History of the Firebird
The Pontiac Firebird was Pontiac's most popular, stylish and recognizable sports car. Pontiac began production of the Firebird in 1967 to compete with the Ford Mustang, which began production two years earlier. The Firebird shared the same platform as Chevrolet division's Camaro. Production ended in 2002 with the closure of General Motor's Pontiac Division. The first two generations of the Firebird (1967-1969 and 1970-1981) focused mainly on performance. But in the early 80's, consumers were demanding better fuel economy. In 1975, the Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standards were enacted to improve the average fuel economy of cars and light trucks produced for sale in the United States. Congress specified that CAFE standards be set at the "maximum feasible level" considering the technological capabillity; economic feasibility, and the need for the nation to conserve energy. The availability and cost of gasoline meant the weight and the fuel consumption of the 3rd generation were major design criteria. The answers to those criteria was an efficient fuel-injection system and a more aerodynamic body.
1st Generation Body Style
2nd Generation Body Style
Features & Performance
Tammy's Firebird - The 3rd Generation Body Style
Tammy's Firebird was the 3rd Generation body style, completely redesigned beginning the 1982 model year. Designers began with a windshield slope of 62 degrees, steeper than any vehicle ever had before. For the rear, a large, all-glass hatchback that required only a thin metal frame to support it. Two concealed pop-up headlights and a functional rear wing rounded out the aerodynamic improvements. In addition to being about 500 pounds lighter than the previous generation, the new design was the most aerodynamic product GM had ever released.
Tammy's Firebird
Tammy's Firebird had a smoke grey interior
After finishing high school, Tammy enrolled at East Tennessee State University. Her father bought her a 1974 Ford Pinto to drive, but she had to share it with her sister. Upon the successful completion of her four-year degree in Education, Tammy decided to reward herself with a brand new car; and having established a new independence, she would purchase it and pay for it herself. Her car of choice: the sporty Pontiac Fiero. The 1985 Fiero was quite noisy with the engine mounted directly behind the seats. That, and the fact that it did not have power steering, resulted in her purchase of the larger and more refined Firebird.
Where Is It Now?
After we were married, we moved to Knoxville, but Tammy taught school in Maynardville, which was a 60 mile daily round trip. It was not a ridiculous amount of driving, but the Firebird, with its 5.0 L (305 cubic inch) V8, gave us only 14 mpg city and 17 mpg highway. It was eating us up in fuel, and at the time, it was tough to afford. Because we liked the performance and styling of the Pontiac brand, we went back to Pontiac for a smaller, more fuel efficient car, and we ended up trading for a 1987 Grand Am.
