2002 Pontiac Firebird Review
2002 Pontiac Firebird Review
View more photos
View more photos
View more photos
View more photos
View more photos
+32
Used Firebird for sale
Appraise This CarPontiac Firebird model years
Pontiac Firebird types
- Hatchback
- Convertible
- Trans Am
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.
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
Entering its last year of production, the Firebird gets few changes for 2002. Power mirrors and a power antenna are now standard on all models, and Bright Silver Metallic replaces Blue-Green Chameleon on the color palette.
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. May it rest in peace.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2002 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 $3.52 per gallon for regular unleaded in Ohio.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio
$196/mo for Firebird Base
Firebird Base
vs
$184/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. Dual airbags and antilock brakes are standard, and the optional traction-control system can be ordered on all models. Additionally, convertible versions of the Firebird and the Trans Am (but not the Formula) are available, for a corresponding boost in price. Performance from the Corvette-derived LS1 V8 is nothing short of astounding, with its standard 310 horsepower providing enough grunt to get the Firebird to 60 mph in just over 5 seconds. Want even more? The WS6 performance package available on the T/A adds a ram-air induction hood good for 15 extra ponies, a dual-outlet exhaust system, power steering cooler and a specially tuned suspension that makes use of 275/40ZR17 high-performance tires to keep the Ram Air Firebird planted to the ground. 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, which 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 quicker steering. A slick-shifting five-speed manual transmission is standard on the V6.
With a world-class powertrain, hot-looking sheetmetal and a low base price, the Firebird leaves Mustangs wondering what hit them. Problem is, Ford's beloved pony car is pummeling Pontiac's performance flagship in dealer showrooms, leading GM to drop the axe on its once popular muscle car coupe. So if you've always wanted to get behind the wheel of this American icon, you better act fast.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2002 Pontiac Firebird.
5 star(82%)
4 star(12%)
3 star(6%)
2 star(0%)
1 star(0%)
106 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
4.63 out of 5 stars
2002 transam conv.yellow col. edt.
71737390, 03/02/2013
2002 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am 2dr Convertible (5.7L 8cyl 4A)
I have owned my 2002 trans am convertible for 10 years.It is by far the best car I have ever had.
Yellow collector edition,6 speed manual WS6
It runs like hell,and I have goose bumps every time I drive it.
It is a fabulous muscle car that I will keep for life.
I can't go anywhere without someone asking about the car."Do you want to sell it" NOOOOOOOOO!!!!
I could not get more fun on the … road and hope to stay out of trouble.
This car is my dream car,what else can I say...
5 out of 5 stars
The GM Enthusiast's Ticket to Sub-13's in 1/4 Mile
Ras, 04/29/2016
2002 Pontiac Firebird Formula 2dr Hatchback (5.7L 8cyl 4A)
First off this car in stock form is an absolute treat and if you are looking for a fun daily driver in good to mildly bad conditions this car will deliver in spades. Just don't expect to roll it out during a blizzard or something without the proper tires, it's performance in the snow is nothing to write home about. However, on a nice dry day this car will put a smile on your face … without dropping a single cent on modifications. The interior is classic GM which is to say, plastic and somewhat cheap but it is very friendly to the driver and will give you a powerful feeling the moment you get behind the wheel. The aggressive styling of the exterior, particularly with the WS6 package(which included a hood and some other goodies), makes this car stand out from all others as a real eye catcher. Now if you find yourself bitten by the performance bug, the 5.7 liter LS1 V8 takes to bolt-on modifications like a fish takes to water, it is possible to modify this car without internally changing this engine to over 350 whp on a good tune(mods would include headers, underdrive pulley etc). The (1993-)2002 Trans AM WS6 is a treat to drive and great to own, a fantastic car that unfortunately was met with lukewarm reception due to the times and I would recommend it to anybody looking to not only join a community of enthusiasts but also drive what is quickly becoming the greatest performance dollar to horsepower ratio you will find on any platform from any auto-maker!
4.88 out of 5 stars
Good, Cheap, Fun.
nwittig54, 06/17/2013
2002 Pontiac Firebird 2dr Hatchback (3.8L 6cyl 5M)
This was the second car I ever bought and have owned it for about two years now. I got it with about 73k on it and am now about 83k. It's been a reliable car but the previous owner did not take care of it at all. The build quality of the interior is a little cheap but the seats are super comfortable and the car hugs the road perfectly. The only major issue I've had, like with all GM … V6's, was the intake manifold gasket. Upon replacing the car drove like it was brand new. I will never sell this car and it is about to become my weekend car. I get compliments from people all the time. Also, beat some punk in a Supra to give you some perspective... my car is bone stock.
4.75 out of 5 stars
These cars are fun
Barron, 03/12/2010
2002 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am 2dr Hatchback (5.7L 8cyl 4A)
This car is super fast, look great, and turn heads of all ages everywhere I go. It's now 9 years old and is still one of the best looking cars on the road. I've owned mine a few years now with zero problems and I will say that the car is as much fun now as the day I bought it. Highly recommended!
2002 Firebird Highlights
Hatchback
Base
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $20,050 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 21 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $196/month |
Seating | 4 seats |
Drivetrain | rear wheel drive |
Warranty | 3 years / 36,000 miles |
Safety
Key safety features on the Firebird include:
- Alarm
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
Related Used 2002 Pontiac Firebird info
Vehicle reviews of used models
- Mazda CX 30 2020 Review
- Mazda CX 3 2020 Review
- Mazda CX 30 2021 Review
- Mazda 6 2021 Review
- Mazda CX 3 2021 Review
Popular new car reviews and ratings
- Audi RS6 6
- Mercedes Metris
- Volvo V60
- Toyota Tundra
- GMC Sierra LTD
- GT Shelby 500
- Ford 450
- Toyota Corolla Hybrid
- Mclaren 720 S Spider
- Volvo Volvo XC40
Research similar vehicles
- Mazda MX 5 Roadster
- 2024 Ford Mustang
- RF MX5
- Mercedes SL Class Roadster
- Chevrolet Corvette Stingray 2024
- Audi TT
- Chevrolet Corvette Stingray 2023
- BMW M8
- 2023 Huracan
Other models
- Used Audi Q3 in Munster, IN
- New Volkswagen Atlas for Sale in Westbrook, ME
- New Infiniti QX50 for Sale in Shelby, NC
- Used Ferrari Portofino in Edinburg, TX
- Used GMC Yukon-Denali in Washington, NC
- Used Volvo V50 in Randolph, NJ
- Used Toyota Rav4-Hybrid in New Castle, PA
- Used Ford Econoline-Wagon in Coatesville, PA
- Used Kia Rondo in Canton, MI
- Used Volvo XC in Arnold, MO