Was at the giant Das Awkscht Fescht car show yesterday in Macungie PA. While talking with other car collectors I heard quite a few negative comments on our cars, There is still a lot of ignorance out there regarding Fieros. Hopefully this post will encourage those that are curious and come here to learn and obtain info.
My reasons (and opinions) for owning a Fireo are as follows:

1. As a collectible car they are affordable
2. IMO they have timeless styling
3. Most repair and used parts are still available
4. They are fairly easy to work on.
5. Modification/upgrade parts can be found
6 Proven record of powertrain reliability
7. Good platform to build a performance car on a budget.
8. The exterior does not rust
9. You get to hang out/chat with some of the nicest people in the car hobby.
10 They are somewhat unique and fun to drive

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" THE BLACK PARALYZER" -87GT 3800SC Series III engine, custom ZZP /Frozen Boost Intercooler setup, 3.4" Pulley, Northstar TB, LS1 MAF, 3" Spintech/Hedman Exhaust, P-log Manifold, Autolite 104's, MSD wires, Custom CAI, 4T65eHD w. custom axles, Champion Radiator, S10 Brake Booster, HP Tuners VCM Suite.
"THE COLUSSUS"
87GT - ALL OUT 3.4L Turbocharged engine, Garrett Hybrid Turbo, MSD ign., modified TH125H
" ON THE LOOSE WITHOUT THE JUICE "

Back around 2001-2002 I decided to focus exclusively on Fieros. When I graduated college in 1998, I had my 86 Vette and an 86 SE V6 Fiero that I would alternate driving. Prior to that I had several 3rd Gen Camaros (my two favorite were 86 IROC Z w/ 5speed and 85 Z25 with Auto). After college graduation the vette got a 406 and TPIS miniram and 4+3manual (and ZF6 speed ready to swap). The Fiero had a warmed over 2.8 with Isuzu 5 speed I swapped in.

Both cars had:

1. 2 seats
   
2. All wheel independent suspension
   
3. 4 wheel disk brakes
   
4. Manual transmissions
   
5. SMC/Plastic/Eurathane body panels
   
6. Fuel Injection - 25+ MPG on the interstate
   
7. Excellent seats
   
8. Great exhaust sound

The Vette had to its credit:

1. More horsepower
   
2. Better brakes w/ ABS
   
3. Targa top
   
4. Very durable transmission and suspension

The Fiero had to its credit:

1. Mid-engine with the engine behind the driver
   
2. Stiffer chassis
   
3. Overall smaller footprint
   
4. 400 lbs less weight than the Vette (2800 lbs vs. 3200 lbs)
   
5. More unique driving experience
   
6. 100% analog - no ABS, BCM, or Airbags

I decided upgrading the Fiero with more power, better brakes, and better suspesnion would result in a car that was more unique and more fun to drive.

The rest is history...

Here is my creation, a 3800SC series IIi /4T65eHD. Car is quite fast and IMO mirrors the performance of expensive modern cars.


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" THE BLACK PARALYZER" -87GT 3800SC Series III engine, custom ZZP /Frozen Boost Intercooler setup, 3.4" Pulley, Northstar TB, LS1 MAF, 3" Spintech/Hedman Exhaust, P-log Manifold, Autolite 104's, MSD wires, Custom CAI, 4T65eHD w. custom axles, Champion Radiator, S10 Brake Booster, HP Tuners VCM Suite.
"THE COLUSSUS"
87GT - ALL OUT 3.4L Turbocharged engine, Garrett Hybrid Turbo, MSD ign., modified TH125H
" ON THE LOOSE WITHOUT THE JUICE "

[This message has been edited by Dennis LaGrua (edited 08-03-2025).]

To add to Dennis list:
11) Great handling (especially 88’s)
12) Cheap to ensure
13) Very engine swap friendly

On a different note, you mentioned that you heard negative comments/ chatter about Fiero’s. I get that from time to time too. I can spot them after less than a minute’s conversation. IMO, when you get these kind of people, you’re better off ending the conversation quickly and walking away because their agenda, rather than being informed, is to put you and your car down.
Kit

Here my take.

I have a 1985 custom 2m6 SE I bought new. I also have a 2002 C5 convertible and a 1986 911 Carrera.

The Corvette is the best car to drive and enjoy of the three. It handles great and predictable. It is stiffere than the Fiero. It is a convertible and there is no substitute for an LS engine.
No swaps or cobbling need just turn key.

The 911. It draws a lot of attention today. It is skyrocketing in value. It rides tge best and is second in handling to the Corvette. It stops great at 2600 pounds. The 5 speed takes skill to drive correctly with the 915 gear box. It makes driving fast feel slow. Built to last 300k miles engine wise and gear box 150k miles. The doors shut like a vault. It has that exotic car image.
California cars rule in value due to no rust. Not hard to work on.

The Fiero. Not the best handling, Not really bad handling but far from the best even 88. Rust is a problem. It is affordable but you can go broke restoring one. Yes you can make it faster but you can say that for any car.

But of my three cars it draws the most attention. It dies the best at car shows. It often is the only one at most events. The Corvette might be one of 18.
While Today you may hear from a detractor it is not like it used to be. In the past you would be the joke at many shows. most are I had pneumonia, wish I had one, My sisters friends brother had one, Most have good stories or memories.

Kids Today love them.

I love to just go out and drive the Vette. The 911 is more challenging to drive and makes you think. But it is well tuned and going yo be an investment unlike most cars.

The Fiero the one for car shows and cruise in’s. It draws the most attention 98% popular. It is the car that gets noticed the most.

People ask whst one I like the most. I have no favorite. They all give different things to enjoy for different reasons.

The main thing is I love the Fiero’s but I keep it honest. It is far ftom the best car but it is one that is set appart looks wise and with so many worn out Fiero’s a spotless custom one drsnds out for the right reasons.

i am the original owner of an 84. The first year everyone thot i had a new Porsche. They loved my car. Like someone said, in the 90's i was the village idiot and my car a piece of burning junk. My how things have changed. Kids point at my car and wave. i get compliments all the time from 40 somethings and down. People ask how much i want for my car. i tell them she's not for sale. The rollercoaster experience is the Fiero experience. Enjoy it.

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Astronomy says we will find a coded signal from outer space. Then we'll KNOW that life exists there, for coded signals aren't by chance.

Biology says there are coded genetic signals in every cell, but we KNOW that no intelligence created life.

I'm the original owner of a white ' 84 2M4 purchased Dec 10, 1983 from Pontiac. Always garaged, no rust, 3800SC, 4-wheel drifts are fun!

My first Fiero was an 85 GT, purchased new in 85. My other option was an 85 MR2. I test drove them both.
The MR2 cornered like a slot car. The only thing I had ever driven that felt similar was a friend's Lotus Europa.
The Fiero? As soon as I got in, I noticed the "jet plane" cockpit and red-orange instrumentation. Nice. The shifter felt... clunky.
But as soon as I heard that V6 rumble to life over my right shoulder, I was a goner.
It steered like I was trying to stir molasses, but I would learn to overlook that.

I kept that car until 88, when I traded it for a Firebird. That car was sold in 97, and I went an bought an 88 coupe that became my "built 3.4" beast.
I have had at least one Fiero, ever since then. Frequently more than one. Today I have three.
None of them are stock. I am that person who can't leave anything alone.

So... why? They're fun to drive. They're still relatively inexpensive. You can mod them to hell and back, and not lose the original vibe.
And they are old enough that people who see them "in the wild" are usually, "What the hell is this?"

To be honest, I find that my Medium Red GT gets a lot more attention than my much-more-heavily modded fastback Formula, because that one is painted Stealth Gray. It's not nearly as imposing.

quote Originally posted by longjonsilver: i am the original owner of an 84. The first year everyone thot i had a new Porsche. They loved my car. Like someone said, in the 90's i was the village idiot and my car a piece of burning junk. My how things have changed. Kids point at my car and wave. i get compliments all the time from 40 somethings and down. People ask how much i want for my car. i tell them she's not for sale. The rollercoaster experience is the Fiero experience. Enjoy it.

Yes this is becoming a common path for original owners. It is nice things have come around again.

I bought 'em 'cause I like 'em. Your opinion may vary and you're entitled to your ridiculous opinion.
When I'm asked why I need three, I respond "What do you mean need"?

My question is "When do the other four get there" You know, there are seven days in a week

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