I was wondering why Pontiac choose the word FORMULA and the letters GT and SE. What is the meaning behind this. Yes, I know it pertains to certain packages of the Fiero. I just wanted to know what they mean.

Thanks,
Don Z.

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I am not positive but I think FORMULA is in reference to a certain style of race. GT stands for 'grand touring' although it is used on the more sportier models of any manufactuter. SE usually stands for 'special edition' meaning more options, usually luxury ones.

[This message has been edited by cliffw (edited 10-25-2006).]

Formula could be in relation to Formula 1 racing but I think back when the Formula cars came out there was a comercial refering to the "formula" for a fast car. Take the low end car, the one you usually stuck the 4 or 6 cyl engine in and put a bigger engine in it with upgraded suspension and brakes. Made a sort of sleeper: a car that looked like the low end model but had all the go fast goodies on it from the factory.

Formula refers to Formula 1. Pontiac used to name their vehicles after race series or races, like Grand Prix, LeMans, Trans Am, and Bonneville, etc. SE, at least for Pontiac, referred to Sport Edition. Chrysler used the moniker to refer to Special Edition. LE on Pontiacs, as well as Chryslers, stood for Luxury Edition. Prior to 1982 Pontiac used the SJ and LJ labels to designate these trim levels.

quote Originally posted by cliffw: GT stands for 'grand touring' although it is used on the more sportier models of any manufactuter.

Or in it's true form it stands for Gran Turismo.

I think it was late and they had a deadline.

Pontiac chose many names based on races or locations.

LeMans
Bonneville
Trans Am (from the SCCA Trans Am racing series)

Formula is likely inspired by some type of Formula racing.

In the racing theme Websters says "of, relating to, or being an open-wheel open-cockpit rear-engine racing car
conforming to prescribed specifications as to size, weight, and engine displacement." That applies or applied to Formula 1, Formula 2, Formula 3, Formula 5000, Formula Vee, Formula Ford, Formula Atalntic, etc, etc. In a sense at least the Fiero Formula is rear engined. Maybe as applied to the Fiero and Fierbird it meant that there was a "Formulized' package that came standard with the car.

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Notchbacks RULE

"Let a man drive a Fiero and he'll own one.
Teach a man to fix a Fiero and he'll own eight....errr...nine."

... It was in an old Hot Rod magazine that the "Formulas" were stripped of excess weight and were actually meant to be the fastest of the offered models available. The formula is "Less car with more engine."

Regardless of the origin of the name, the Formula has always been the "maximum bang for the buck" package from Pontiac.
In a Firebird, it usually included all the Trans Am hardware in a base Firebird body. Usually with hood scoops and maybe a trunk spoiler, but without all the ground effects and fender scoops. Could be ordered with very few options, in order to provide a weight savings.
The Fiero Formula followed along the same lines. It was a base coupe with all of the GT running gear, and a rear spoiler. Not much in the way of standard features, but most of the GT options could be added.
The price of a fully loaded Formula was within shouting distance of that of a GT.

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Raydar
88 4.9 Formula IMSA Fasback..........................88 3.4 coupe................................................

Read Nealz Nuze! Praise the Lowered!

Wow! thanks for the input guys. So let me get this straight. A formula is a base model Fiero with all of the go of a GT. SE is sport edition and GT is grand touring or turismo. Was the SE a suspension package? I have seen some Fieros that has SE on it, but has nothing in it. Is it just fancy wheels? What is the VIN code for and SE model and what do those models come with?

Again thanks,
Don Z.

the vincode for an se is F like 1G2AF37RXEPXXXXXX is an 84 SE
the later vin code is like 1G2PF37RXFPXXXXXX is an 85 SE
1G2PF37RXGPXXXXXX is an 86 SE
1P2PF37RXHPXXXXXX is an 87 SE
1G2PF37RXJPXXXXXX in an 88 SE
All of these vins have the 4 cyl in them... the eight digit in from left to right tells the vin ( R )
the ones with the V6 has the vin code nine ( 9 ) not a W. The V6 is unique to fieros because of the unique air plenum