one that has really cought my eyes. Its a real head turner and a guy getter. Pontiac did an awsome job making this monster. It looks and sounds so mean. A great car for a responsible driver. Way too much power for a new driver car...

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