Your thoughts on a Pontiac Fiero

[Dartman8]

The Fiero was introduced in 1983 as an 84 model. I had just graduated from High School in 83. I remember seeing a red 84 model in a mall at the time. This car could have been awesome but sadly GM decided to underfund it and it showed. The later models were improved but sadly the few fires that did happen Ruined its Reputation. I knew a couple people who had the 84s and although they did not have the Fire isuues the car was in the Mechanics shop multiple times. This is what sadly caused people to turn to the MR2. It was not as sharp looking but IMO a much better built car. I have mechanics in the Family and although they tell me the later models of the Fiero were improved it was too late as the publics image of the car was daunted. Had GM done this car right it could have been a winner. Taking a car and building from the disasterous x cars and junky chevette this car was doomed from the start. Blame GM and Roger Smith for this. GM is still a sad company today. It really is a shame.

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[exar333]

The first thing you should learn about Fieros is to not ask the general public about Fieros. Everyone loves to give out inaccurate information.

People will tell you that they catch on fire. Not true. Research this yourself and you'll find that this was just a minor issue with 1984 cars. Anything after 1984, no problems. It's as likely to burn down as any old car.

They have a lot of room in the cabin. If you're a wide person you might be cramped in the elbows, but there is tons of leg room. I'm 6'2" and don't even have the seat all the way back when I drive.They're super easy to work on. Lots of room around the engine. You can sit on the back of the car with your feet in the trunk and do most stuff on the top end.
They're reliable. I haven't owned an Iron Duke car, but the V6 is the same that GM used for everything and it's a good one. Drivetrain, suspension (except 88), etc. are still easy to get cheap parts for - used in a lot of cars.

Like with any old car, buy the best one you can afford. You can get a $500 Fiero, but you'd be way happier saving for a $3000 Fiero. Look closely for rust, since they won't show rust on the outside.www.fiero.com

What year to buy? That's a personal choice. Unless you really like the Pace Car Fiero, avoid 1984. I suggest getting a V6 car - they're just better in every way. If you want a notchback instead of the fastback then you want an 85 GT, 86/87 SE, or 88 Formula. 4spd or 5spd transmission? 85 and early 86 had the 4spd, late 86 and up had the 5spd - both are good. I've always preferred the 4spd because I think it's geared better for cruising around town. I recommend avoiding the 88. Yes, the 88 has the revised and better suspension - that's the problem. Being specific to the one year parts are more expensive and some parts are REALLY hard to find. An early car can be made to handle just as well and better than an 88 with aftermarket parts.

I've owned three Fieros and just sold my favorite combination of car - an early 86 4spd GT.

Good luck!

Great post.

Although I did not own a Fiero directly, my best friend from college (and later roomate for a while) owned one and his dad also had one. I had the opportunity to do some work on the car myself and it was a lot of fun.

It is very easy to work on most aspects of the engine, even with the car having a reltively unique setup, if you are used to the standard FF/FR cars. I would say they are pretty reliable, but most of this was based on the '86 and '87 models. I only used the 5-speed though, and found it pretty solid to row through gears around town. Not a fantastic highway car above 60mph IMHO, but anything less is a lot of fun.

They are overall unique cars that stand out and are a lot of fun to own (and drive).

Edit: I love AT Garage, but would suggest going to a Fiero-specific forum for more detailed info. Expecting most people to give good advice on this niche vehicle is not likely to yield the best results. Just my opinion...

 

[JulesMaximus]

Holy thread necro...

 

[Tweak155]

Holy thread necro...

Batman.