I would take a blue '87 SE 2.8 Getrag with a non CJB T-Top and no A/C , over any stock '88, I like different cars for different reasons and I have my own, so I'm not bitter. I'm not sure if one was ever built. So as far as I'm concerned that is Holy Grail.

Well, as with anything, newer USUALLY means better, at least in so far as having the bugs worked out.

I'd be lying if I didn't say the 88 suspension was certainly a better suspension. Anything can be modified to work better, and certainly the brakes on the 88 are also better too. For that matter, every enhancement that was made to the Fiero was available on the 88. From electric lumbar to factory optioned TTOPS to the bigger brakes and the better suspension, to all the revisions that were offered in the 87 too.

That said... the 84 Fiero was given a bit more "attention to detail" when it was first released. The 84 Fiero came with a bunch of stuff that the older cars simply didn't get. Like a "FIERO" insert in the rocker panels (on the door threshold) to map pockets in the seat backs, to it being the only year to have a "COWL TAG" (even though it was on the frame rail and not the cowl). There's a bunch of other odds and ends.

But... that doesn't necessarily mean that the older Fieros are really any less capable. The 88 Fiero even at this point is old enough now that many of the cars coming out are superior anyway.

It probably made a big difference in 1988... but in 2010, it's negligible.

I have a 1987 Fiero SE / V6. I won't likely buy another Fiero any time soon... I'll probably just keep this one forever. It was my first... I've had it for 15 years now.

It's got all the improvements I want, and honestly, I don't really SEE much differences between the 85 V6 model year and mine.... or the 88 model year V6s.

I know my intake plenum is engraved, where as it was not in 85. I know my headlights are improved slightly... but so what?


The 88s will always be worth more. I don't see the Fiero ever becomming a huge collectible car, but one day when it does pick up slightly in value, it'll be the 88s that command it.

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Todd,
2008 Jeep Patriot Limited 4x2
2002 Ford Explorer Sport 2dr 4x2
2002 Ford Crown Victoria LX
1987 Pontiac Fiero SE / V6
1973 Volkswagen Type-2 Transporter

quote Originally posted by pmbrunelle: Even if the 84-87 rear suspension can be made to work acceptably well in practice, it's just fundamentally wrong.

I agree. Putting a front suspension in the rear and nailing down the tie rods is just sloppy engineering. If you tried that today the car would be laughed at.

My 84 is mostly stock because it's an Indy, but I know that fundamentally the suspension is flawed compared to the 88.

I don't give a **** what anyone has to say about the 84's. I'm just happy to own a Fiero and I love my car, no regrets. It's bad enough we have outsiders bashing out car we defintely don't need it here on this forum.

Can't we all get along?

[This message has been edited by Daredevil05 (edited 01-15-2010).]

In looking for a high mileage car, I have noticed a consistent pattern. The claimed mileage for the '87 - '88 4 cyl. cars seems to be consistently lower than the claims for the earlier years. Do you guys know anything about the technical changes (roller cam, ignition, etc.) that might mean that the pattern I'm seeing reflects a reality of somewhat fewer MPG for the last two years?

Thanks. Bob

quote Originally posted by Daredevil05: I don't give a **** what anyone has to say about the 84's. I'm just happy to own a Fiero and I love my car, no regrets. It's bad enough we have outsiders bashing out car we defintely don't need it here on this forum. Can't we all get along?

Well said. I don't think I was attacking the earlier cars as there are some things that are better done with the earlier cars vs. the 88's. It all depends on what you're looking for and what your intentions are for it. Both are excellent in their own ways. Pick one you like and have at it.

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88blackchopv8

quote Originally posted by 82-T/A [At Work]: That said... the 84 Fiero was given a bit more "attention to detail" when it was first released. The 84 Fiero came with a bunch of stuff that the older cars simply didn't get. Like a ...

This would be a good thread topic.... "Cool stuff that 84s had that was eliminated"

I for one like that the decklid popper only works when the ignition is on, versus the hot at all times on the later cars. That way someone smashes the window they don't automatically get access to your trunk as well.

Also, I like the separate "deck ajar" and "door ajar" lights. Later cars only have one light for everything.

Each year Fiero has its small traits good and bad.

The 88 for the most had the most development but it too was far from perfectly sorted in many areas.

The fact is you can take any year of any car and find fault with it. I don't think any of us here are putting any year down but just being honest and admitting the flaws. I think if anything we should all try to point out the positives too on different years like jscott did.

The one key to for the Fiero owners to be taken seriously is to be honest about out cars. While we know they are no where near as bad as many want to make them we also have to admit the flaws they have. Honesty is the first step of credibility. If you can't be honest on the flaws who will believe you on the truths.

Things like the seat speakers are something the 88 guys don't get.

quote Originally posted by hyperv6: Things like the seat speakers are something the 88 guys don't get.

I forgot about seat speakers... I added those to my 88 with wiring and seats taken from an 84 and 85 respectively. I don't know why they got rid of them, but they sound better than the B pillar speakers in my opinion.

The 87 regardless of model, is wired up the same, meaning power windows and any other feature your 87 does not have can be installed with the wiring already in place.


At least thats what I hear.

quote Originally posted by FieroFury33: At least thats what I hear.

That is incorrect. The only option that the Fiero is wired for on all models is the trunk popper. And even that requires a relay, the popper itself and a wire from the popper to the decklid hinge area connector.

Some models might have an underhood light that you just have to install a bulb, but 99% of power options will not be wired if you don't have that option.

My first fiero was a 84, my second an 88 formula.
When i went to buy the 88 i found it a bit overpriced but the testdrive sold me completely, it felt like a lighter en more modern drive then the 84.
Handling of the 88 is definatly better however its no miracle either. Ive been on the nurburgring a few times and its still scary to drive near the limits. Then again im by far no driving expert
Now that it has some new suspension parts, koni's and is lowered it improved alot. So I think all modelyears could be upgraded a bit and be good fun to drive.
Most more modern sportive cars have alot better handling but that doesnt make them as special as a Fiero

The brakes of the 88, well there better then the earlier types but there still not good enough for the car and i rebuild mine last year.
The older types have alot more brake upgrade options i believe. Since most brakes are at an age of rebuilding anyway if i had a earlier model i wouldnt rebuild but go for one of the upgrades available.
That would be the best option i believe.

I do think the 88 has some advantages but getting a Fiero that is in good condition is way more important.

The 84 sometimes gets little love but despite its shortcomings the bumperpad nose, different rear decklid, real glass quarter panels and speakers in the seats make it a special thing aswell.
I guess something can be said for all modelyears.

[This message has been edited by Edwin (edited 01-16-2010).]

I consider the holy grail one of the cars that was built and not sold
http://images.fieroforum.co...09/89fierorear_1.gif
http://images.fieroforum.co...9/89fierorear2_1.gif

I have an 86 SE and an 88 coupe, which is my daily driver. Every time I take my 86 out for a drive, at first it feels like driving a truck compared to the 88, but after a while it feels just fine. Then when I go back to the 88, it feels light and nimble.

I've only ever owned an 88 and I've ridden in a few different years. I didn't feel a huge difference to be honest. The only thing I know first hand is lots of 88-specific parts can be a pain in the ass to find and prices are higher. But I loooooooove my Formula.