Transmission problem
I have a 1997 firebird and all the gears work but there is a nock in first gear.but after it shifts it stops I checked the fly wheel bolts and there ok t
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1997 Pontiac Firebird Reviews, Pricing & Specs
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Like the 1997 Camaro, the Pontiac Firebird represented the last of the style first revamped in 1993. It runs like the muscle car it is: gas inefficiently, but fun. GM's Series II 3800 V6 has pickup like a much bigger engine, making for an ever-exciting ride. The ultimate in Firebird power, the Trans Am has an LT1 V8 engine, providing much extra zip.
New in 1997 are daytime running lights and a redesigned dashboard. The interior itself is anything but spacious. While drivers may enjoy the reclining, sporty feel to their seat, passengers in the front and practically non-existent back seats may struggle a bit to find comfortable places for their legs.
The Firebird is great fun to drive and at a reasonable price.
Published Aug 9, 2022 by CarGurus Editorial Team
User reviews for 1997 Pontiac Firebird
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by mark m
May 14, 2023
Great car overall but has economy car interior center console May 14, 2023
by Andrew V
Sep 24, 2022
Its my dream car, what more can I say?
Yes I wish it had the AC working a little better but besides that it didnt need anything but fluid changes and Ive been driving it around on my weekends off. Classic 90s American coupe, gets all the attention as one of the only around townSep 24, 2022
by James M
Aug 06, 2021
Nice looking car , has a few issues. Aug 06, 2021
User rating:
by mark m
May 14, 2023
Great car overall but has economy car interior center console May 14, 2023
by Andrew V
Sep 24, 2022
Its my dream car, what more can I say?
Yes I wish it had the AC working a little better but besides that it didnt need anything but fluid changes and Ive been driving it around on my weekends off. Classic 90s American coupe, gets all the attention as one of the only around townSep 24, 2022
by James M
Aug 06, 2021
Nice looking car , has a few issues. Aug 06, 2021
by Anonymous
Dec 07, 2012
It is a hot & sporty little car that has some get up & go. interior controls are very driver friendly, however there is no cargo room and this is definitely not a family car.
Low profile, so if you don't like the feeling you are sitting in the road , it is not the car for you.
Dec 07, 2012
by Brian T
May 18, 2012
Pretty fast for a 90s v6. Gets me into plenty of trouble. ;)
Overall, I love just about everything about the car. Hope to step up to a ws6
someday, with a twin turbo'd ls6. Then we'll be haulin the mail. XDMay 18, 2012
by Benjamin K
Jun 11, 2011
This car was falling apart when i got it. Teh bad thing was that I got it from someone who i thought was a friend. When I changed the oil after buying it It looked like tar oozing out of the bottom of the car.I found out later that the guy drove it to Vegas from Chicago 5 (five) months before i bought it and had yet to change the oil. when i got rid of it a year later I found out the the midshaft bearing ws gone, floor pans were almost rusted through, the driver door sagged, and the aftermarket exhaustwasnt installed properly. I amn sure that if this car were in better shape I would have enjoyed it more. Thanks for letting me waste my time and money Mike.Jun 11, 2011
by Anonymous
Apr 16, 2011
This car is awesome to drive. Handling is great, except on snow! I only have a few things to fix, and it will look brand new!! Mileage isn't too bad. I will write more specifics after I've had it awhile. Apr 16, 2011
by Anonymous
Dec 06, 2010
Great car. I special-ordered it in June of 1996. It has a 3800 V-6 with automatic. Of the 1,200 Firebird convertibles produced for the 1997 model year, it is one of 75 blue-green cars made. It was ordered with a 3:42 disc posi rear-end, and factory duel exhaust. Mileage as of 12/10: 203,000. Dec 06, 2010
by Dusty L
Aug 09, 2010
Its got a 5.7L 320 hp (thats what the book says, its at least 450hp) posi rear axle, has had a full transmision overhaul with a performence shift kit installed. Has a K&N forced induction system, its a 4 speed automatic, but it shifts out of second at about 85mph. Aug 09, 2010
by Garrett S
Jul 15, 2010
AMAZING!! its fast as heck and can get you from point "a" to point "b" in great time. Wish it was a t-top but its okay. The 5.7 v8 deffinitly helps.
Gas mileage sucks though. but im over it by now.Jul 15, 2010
by Robert M
Nov 18, 2009
6 speed, 3 stage clutch, 510 rear wheel horse power. nothing like whats on the road. many many more upgrades to come! pictures of the car on my profile, would recommend this kind of car to anyone, the WS6 version is rare tho so good luck trying to find it!Nov 18, 2009
by David K
Nov 10, 2009
Out of a scale of 10, the Fun Factor to Drive is 12. The Accerlation of the car is great as long as you can drive a Stick. The Gas Mileage that I am getting in the city is about 12 mpg, and about 23 or 24 on the highway.Nov 10, 2009
by Dave F
Nov 07, 2009
A sexy sleek vehicle that is decent on gas and gets you there quick. drop the tops and cruise the main strip all day. watch your neck for whiplash in corners it definitely turns where ever you want it to.Nov 07, 2009
by Dani C
Oct 31, 2009
I love my Frenchie. She has a beautiful sound system for the
stock speakers. I love driving this car around, she gets about
20 mi. to the gallon. The looks i get from people when i get
into my car is hilarious. I wish the exterior wasn't red (not
one my fave colors) , but yea. gotta love what i got for what
it is :D. it's perfect for me..Oct 31, 2009
by Anonymous
Oct 03, 2009
good performance, has nice push back when you floor it. brakes are good, turns like a boat, don't even attempt to drive it in the snow. build is pretty good, only had to do a few minor repairs so far. love the appearance, inside and out, love how the lights flip up and down. MPG's aren't that bad, about 19 miles a gallon city. not alot of maintenance,just keep it clean and sparkly. LOVE to drive on warm days with the t-tops down. get alot of attention, and it hauls!
Oct 03, 2009
by Luke W
Oct 01, 2009
off the line this car needs a little more power but it has all the top end you want,braking is awsome, handling is awsome,build quality is good,style inside and out i love it,gas mileage is good 25mpg with the LT1 350,and yes this car is a blast to drive!!!!Oct 01, 2009
by Andrew L
Sep 07, 2009
It does alright for being a stock sports car. I'm planning on doing some upgrades tho. Lot's of miles so it's got some smaller issues with more to come, but I'm gonna bite the bullet and fix all of them when they come.Sep 07, 2009
by Aaron C
Aug 25, 2009
I loved this car and will miss it forever!
Preformance-Acceleration, top speed, handleing and breaking were FANTASTIC for a 4000lbp 3.8L V6 (I got it to 120 MPH)
Build Quality- I didnt have mutch luck as far a durrability gose with it, but thats simply because of the cars previous owner(s)
Apperience- In general, they looked fantasic but my car was a 10ft car, it looked great untill you got closer than 10ft away.
Cost of ownership- Great gas milage even driveing it hard.
Fun Factor- Two thumbs up!!!!!Aug 25, 2009
by Edward C
Aug 15, 2009
I like the look and the appearance the car gives off coming down the road, but when u put the pedal to the floor u go but not fast. The 3.8l V6 is nice on gas, but if it were up to me i would substitute the gas for a nice V8 350 Aug 15, 2009
by Matt D
Sep 10, 2008
I love my car! It looks amazing. the aerodynamics are great. It is easily modified. There is a huge aftermarket for it . You can change anything you want and build it to whatever power level you would like from mild street to insane strip! You can modify the engine, transmission, brakes, body, interior, suspension, Forced induction, nitrous, Etc... I have not done many upgrades yet, But I put a K&N intake on it, that will soon be replaced by an SLP Intake. I put Pace Setter Ceramic coated headers, and a full Magnaflow exhaust, a Hotchkis adjustabe panhard rod, An Inland Empire single piece aluminum drive shaft, and drilled and slotted rotors.Sep 10, 2008
by Adam Y
Jun 29, 2008
It runs and I have gotten it up to a hundred so I got a decent car for what I paid for it.Jun 29, 2008
by Tyson F
Jun 25, 2008
fast car, very strong LT1 engine with slight modsJun 25, 2008
by David M
Jun 24, 2008
It rock's!Jun 24, 2008
by Yehuda N
Jun 12, 2008
i love completlyJun 12, 2008
by Kurtis S
Jun 07, 2008
basically this car rocks.the cops seem to love it as much as i do. its a spectacular rush very time you step on the gas. the only problems i have had with it would be regularly scheduled maintenance, a couple of window motors and little annoying vandalists who like to do stuff to any car nicer than their's. Jun 07, 2008
by Michael G
Jun 02, 2008
some people just hate on the old LT1 engines but they are really a ball to
drive and can still pull like a train on 90% of the cars on the road todayJun 02, 2008
by Shannon M
May 10, 2008
I've driven this car for 2 years now and i tell you it still drives like the
day i got it. It has the WS6 performance package so power and
handling is never an issue. its always eager to spin the tires. The
interior is great as well. The Monsoon stereo is crystal clear and gives
off plenty of bump, especially when hooked up to the 10" Fosgate T2 i
have in the back. Overall, i wouldn't trade this car for the world! May 10, 2008
by Charlie N
Apr 18, 2008
this car is sweet i don't think nothing can beat it no matter what people say Apr 18, 2008
by Preston M
Apr 17, 2008
1997 3800 Series ll Firebird, Bright Green Metallic Paint, dual exhaust, Z28 style tips, Cold air intake, honey comb taillights(not pictured) and Ceta mod.Apr 17, 2008
by Tarik A
Apr 09, 2008
compared to a same class camaro... this one rocks!Apr 09, 2008
by Phillip H
Apr 07, 2008
To this day, I find it hard to believe that I actually own this car. I love it.Apr 07, 2008
by Leigh S
Mar 17, 2008
The best car around! Any Pontiac Firebird, Formula, or Trans AM is a must have in my book! This car had gray cloth/leather interior in awesome condition! Paint was in perfect condition! It was a car made for speed!!!! :)Mar 17, 2008
by Chase J
Mar 08, 2008
This is my car, its better than yours and will go like 4000000MPH on low octane gas. Mar 08, 2008
by Anonymous
Mar 08, 2008
An exceptional car. I have had the car for four years and it still amazes me. The power and ease of driving this car is great. The faster you go the better the car handles. The only problem is the seats, they could be a little more firm. I will pass this car on to my son.Mar 08, 2008
by Corbin S
Feb 23, 2008
nice sports car with t-tops that could pick up chicks any night of the week.Feb 23, 2008
by Amber K
Jan 30, 2008
My 1st car I loved itJan 30, 2008
by Jeremy W
Jan 01, 2008
I bought this car in April 2007. I've had my share of issues with it, but nothing surprising about buying a used car. Sometimes I wish I would've bought a newer model with an LS1 and manual transmission, but I got this for a decent price and I'm pretty attached to it now.Jan 01, 2008
by Anonymous
Sep 17, 2007
the car seems to produce nice power, i have replaced the front sway bar end bushings with a trw set of eurothane parts there is a marked improvement in steerability already. there are however many things to learn and repair.Sep 17, 2007
What users have asked
5.7 won't stay running
97 Firebird, ran great when purchased, now, won't run konger than 5 min before stalling and wont restart. All sensors, and modules were replaced, even the optispark. Some replaced twice. Any guesses as to what the issue may be? I was thinking the fuel sending unit, but not sure anymore. No clue what to do anymore besides sell it, and thata not what I want to happen.
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What's going on with my 97 Firebird
I just recently got this car. For the first week it was running just great, then it started getting harder to start. Then it wouldn't start at all, check engine light came on, tried starting it for about 4 days with no luck. It just turns & turns, then back fires and back fires some more. 5th day it started so I took it to the auto parts stoire nd hooked it up to the diagnostic machine & it read Mass Air Sensor. So I bought a new one replaced it and it started fine for about another week, Then the check engine light came on then it started the whole thing all over again. After 5 days it started again.. took it to the auto parts store and hooked it up to the diasgnostic again and it read Mass Air Sensor & Miss Fire... Once again it ran good for 4 days then then check engine light came on & now will not start again...Help!!!
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How do I set the time on 1997 firebird
It will roll over and sometimes try to crank,and when it does it backfires.
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Top Comparisons
Have you driven a 1997 Pontiac Firebird?Compare this car
1997 Pontiac Firebird Pricing
Original MSRP
$17,699 to $28,969Price range
N/AAverage price on CG
N/AYoY price change
N/ATrims & specs
Airbags
Dual front airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: power · Single disc in-Dash CD · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Comfort Features
Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Multi-function remote: trunk release · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Roof
T-Tops: glass
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: cloth
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy · Wheels: chrome
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Airbags
Dual front airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: power · Single disc in-Dash CD · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Comfort Features
Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Multi-function remote: trunk release · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Roof
T-Tops: glass
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: cloth
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy · Wheels: chrome
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Airbags
Dual front airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: power · Single disc in-Dash CD · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Comfort Features
Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Roof
T-Tops: glass
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: leather
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy · Wheels: chrome
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Airbags
Dual front airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: power · Single disc in-Dash CD · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Comfort Features
Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: cloth
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy · Wheels: chrome
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Airbags
Dual front airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: power · Single disc in-Dash CD · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Comfort Features
Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: leather
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy · Wheels: chrome
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Airbags
Dual front airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: power · Single disc in-Dash CD · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Comfort Features
Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: cloth
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy · Wheels: chrome
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent