Used 1988 Pontiac Fiero for Sale near Rockford, IL

This is a totally custom build for me. I've scrapped the original 5speed manual tranny, and 2.5litre 4cylinder iron-duke engine for a massive powerhouse 3800 Series II Supercharged motor. Also swapped the transmissions to the automatic heavy-duty tranny that comes with the Series II 3800SC. The car started as a coupe model, I've swapped every body part on it for GT stuff from an 86GT, and put in all the power options, power windows, mirrors, stuff like that. No AC, no power steering, no nothing that takes power away from the wheels. I love it.

I found this car, and picked it up for the low price of 900 bucks a year ago. It's an old car, so I shall judge it accordingly. Power-wise, it is pretty low for a vintage sportscar, but the rear-mounted V6 does have enough grunt to move the car down the road, and the rumble is absolutely erotic compared to a modern engine. The interior is nice and simple- it's sadly cheapened up from previous-year Fieros (there are no speakers mounted in the headrests, for instance), but it is quite functional, and is a little more comfortable than a new car. Handling is merely average, but for its vintage and average state of neglect, the stock suspension takes well to decent tires, and the weight ensures that tail can throw itself out when you tell it to. (With the automatic transmission, don't expect it to stay out, it always bogged down on me when I put too much drift into it). With age, however, comes worn bones, and the example I have features lots of minor electrical quirks and a few major mechanical issues, this is the type of car that you will lose money on trying to restore; that said, you will enjoy breathing life into such an unusual example of GM earnestly trying to build a car to stand up to Porsche. As a side note, the 1986 model year did have recalls associated with engine fires- however, none of the other model years were affected, and any '86 models that haven't been serviced to the recall have burned down years ago. These cars are not powder kegs.

I've owned 3 Fiero Gts( 1986 1/2, 1987 and 1988) and have logged more than 275,00 miles in them. The '88 is the best by far: it has excellent handling and roadability and is a pleasure to drive quickly on a country road. This car now has 170,000 miles but still looks like a new car. It is yellow with gray leather interior and has all the other options except the t-top. I should get rid of it because of the high mileage but I enjoy it too much to part with it. GM made a mistake in dropping it after correcting the many earlier problems; with the later upgrades of that engine, it would have been a world-class car both in performance and appearance.

I don't think I've mentioned how safe the Fiero is, but with its wide stance and agile cornering it's not very apt to turn over due to its low center of gravity even at higher speeds. Even though the 2.5 ltr. four cylinder doesn't have the power or acceleration the 2.8 ltr. six cylinder does, it can still hold its own. Braking and handling are very good. Since the Fiero is small, feeling safe and in control comes natural. It was originally known as a "poor man's Corvette" due to its' economical benefits and because it was the first American mass produced sports car!

The car looks really great for an 88. I've always thought they were sporty. I had to fix a lot of electrical problems when I first got it. Still have a few fuel issues to deal with. But, all in all I do like the car so I don't really mind.