What is the Pontiac Firebird?
The Firebird was a sporty, two-door, rear-wheel-drive Pontiac with a long bonnet and a hatchback-style rear. The Trans Am was one of its best-known performance versions. Its focused coupe shape gave it a distinct place in Pontiac’s range.
The third and fourth generations covered here ran from 1984 to 2002 and used GM’s F-body platform. The third generation brought a more aerodynamic shape and concealed pop-up headlights. The fourth generation carried that sleek profile forward with a redesigned body.
Firebird generations
The third generation ran from 1984 to 1992, followed by the fourth from 1993 to 2002. Both used the F-body platform. The third-generation car introduced a more aerodynamic shape, including pop-up headlights; the fourth-generation design carried the sleek profile forward with a reshaped body.
The Firebird range included the standard model and performance-oriented Formula and Trans Am versions, giving the name a range of sporty characters.
Engines and fuel consumption
US EPA figures cover petrol engines from 2.5 L to 5.7 L. Canadian NRCan figures cover 3.4 L to 5.7 L petrol engines. The lowest listed US consumption is 9.8 L/100 km, and the best combined EPA rating is 24 MPG. Canada’s lowest listed figure is 11.3 L/100 km on the NRCan 5-cycle test.
The EPA and Canadian 5-cycle procedures differ, so the figures are best understood within their own markets.
Where was the Firebird sold?
US EPA figures cover 1984 to 2002, while Canadian NRCan figures cover 1995 to 2002. The Canadian figures use the NRCan 5-cycle test.
Questions and answers
When were the third- and fourth-generation Firebirds sold?
The third generation ran from 1984 to 1992, and the fourth from 1993 to 2002.
What engine sizes are covered in the Firebird figures?
US EPA figures cover petrol engines from 2.5 L to 5.7 L; Canadian NRCan figures cover 3.4 L to 5.7 L.
What is the Firebird’s best combined EPA rating?
The best combined EPA rating is 24 MPG. The lowest listed EPA consumption is 9.8 L/100 km.
Why are the US and Canadian figures different?
The lowest listed figure is 9.8 L/100 km under the EPA procedure and 11.3 L/100 km under Canada’s NRCan 5-cycle test. The methods differ, so the numbers are not direct comparisons.
