Irrational Love—Pontiac Fiero
When I first started really appreciating cars, the Fiero was the butt end of jokes. It was the early 1990s, and the Fiero’s sullied reputation was still fresh in many people’s minds. Despite selling over 370,000 examples in a five-year run, highly publicized issues that plagued the early models scared buyers away.
I never really understood the hate for the Fiero. When the car was still being sold brand-new in Pontiac showrooms, I was just a young child. To me, the Fiero was a cool-looking car with an exotic set-up that was relatively inexpensive. But all the anecdotes and hearsay told to me the car was not to be liked.
Double-Edged Sword
As I got older and had more access to actual information, I began to learn more about the Fiero. I learned about the travesties that plagued the early years, but I also learned how well sorted the car was by the end of its model run – especially the 1988 model year.
But the damage was done, and the car’s reputation was tarnished beyond repair. Maybe if the car had a second generation, it probably could have recovered, but the Fiero wasn’t given another chance. Although this was bad news for Fiero fans at the time, it has actually benefited them long-term.
Due to the general dislike of Pontiac’s composite-body wonder, prices for used Fieros remained relatively low for decades. Even amazing examples won’t break the bank compared to some other sporty machinery from the ‘80s. This is a big plus for potential owners like me.
Which to Choose
For a vehicle that had such a short model run, there were a surprising number of ways a Fiero could be ordered. Two body styles, two engines, four transmissions, and various other exterior options could be had. If I were going to dive deep into Fiero ownership, I think I’d want a 1986-1988 Fiero GT as I prefer the fastback body, and of course, I would opt for the V6 engine and a five-speed manual transmission.
But the truth is, I have a deep appreciation for all the variants of the Fiero. There is something retro cool about the early coupe models that lacked the more aerodynamic GT nose cone. Any model with a V6 would do it for me, or maybe even one with a well-sorted engine swap.
Blank Canvas
While on the topic of engine swaps, that brings us to the Fiero’s successful secondary life; as a blank canvas for many hotrodders and tuners. Being a diminutive, mid-engine design, the car is a perfect starting point for a custom performance vehicle.
Although its engine compartment only contained a 2.5-liter four-cylinder or 2.8-liter V6 engine from the factory, it is surprisingly spacious. People have stuffed all manner of GM V6 engines in there including the popular 3.8-liter Supercharged V6. Numerous Cadillac V8s have also found homes in Fiero’s as well as LT and LS small block Chevrolet V8s.
Of course, engines are just the beginning, as the rest of the car is just as appealing to modifiers. This includes the composite body, which, since the very beginning of the Fiero’s life, has been ripped off and replaced by various shells that resemble exotics like the Lamborghini Countach and Ferrari 308.
But the car doesn’t need to be transformed to be appreciated. Just a good old, well-cared-for V6 manual would be more than enough for me. I need to get on it, though; people are waking up to the Fiero, and prices do appear to finally be creeping upward.
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A 20+ year industry veteran, Mike rejoins the AutoGuide team as the Managing Editor. He started his career at a young age working at dealerships, car rentals, and used car advertisers. He then found his true passion, automotive writing. After contributing to multiple websites for several years, he spent the next six years working at the head office of an automotive OEM, before returning back to the field he loves. He is a member of the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC), and Midwest Automotive Media Association (MAMA). He's the recipient of a feature writing of the year award and multiple video of the year awards.
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I also admired the Fiero back in the mid 80’s. The mid-engine v6 with a manual transmission was a helluva fun car to drive. Then I had a customer bring one in with overheating issues. It was a simple water leak that caused air to get in the system. I spent a couple of hours raising one end of the car trying to burp the system of trapped air. After that experience, I realized where it got its nickname. THE PONTIAC FIASCO.
I worked for a Pontiac dealer when these were new. One of the worst cars ever made. A Chevette front end, attached to a Citation subframe spun around backwards.
No matter how it was aligned, the thing handled awful. Brakes were nearly non existent. Soft, poor feel and stopping power. The 2.5 was slow. The 2.8 was barely faster. Both with 4 speeds, when many import cars had 5 at the time.
Reliability was dismal, 2.5 engines leaked, if that didn't burn them, the barfed connecting rods did. The 2.8, I must have done hundreds of them for rod bearings as they'd wear in less than 50k and make noise. Cooling system issues were so much fun to deal with, this was before vacuum fillers were available. Filling both from the back engine bay cap (t-stat housing), with the radiator cap off (up front), waiting till the radiator overflowed, capping that, and then finish filling. Leave the thermostat out, run it till it gets hot and then let it cool again open the under hood cap and put the stat back in.
The 1988 model, when they nearly got it right, they dumped it (typical GM). It still had terrible brakes, but the revised front and rear suspensions transformed the car.
A Formula model with a 5 speed (finally!) that actually shifted pretty well was a fun car.