Full Review
The Pontiac Fiero was a valiant effort on GM's behalf in battling the Toyota MR2. It was probably doomed before it ever hit the drawing board but they get an 'A' for effort. The idea of an American car company producing a tiny two seater with rear wheel drive and the engine mounted midship was unthinkable to most. In 1995 I bought a 1988 Pontiac Fiero Formula. It was a transitional period in my life and I just needed a car to get to work in. I drove this car for a little over a year and was glad to be rid of it. But I'll start with the good parts..

The Exterior

The car is low. I don't just mean it's close to the ground - which it is. I mean this car has a very low roof line. The sloped off hood is reminiscent of a Firebirds - complete with the pop up headlights and all. The windshield rakes to the roof which is short (length wise) and then drops off on a ninety degree angle at the back window. The car's line picks up on the trunk lid and follows a horizontal path to the edge of the trunk where it once again drops straight down past the tail lights. It gives the impression that it is very aerodynamic. Mine was black with gold fifteen inch allows wrapped in decent 205 series rubber. The front bumper came from the factory with fog lights incorporated. The car definitely had an aggressive stance and did a good job of mimicking the MR2 without actually crossing that fine legal line.

The Interior

Inside the Fiero is where my beef with the car is. Being as low slung as it is means the price you will pay for the look and the handling will by exacted from your knees. This car is literally a pain to get into. I was twenty four and in great shape when I bought the car so I can't blame anything but design. The two buckets are race inspired and do a great job of holding you in place once you cross the threshold. There is no backseat, or even a feigned attempt at rear storage. The buckets can not recline due to the vertical wall right behind them which is actually the firewall. A center console adds to the cradling effect of the seats. The console houses the ashtray and power window switches as well as the shifter. The optional tilt steering helped make getting in and out of the car a little easier. The mirrors were manual with the driver side getting a cable actuating joystick. The stereo was typical GM junk and when I bought the car the tape deck was already broken. Rear speakers on the pillars did little more than crackle and give me a headache. The small rear window (think Honda Del Sol, Porsche 914) had a much appreciated defroster. The optional pop-up sunroof didn't leak all that much. The HVAC worked reasonably well and I was comfortable through the four or five seasons that I drove this car. The analog gauge cluster was adequate. Speedo, tach, fuel and temp were presented in dial format. All else were idiot lights. The background trim of the dash and the center console was a plastic material with a laminate made to look like brushed aluminum. This was SOP for GM in this era. Cheesy cheap plastic. Headroom, legroom, shoulder, hip - any kind of room you might be curious about all gets the same answer - limited. Big people need not apply. By design, the Fiero has some serious blind spot issues that potential owners should be aware of too.

Mechanically Speaking

The injected 2.8 V6 in this 2600 pound car produced 135 HP and a somewhat satisfying 160 ft lbs of torque. The rear mounted engine drives the rear wheels through a three speed automatic transmission that shifted smoothly and effortlessly. This was an optional transmission. The base model came with a five speed manual. The 'trunk' lid opens to reveal the motor and a small luggage compartment. Don't get your hopes up - nothing bigger than a briefcase will fit in there. The battery is also located in the rear compartment. Out front you open the 'hood' and expect to find luggage room. Alas, you will be disappointed again. The radiator, reserve tank and spare tire take up most of the room. The power brake and steering reservoirs reside up front as well and all fluids are plumbed to the motor (or accessories) through the hollow tunnel under the center console. No motor up front means no drive shaft under the console. Any space that isn't taken up by the aforementioned is used up by various HVAC components.

The Drive

This is the one positive aspect here. It really is a fun car to drive. Low, flat and light is a good combination on the road. Cornering is the Fiero's specialty. I won't compare it to a Lotus or a 911 but it handled a heck of a lot better than any Camaros or Corvettes that were produced that year. Unlike many other rear drive cars, it was damn near impossible to break the rear end free. With the motor sitting on those back tires it just dug into the corners and stuck every turn. I tried to push it to the limit on a regular basis and on dry pavement the most I'd ever get from those rear tires was a little bit of noise. Of course when it rained or snowed it was easy to throw it into over-steer on the mildest of turns. The power steering was not crisp but it was 'good enough'. Braking was confident. Four wheel discs halted this lightweight with little effort. Acceleration was not so inspiring. The torque curve seemed to be pretty low giving you good oomph off the line but then she kind of falls on her face. No matter how you cut it - this just isn't a fast car. There are companies out there selling 350 small block conversion kits for these cars. Now that would be an inspired drive. Predictably it is a fairly harsh drive and living in NYC with a Fiero was hell on my kidneys. Every pothole and speedbump reminds you how low to the ground you're sitting. This isn't a car to travel long distances in. This is a kids car.

Safety & Storage

Safety really wasn't much of an issue with the big three back in the eighties. No ABS was available - even as an option. Airbags? Yeah right. In the Fiero you get seatbelts and a rearview mirror to hang you rosary on (or is that just a Brooklyn thing?). If you hit someone head on you will go under their car and eat their bumper. A rear hit would end with the motor on your back and a side hit would have the same result as a head on crash. I'm sure it had it's own version of crumple zones. Maybe they would help you in an accident with another Fiero.

The Fiero has less storage than my Harley. The tiny glove box is augmented only by the passenger seat. If you have a passenger you're SOL. If you need more than one bag of groceries at a time then this car may not work for you.

Last Thoughts

For what it is, it's a lot of fun. I admire Pontiac for having the chutzpah to go after Toyota like this. If it weren't for Detroit's overwhelming lack of attention to detail this car might have had a longer run. Toyota's still making MR2's which tells me there's still a market for a relatively useless sporty little car like this. It seems to me that Motor City is starting to come around. The ongoing renaissance at Chrysler is giving the world Crossfires and Magnums and 300's that look like they jumped out of a Dick Tracy Comic book. Maybe the other two will wake up and see that the world doesn't lust for Aveos and 500s. The Fiero was one of the bolder ideas from GM. If they tightened up standards and re-introduced this one the public might be swayed.

Recommended:
Yes

Amount Paid (US$): 1200
Condition: Used
Model Year: 1988
Model and Options: 1988 Pontiac Fiero Formula V6 Auto

Is it just me or is this guy the biggest idiot in the world?

quote Originally posted by Fieroseverywhere: The Pontiac Fiero was a valiant effort on GM's behalf in battling the Toyota MR2.

Fiero - 1984
MR2 - 1985

'nuff said. Dude's an idiot.

I carried a dinosaur in mine a few times........... (no not a date, a Velociraptor) I know someone has pics to prove it. LOL

Actually I thought that was pretty accurate (does that make me an idiot too?). Other than the contradiction about owning the car for a year but the HVAC keeping him cool for four or five seasons, and his concerns about safety, some of which are true but overall the Fiero is a safe car.
I think his assement that the car had the usual cheap/nasty stuff in it is true, just look at the interest in any kind of dash swap on here, ditto the engine. The original was ok but it was sadly underpowered really. Lack of space, yup, no glove box, dead on although I did think his assesment of luggage space was a bit harsh, it's certainly no worse than the MR2 he is comparing it with.

I've also had the Mk1 MR2 and that was a pretty smart car, comparable to the Fiero but probably just slightly better executed and finnished that just gave it the edge over the Fiero at the time.

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Dave E

www.ltlfrari.com

I don't see anything wrong with the review. The only things he really got wrong was the power steering (doesn't exist, lol. I thought mine had power steering when I got it. I drove a '89 Suzuki Sidekick with no PS and its MUCH more difficult to steer) safety ratings, and interior room. The car IS low and it has a harsh ride, the interior is crappy mid-80's GM plastics, the car is slow, and it has almost no luggage space. The slowness can be addressed with an engine swap though, the harsh ride and no luggage space are the eccentricities of a mid-engine sports car, and the interior is fine (for me, anyways). Overall, I think he gave a fair review, and he even reccommended the car, and said that if GM were to bring it back with a little more attention to detail it would be a success.

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http://members.cardomain.com/tinton

Since when does a formula have stock fog lights....

Bet he drives an SUV now so he can get his fat ass in and out with ease. I'm over 60 with a fat ass and I can still get in and out of my 87 with a 2 inch drop with out a problem. Also that must be one big briefcase.

Other than a few errors (Fiero came out before the MR2), the review was fairly balanced. I LOVE my Fiero, but there's definitely things GM compromised on the design that I HATE. No car is perfect, and the Fiero does has design flaws, so I don't expect any review to be all praises and nothing else. As with all reviews, he was stating his PERSONAL OPINION on his experiences with his car. He mentioned the things he didn't like, but also mentioned the items that he liked about the Fiero - styling, handling etc. I've rectified many things I didn't like about my Fiero in it's "all stock" state, while I've decided to live with other deficiencies.

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3.4L S/C 87 GT www.fierosound.com
2002/2003/2004 World of Wheels Winner &
Multiple IASCA Stereo Award Winner

The writer of the review did make some good points. It was the little discrepiancies that bothered me. He paid 1200 dollars for a 7 year old Formula. You can hardly find one at that price now. Car never had power steering or fog lights. Power mirrors were an option though he may not have known buying a used one. Yes the car is low, but isnt that the point? It also lacked power. But didn't most commuter cars of that time? Just seems to me he should have done a little more research before writing that review. Or maybe he should have bought an MR2 instead. Love the responses guys. thanks.

Im 6'4" tall, 215lbs, and wear a size 15 shoe...I LOVE my Fieros!! Sure they may not be easy to get in and out of, but you dont buy a car like afgiero for the practical comfort and roominess, any half-whit can see upon a test drive any of the "flaws" he mentioned. I think Ill take his lead and complain about the lack of passenger room on my sport bike, or the poor gas milage my 4x4 truck gets, or how about haw aweful of a car a fiero is to take off road for a little mudding! LOLOLOLOL!!!! Thaks for this post, it just made me feel like the most observant person ever! LOL

The more you read the article the more you'll catch. read again and you will see what I mean.

GM must of did something right. Produced a car that only lasted 5 years but is still sought after til this day. I'm keeping mine even though I ignored them completely til about 4 years ago.
Bought mine at Carlisle around 3 pm on a Saturday. Guess I was lucky no one snatched it up.

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He made quite a few errors in the review but remember he hasn't had the car for 10 years. I can easily see him not remembering things accurately. For example, the gauges I *THOUGHT* all had the GT style gauges in the Formulas (but I don't have a Formula so I could be wrong......see what I mean about memory?). It is cramped for luggage space and interior space is tight with no real glove box. Yes, he got the years of the MR2 and Fiero mixed up, big deal. He definitely remembered the good points in that "The Drive" is what it's all about. "fun car to drive" and "Low, flat, and light is a good combination on the road".

The one thing that did surprise me was him blasting it on safety, but I didn't take that to be a Fiero specific thing, just that the cars of that era weren't very safe overall in design, and I wouldn't argue with that comment. Remember the Fiero engineers were exceptionally proud of how high a mark the Fiero set in the safety tests and they WERE much higher than the norm.

If you think this is the "worst fiero review in history" you need to keep reading, there are lot's, lot's worse.

John Stricker

quote Originally posted by Fieroseverywhere: Full Review The Pontiac Fiero was a valiant effort on GM's behalf in battling the Toyota MR2. It was probably doomed before it ever hit the drawing board but they get an 'A' for effort.

The Fiero came out before the MR2

quote The Exterior The front bumper came from the factory with fog lights incorporated. The car definitely had an aggressive stance and did a good job of mimicking the MR2 without actually crossing that fine legal line.

Fieros never came with factory fog lights. It didnt look like an MR2, the MR2 was definately 80's looking and pretty ugly. Plue, once again, the fiero was first

quote The Interior The analog gauge cluster was adequate. Speedo, tach, fuel and temp were presented in dial format. All else were idiot lights. The background trim of the dash and the center console was a plastic material with a laminate made to look like brushed aluminum. This was SOP for GM in this era. Cheesy cheap plastic. Headroom, legroom, shoulder, hip - any kind of room you might be curious about all gets the same answer - limited. Big people need not apply. By design, the Fiero has some serious blind spot issues that potential owners should be aware of too.

What about oil pressure and voltage? It WAS a Formula right? Thats pretty much all the guages you need, unless you want your check engine light and turn signals in guage form. Also if it was an 88, how come it has the "fake brush aluminum" panels when it should have dot-matrix?

quote Mechanically Speaking The 'trunk' lid opens to reveal the motor and a small luggage compartment. Don't get your hopes up - nothing bigger than a briefcase will fit in there. The battery is also located in the rear compartment. Out front you open the 'hood' and expect to find luggage room. Alas, you will be disappointed again. The radiator, reserve tank and spare tire take up most of the room. The power brake and steering reservoirs reside up front as well and all fluids are plumbed to the motor (or accessories) through the hollow tunnel under the center console. No motor up front means no drive shaft under the console. Any space that isn't taken up by the aforementioned is used up by various HVAC components.

That must be a big briefcase. I got a micky-thomson 28x7.5 tire in there right now, with books, some parts, a jacket and room to spare. It may not be a large trunk, but its not small. Also, hallow tunnel in the center console? Where does he think the gas tank is?

quote The Drive Unlike many other rear drive cars, it was damn near impossible to break the rear end free. With the motor sitting on those back tires it just dug into the corners and stuck every turn. I tried to push it to the limit on a regular basis and on dry pavement the most I'd ever get from those rear tires was a little bit of noise. The power steering was not crisp but it was 'good enough'. Braking was confident. Four wheel discs halted this lightweight with little effort.

even though this is positive, he must not have been pushing it that much, or just the lack of a manual trans i guess. I have wider and better tires and still get sideways, spun a few times too. Im surpised he didnt complain that the power steering was "hard on initial effort do to poor quaility" or something, lol. The brakes arent quite that good either

quote Safety & Storage Safety really wasn't much of an issue with the big three back in the eighties. No ABS was available - even as an option. Airbags? Yeah right. In the Fiero you get seatbelts and a rearview mirror to hang you rosary on (or is that just a Brooklyn thing?). If you hit someone head on you will go under their car and eat their bumper. A rear hit would end with the motor on your back and a side hit would have the same result as a head on crash. I'm sure it had it's own version of crumple zones. Maybe they would help you in an accident with another Fiero. The Fiero has less storage than my Harley. The tiny glove box is augmented only by the passenger seat. If you have a passenger you're SOL. If you need more than one bag of groceries at a time then this car may not work for you.

Fiero 5 star crash test rating, blah blah blah, we all know this. I have gotten 2 shopping carts of groceries in there before...

quote Last Thoughts For what it is, it's a lot of fun. I admire Pontiac for having the chutzpah to go after Toyota like this. If it weren't for Detroit's overwhelming lack of attention to detail this car might have had a longer run. Toyota's still making MR2's which tells me there's still a market for a relatively useless sporty little car like this. It seems to me that Motor City is starting to come around. The ongoing renaissance at Chrysler is giving the world Crossfires and Magnums and 300's that look like they jumped out of a Dick Tracy Comic book. Maybe the other two will wake up and see that the world doesn't lust for Aveos and 500s. The Fiero was one of the bolder ideas from GM. If they tightened up standards and re-introduced this one the public might be swayed. Recommended: Yes Amount Paid (US$): 1200 Condition: Used Model Year: 1988 Model and Options: 1988 Pontiac Fiero Formula V6 Auto

hes right there, except for the MR2 thing again

overall he really didnt give a bad review and even recommened the car. He just seemed un-informed about a few things he should have reserched before the review. BTW, where was this from?

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+ an 88 Caprice 9C1 Police Package
--Adam--
IM AOL: FieroGT5speed

[This message has been edited by GTFiero1 (edited 04-05-2006).]

Stop me if youv'e heard this before. The two things I dislike about my Fiero are getting in it and getting out of it. lol. Cheers Beers n Gears. Joe

There are very few things like about the fier based on the origional plan for the car ( it was a commuter vehicle correct?) is the lights on the instrument panel are very dim in the 4 that i have been in. Maybe its just those 4 ive been in, but i would figure that was pretty much a problem (or maybe not a problem for some) in all of them.

also, mine is difficult to downshift, but i have a feeling thats just mine.

I don't think this review was too far off. He got the main things right—a Fiero ain't fast stock, it doesn't have much storage, it handles great, and it's a blast to drive.

I know it's hard to read the bad things say about Fieros, but let's keep in mind how we ourselves look at them. You don't see many PFFers raving about their super fast stock Fiero or anything like that. I think what we all love about the Fiero is its potential. Potential to be what the big names on this forum have made theirs. We are blown away by V8 Fieros, chop tops, 20" rims, Lambo doors, 2000w sound systems, air bag suspensions, etc. None of these things are stock Fiero items.

So I say give this guy's review its merit but at the same time, don't think that a stock Fiero's downfalls should affect how we feel about our cars and what we love to do to/with them.

-Tim

quote Originally posted by timwdegner: I don't think this review was too far off. He got the main things right—a Fiero ain't fast stock, it doesn't have much storage, it handles great, and it's a blast to drive. I know it's hard to read the bad things say about Fieros, but let's keep in mind how we ourselves look at them. You don't see many PFFers raving about their super fast stock Fiero or anything like that. I think what we all love about the Fiero is its potential. Potential to be what the big names on this forum have made theirs. We are blown away by V8 Fieros, chop tops, 20" rims, Lambo doors, 2000w sound systems, air bag suspensions, etc. None of these things are stock Fiero items. So I say give this guy's review its merit but at the same time, don't think that a stock Fiero's downfalls should affect how we feel about our cars and what we love to do to/with them. -Tim

Well said, Tim

I'm 6'2 and by no means skinny and I have no problems getting in or out of the car (especially with the door wide open). I also like the seat up as far as I can and I try not to recline the seat too much ( the car commands your full attention, not to have your seat reclined all the way back like a gansta ). Am I the only person that will slide the seat all the way back on tight exits (i.e. parking garage)?

You guys all made some great points. Very well said Tim. Like I said earlier fiero does have some downfalls. I just think the author of the review should have done a little more research. As for saying the worst review in history, I was talking about the lack of knowledge that he presented. He actually had some great things to say. I have seen many, many, many worse reviews. thanks for all the posts guys. I love to see the feedback, both sides of it.

[This message has been edited by Fieroseverywhere (edited 04-06-2006).]

Okay, I'll just open two windows so I can dispute his points as I read
#1: They did not come with fog lights from the factory, its never good to try and give your "official reveiw" on something you dont know that much about.

#2 Im 6'1" 190lbs and have NO trouble getting into or out of the car. Granted, there is a learning curve, but once you figure it out there is no problem. I know of much larger people who drive them

#3 There is TONS of room, leg room is equisite, head room is plenty, even those with 3" chops will agree

#4 The seats do recline, they will go so far that you cannot see over the dash if you like, but you have to be intelegent enough to slide them foward to figure this out

#5 show me a 20yr old paper cone speaker that isnt blown

#6 there is only one blind spot, and its not hard to turn and look

#7 While he's trying to talk up the car here, it is way too easy to break the rear end free, from a stop and especialy in the turns. He could not have pushed it very far if he did not notice this. Even with a beat up V6 auto that hadnt run in 4 months I managed to accedently do a 360 coming out of a gas station 5 minutes after buying it.

#8 WHF ROTFL WAAWAAWAAAaawwaaa!! Now hes complaining about the POWER STEERING.... okay I was taking him seriously up until this point, now with #3,#4,#7 and #8 im fairly convinced that he has never actualy owned one, mabye taken one for a short drive at best

#9 Storage, apparently he never opened either hood also, as while the storage is not amazing, there is far more than "the glovebox and passenger seat"

#... I lost count.. Saftey, someone looking at the car from across the parking lot would have the same opinon but anyone who actualy looked up close would think otherwise, especialy anyone with automotive experience, but im not going to get into it

Okay, I started out thinking this was just going to be a bashing review or something. While the review in and of itself does seem to be very objective and fairly worded, its larged biased on inncorrect information. I can think of more realistic down sides that any Fiero owner would know of, and half the stuff he listed isnt accurate

I might also add that the MR2 came out after the Fiero AND the 1st get MR2s didnt hardly resemble a Fiero, the second gens are another story, but while 1st gen share the same idea, they dont look that much alike like he's trying to say its a copy. Any paying $1200 for a Formula in 95? you cant find them for that now.

[This message has been edited by 86GT3.4DOHC (edited 04-06-2006).]

Hmmm... how about my own revision?

Full Review
The Pontiac Fiero was a valiant effort on GM's behalf - evolving auto manufacturing as it was known. The car was the first to use the patented mill-and-drill procedure, as well as revolutionary composite body panels over a new space frame. The Fiero's history is a unique one among GM's varied past. Although doomed after only 5 years in production, they get an 'A' for effort. The idea of an American car company producing a tiny two seater with rear wheel drive and the engine mounted midship was unthinkable to most, and GM's brass bought it as a "commuter car". In 1996 I bought a 1987 Pontiac Fiero GT. It was an exciting time, and as a relatively new driver I felt very pleased with my choice. The Fiero, designed & produced in the same time period as Toyota's own Mid Engine MR2 (which followed a year after the Fiero's 1984 introduction), was similar but far easier on the eye.

The Exterior

The car is low. I don't just mean it's close to the ground - which it is. I mean this car has a very low roof line. The sloped off hood is reminiscent of a Firebirds - complete with the pop up headlights and all. The windshield rakes to the roof which is short (length wise) and then drops off smoothly towards the tail on the "Fastback" bodystyle. The car's lines are flowing from nose to tail where it drops smoothly down past the tail lights. It gives the impression that it is very aerodynamic. Mine was gold with gray fifteen inch "honeycomb" allows wrapped in decent 205/215 series Goodyear rubber. The car definitely has an aggressive stance and does a good job of surpassing the MR2's design.

The Interior

Inside the Fiero is not it's strongest points. Being as low slung as it is means the price you will pay for the look and the handling may be exacted from your knees. This car is can literally be a pain to get into, but I was only 17 and it rarely affected me. The two buckets are race inspired and do a great job of holding you in place once you cross the threshold. There is no backseat, or even a feigned attempt at rear storage. The buckets have limited reclining angle due to the vertical firewall right behind them. A center console adds to the cradling effect of the seats. The console houses the ashtray and power window switches as well as the shifter. The optional tilt steering helps make getting in and out of the car easier. The mirrors are the optional power units (borrowed from the F-Bodies & Corvettes of the same era). The stereo was typical GM junk and when I bought the car the tape deck barely worked. The "Performance Sound" option makes a notably strong appearance with the added small (but effective) subwoofer in the passenger compartment. The small rear window (think Honda Del Sol, Porsche 914) had a defroster, something I rarely found need for. The optional pop-up sunroof didn't leak, and definitely added a huge "open" feel to the car. The HVAC worked reasonably well and didn't require any service until the car had been on the road for 20 years. The analog gauge cluster is decent. Speedo, tach, fuel and temp are presented in dial format on the primary dash with voltage and oil pressure appearing in an auxiliary cluster aligned with the center console. All else are easily distinguished idiot lights. The background trim of the dash and the center console was a plastic material with a laminate made to look like brushed aluminum. This was SOP for GM in this era. Cheesy cheap plastic, but thankfully easily replaced with finer finished materials. Depending on body shape, interior room is good. Long-legged drivers will appreciate the nearly-flat floor providing ample leg room, and low seat mounting provides good headroom. By design, the Fiero has some blind spot issues that potential owners should be aware of, but the "quarter windows" aid in checking these areas.

Mechanically Speaking

The injected 2.8 V6 in this 2600 pound car produced 135 HP and a somewhat satisfying 160 ft lbs of torque. The rear mounted engine drives the rear wheels through the optional three speed automatic transmission that shifted smoothly and effortlessly. Normal models came equipped with a five speed manual. The deck lid opens to reveal the motor and a moderately sized luggage compartment. Wisely, GM's executives designed the trunk to fit a full size Golf bag with room to spare. The battery is also located next to the engine in on the passenger side - remember that when giving or receiving a jump start. Out front you open the 'hood' and expect to find luggage room. Alas, you may be disappointed. The radiator, reserve tank and spare tire take up most of the room with only small "pockets" of remotely-usable storage space. The power brake reservoir resides up front as well and all fluids are plumbed to the motor (or accessories) through the tunnel under the center console (which also houses the moderately sized fuel tank). No motor up front means no drive shaft under the console. Any space that isn't taken up by the aforementioned is used up by various HVAC components.

The Drive

This is the one best aspects here. It really is an extremely fun car to drive. Low, flat and light is a good combination on the road. Cornering is the Fiero's specialty, this is no drag car. I won't compare it to a Lotus or a 911 but it handled a heck of a lot better than any Camaros or Corvettes that were produced in that era. Unlike many other rear drive cars, it is damn near impossible to break the rear end free, but beware when it does. With the motor sitting on those back tires it just digs into the corners and sticks every turn. I tried to push it to the limit on a regular basis and on dry pavement the most I'd ever get from those rear tires was a little bit of noise. On traction limited surfaces, it was easier to throw it into over-steer with a bit more effort. While the car lacks power steering, the rack & pinion was solid and gives good road feel. Braking was good, but could have benefitted from some additional stopping power. Four wheel discs halted this lightweight with little effort and minimal brake fade. Acceleration was not so inspiring with the stock automatic. The torque curve seemed to be pretty low giving you good oomph off the line but then kind of falls off as the revs rise. This just isn't a fast car in terms of 1/4 mile times or straight line speed. There are companies out there selling higher power 4, 6, and 8 cylinder performance conversions. Now those would be an inspired drive. Predictably it is a moderately harsh drive and living in Minnesota with a Fiero means watching for extensive road erosion. Every pothole and speedbump reminds you how low to the ground you're sitting. The car isn't a long distance tourer, but with it's smaller fuel capacity you make frequent stops to stretch. This is kids car... whether your still a kid or just a kid at heart!

Safety & Storage

Safety really wasn't much of an issue with the big three back in the eighties. No ABS available, and Airbags were just an engineering exercise at the time. In the Fiero you get seatbelts and a rearview mirror. But you also get one of the highest crash test ratings at the time (equalled only by the solid Volvo models). Granted, if you rear end an SUV - you may be inspecting his bumpers from a less than comfortable distance. The Fiero's crumple zones are exceptional - having seen a number of hard-hit cars where the occupants walked away, and the doors still opened.

The Fiero has minimal storage spaces. And the tiny glove box, door pockets & map pocket are of little assistance for anything larger than registration papers and CDs. While not a grocery-getter, if packed correctly a couple can easily pack for a long weekend trip.

Last Thoughts

For what it is, it's a ton of fun. I admire Pontiac for having the chutzpah to go after an unknown market like this in the 80s. If it weren't for GM's political issues and a lack of performance power, this car might have had a longer run. Toyota's revitalized the MR2's, and Mazda's Miata has proved that the market for a compact 2-seater still exists - but a facelift was needed to make another "go" at it. It seems to me that Motor City is starting to come around. GM is finally getting back on track with their own 2 seat sports car program - the Pontiac Solstice & Saturn Sky. The Fiero was one of the boldest ideas from GM, yet even if renewed and re-engineered, a new car wearing a Fiero badge is one of the least likely things to happen in the near future.

Thankfully the Fiero has survived for more than 20 years beyond it's production. With one of the strongest communities and ever-evolving aftermarket, the Fiero is a car that will not soon be forgotten!

Recommended:
Yes

Amount Paid (US$): 4600
Condition: Used
Model Year: 1987
Model and Options: 1987 Pontiac Fiero GT, 2.8L V6, Auto

BTW - where did the original text come from?

[This message has been edited by MinnGreenGT (edited 04-06-2006).]

YEA! that was my other point.. show of hands, who here has actualy ever turned their rear defroster on??, much less found it "much needed" ?? I for one never touched the button until I rewired it to my intercooler fan. Vertical windows dont collect snow or ice and very rarely fog being behind you, its just like an old CJ5, defroster was just kind of a "well other cars have it, so we might as well put it in" option. Just adds to my idea that he never actualy owned the car, or at best he is seriously confusing his experience with some other car he had.

im 5' 9" 220 pounds and i get in witout to much trouble but also in not used to my car just yet and i love it to death im working on maybe swappin an engine or maybe buying another and fixin the clutch in it and kickin butt. lol anyway yah i love my car he was fair but harsh on things he didnt like but it depends on your use of the car luggage duh luggage rack kidding yah if your commuting alot great milage but if you are baggage carrier well look out hehe just my opionion love this car no matter what the flaws will be every time i look at mine i think man just a little more and ill be cruzin again.

quote Originally posted by 86GT3.4DOHC: #5 show me a 20yr old paper cone speaker that isnt blown #7 While he's trying to talk up the car here, it is way too easy to break the rear end free, from a stop and especialy in the turns. He could not have pushed it very far if he did not notice this. Even with a beat up V6 auto that hadnt run in 4 months I managed to accedently do a 360 coming out of a gas station 5 minutes after buying it. #8 WHF ROTFL WAAWAAWAAAaawwaaa!! Now hes complaining about the POWER STEERING.... okay I was taking him seriously up until this point, now with #3,#4,#7 and #8 im fairly convinced that he has never actualy owned one, mabye taken one for a short drive at best #... I lost count.. Saftey, someone looking at the car from across the parking lot would have the same opinon but anyone who actualy looked up close would think otherwise, especialy anyone with automotive experience, but im not going to get into it

I have a couple of things I can dispute.

#5. The speakers in my '88 GT aren't blown, they're the stock speakers. I'm sure I could blow them pretty easily if I tried though, this car has been pampered its entire life and the speakers probably haven't really been "tested" thoroughly .

#7 I find it very difficult to break the rear end free in my '88. Its been lowered slightly and it has wider tires than stock, you actually have to be TRYING to do a donut to get it to do it with that damned 3-speed auto. My '86 SE (4-speed) is a different story, I've nearly spun it in the rain. Also, I cannot get the '88 do do a burnout unless there's a lot of water on the road. I've managed burnouts in my '86 on dry pavement. I'm guessing that guy in his formula was pushing his car hard but he was still trying to keep from losing control.

#8. After I got my '88 GT it took me 6 months of driving it to figure out it didn't have power steering. I can see why GM didn't care about putting power steering in the car, it honestly doesn't take that much effort to move the wheel, and it gives better road feel. I had just come from driving my old '89 Suzuki Sidekick with no power steering....I nearly pulled muscles trying to steer that car. But you are half right, he should have done some research on the car and found out it didn't have power steering instead of making assumptions based off his experiences.

Safety. Most people think like this: "oh look a small car, it MUST be a deathtrap! Imagine if it hit a Hummer! *hops into GMC Yukon and drives off*". Small cars are known for being unsafe, some of that is justified. Its simple physics, what happens when a 3000 lb car going 60 mph hits a 9000 lb car going 60 mph? The lighter car will receive more damage. But still, the Fiero is not a deathtrap, any research will prove that (5 star crash test ratings). Also, its missing what most people take for granted today, like ABS, airbags, etc. Most people, upon looking at the car, couldn't tell that it has a rollcage-like spaceframe that wraps around the driver, with thick protective doors, ample "crumple-zone" in the front with the spare tire, and the safe location of the gas tank in the center. I'd rather have the tank in the center like a Fiero, than in the rear like a Pinto where it explodes in a rear-end collision. Also, the thing where he said that the engine would hit you in the back in a rear-end collision, has that ever happened? That's the first thing my cousin-in-law mentioned when he heard I had a Fiero, he acted like the engine would come through the firewall and you'd get a piston in your back. But, he didn't know Fieros came with V6's either, or in a fastback body style...

Pretty funny to commend GM for putting rear defroster in. That's one option the Fiero doesn't need. Rear windows get HOT by themselves even in cold weather!

Oh yeah, as for getting in/out of the car and the interior room, the Fiero is actually a little too big for me. I'm 5'7" 145 lbs, and in my '86 SE in order to get the clutch pedal all the way to the floor I have to have the seat all the way to the front. My Camaro Z28 actually has a LOT less legroom than either of my Fieros, because they tried to fit those useless rear seats into the Camaro. As for getting out of the Fieros, its not that hard. Put the seat all the way back and have it straight-backed, put your hand on the doorsill and roll out. Nothing to it. On my Camaro the doors are like 1.5x longer than those of my Fieros, in a tight parking deck its almost impossible to get out of the car. I've had times where asshat rednecks in their lifted trucks would park like a foot away from my driver's side and I had to crawl in through the passenger door. I've never had that problem in a Fiero.

quote Originally posted by The Reviewer : If you hit someone head on you will go under their car and eat their bumper. A rear hit would end with the motor on your back and a side hit would have the same result as a head on crash. I'm sure it had it's own version of crumple zones. Maybe they would help you in an accident with another Fiero.?

Well, I had a good chuckle reading that...Some of it is true and some is very true
But nothing will ever change my mind about the Fiero. Well, unless I die in it. That might change my point of view to a vertical one... LMAO...

Driving it, and loving it.

------------------

quote Originally posted by Scurvy: I'm 6'2 and by no means skinny and I have no problems getting in or out of the car (especially with the door wide open). I also like the seat up as far as I can and I try not to recline the seat too much ( the car commands your full attention, not to have your seat reclined all the way back like a gansta ). Am I the only person that will slide the seat all the way back on tight exits (i.e. parking garage)?

I can never understand why some people drive their cars with the seat fully reclined. So, you're gangsta if you do that? I thought it was related to having things like DVD players and $10,000 stereos in cars, its supposed to give you that "home away from home" feeling? You know, so you don't actually have to feel like you're driving. It might just be me, but I enjoy driving my cars, and I like being able to fully control them.

You're not the only person who slides the seat all the way back. I've heard that if you do that, it also has less wear on the seats when you get out of the car.

Sorry guys I'm having trouble sending the link. It was orignally off of http://www.epinions.com/content_163258732164 May not be the most official site. But still enough to annoy me.

[This message has been edited by Fieroseverywhere (edited 04-06-2006).]

quote Originally posted by Fieroseverywhere: Seems to be working now. BY the way Minngreen that rewrite of the review was great. Have you ever thought of writing for a magizine? Very informative and you obviously did alot more homework than the original writer. Thanks.

Thanks! Although it was mostly just "heavy editing" (and a lenghtly knowledge of the car & it's history)... I do write many of the articles for our local Fiero Club newsletter (which I also do all the editing & design/layout work for).

That being said - I certainly like the idea of journalism (especially automotive ).

Bump for you

I believe they ARE NOT making MR2s anymore. Just my little problem with the review, I think all the other problems have been covered.

quote Originally posted by Hornet: I believe they ARE NOT making MR2s anymore. Just my little problem with the review, I think all the other problems have been covered.

Depends on exactly when the review was written - they were making MR2s again up until a year or so ago... (I sat in one at the Mpls auto show last year IIRC), but they had just started that production run in about 2000.

The guy's entitled to his opinions, and his subjective reports are pretty much right on (underpowered, dated looking dash, etc.) But his technical accuracy blows. The Fiero doesn't have a hollow console, it had a 5 star crash safety rating, it was made before the MR2, etc.

It sounds like he was trying to technically justify why he didn't like aspects of the car, but he apparently pulled his data out of a bodily orifice.

Article written Nov. 28 2004. Posted link to original article. FYI He is one of their top writers.

[This message has been edited by Fieroseverywhere (edited 04-06-2006).]

The Fieros definitely need a rear defroster...I know...it rained on mine the last week and everyday I needed my rear defroster to see out.
It doesn't just remove frost it removes the dew/steam created on the windows by the moisture.
The heat form the engine never clears mine off...oh yeah I have reinstalled the recalled weather strip protecting my engine and manifolds like it should so i don't get a blast of heat from back there.

About the guy who wrote that horrible review...he was a very uneducated fool.

He was wrong about so many points he tried to make.

If he is one of THEIR TOP WRITERS...then the whole publication must really suck

[This message has been edited by SNMFX (edited 04-06-2006).]

quote Originally posted by Tinton: #5. The speakers in my '88 GT aren't blown, they're the stock speakers. I'm sure I could blow them pretty easily if I tried though, this car has been pampered its entire life and the speakers probably haven't really been "tested" thoroughly .

Those speakers aren't 20 years old ...

But i do agree, the speakers in my 84 aren't blown, its just a matter of the car being taken care of its whole life.