Looks, feels, and drives like a million bucks!
Pros:
Well-built, dependable, no killer insurance price hike. T-top roof very well constructed-no leaking
Cons:
Low profile nose scrapes ground occasionally but does no damage. Back seat very small
The Bottom Line:
Great looking, fun to drive, mechanically reliable, overall a fun car to own and drive.
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Author's Review
I'm definitely not educated in car mechanics...my knowledge runs the gamut of checking the oil, and looking at the tires once in a while (like I can really gauge the tire pressure by looking at it?...) I judge a car on how much fun it is to drive, and by how little hassle it gives me.
I've got to say that this is one of the most fun cars I've driven in a long time! Looks great (mine is silver, and is gorgeous), and the T-top roof is the best for those beautiful days or evenings when you want the "convertible" feel without the convertible danger. Roof is open, but you don't feel totally exposed to all the dangers of normal convertibles.
Even with it having just 6 cylinders, the engine purrs, and responds instantly when you need it. The car is well built, very solid ride, and holds the road quite nicely. The long nose takes a little getting used to, but after the first day, I was comfortable with it. I found the seating set-up and driver's space to be very comfortable for me; however my husband (who is 6'4, and 250#) looks crammed in there. He finds the driver's area uncomfortable - which is fine with me 'cause then he doesn't borrow it often!
Stereo system is quite adequate to "crank up the sound", and the graphic equalizer gives you lots of tonal choices depending on your choice of music. Dashboard gauge set-up is nicely done, and easy to scan when you're driving. There is a definite blind spot due to the sloped rear window; and you will find that visibility is diminished thru the rear window during the rain due to no rear wiper.
Maintenance thus far on the car has been just normal oil changes. Being that I am totally ignorant about cars and how to repair them, I always purchase a used car with low enough mileage to get an extended bumper-to-bumper warranty from an outside company - no worries then about repair bills.
A Firebird is not for those who will ever have people riding in the back seat, as it is almost non-existent...and you'll need a crowbar to get them out. The rear seat folds down, to give you ample room in the back for packages, since there really isn't a trunk.
As I said from the start - I am not a mechanic...I drive what feels good to drive. I test-drove a Mustang the same day, and the Firebird was light-years ahead of it in all aspects--you know that you're driving a sports car, even with the 6 cylinder model. One of the best parts was not getting totally ripped by my insurance company for having this much fun! My rates went up a whopping $20 per six months from what I was paying for my Taurus. Best 20 bucks I've spent in a long time !