How to tell if my 1998 Firebird is a Trans Am
In the process of buying a 1998 TA. Ran the Carfax and it said it was a Formula. It does have the WS9 and Y82 RPO codes. Does that mean it is a Trans Am?
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1998 Pontiac Firebird Reviews, Pricing & Specs
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Like its virtual twin, the Camaro, the Pontiac Firebird underwent a significant restyling for the 1998 model year while still retaining the strength under the hood which has kept it as one of America's classic pony cars. It comes standard with a 3.8-liter V6 and is rated at 200 horsepower. A 5.7-liter V8 provides a ridiculously strong ride for the price.
A great thing about Firebirds is that they can get you out of carpool duty; the back seat is virtually useless for anything other than grocery bags. Conversely, if your aim is to bring several friends with you everywhere you go, this might not be the car for you. Like the Corvette and Camaro, this machine wraps itself nicely around the driver while paying less attention to the comfort of other drivers, including the passenger who must contend with a large hump at his or her feet.
All in all, the Firebird offers great bang for the buck. It has been rumored that the Firebird can take an evenly matched Mustang off the line.
Published Aug 9, 2022 by CarGurus Editorial Team
User reviews for 1998 Pontiac Firebird
Write a reviewUser rating:
by Anonymous
Dec 15, 2023
Im in love with this vehicle!! It is a smooth ride! Beautiful power!! Dec 15, 2023
by Douglas F
Mar 27, 2023
Looks like great condition car... this is a very distinctive North America muscle car... Thank goodness.
Mar 27, 2023
by Anonymous
Mar 24, 2021
Loved it bought it couldnt be happier with my decisionMar 24, 2021
User rating:
by Anonymous
Dec 15, 2023
Im in love with this vehicle!! It is a smooth ride! Beautiful power!! Dec 15, 2023
by Douglas F
Mar 27, 2023
Looks like great condition car... this is a very distinctive North America muscle car... Thank goodness.
Mar 27, 2023
by Anonymous
Mar 24, 2021
Loved it bought it couldnt be happier with my decisionMar 24, 2021
by Anonymous
Mar 21, 2021
Great looks awesome performance just look at that front end. Mar 21, 2021
by brad r
Sep 29, 2014
Love everything and hate nothing about this car. Awesome looking car with great power. Has ton of appeal and turns heads everywhere. Future classic car with timeless styling! Since Pontiac no longer exist, this car will without a doubt be a sought after car in years to come due to the excellent Fbody platform, power, and looks. Don't hesitate if you can get your hands on a nice Trans Am. You won't regret it. Sep 29, 2014
by jake l
Jun 15, 2013
kinda hard to find parts to repair, if bought in good shape and condition, congrats, if not well you have your work cut out for you. nice over all power, should've gotten the v8. nice car over all though yeahJun 15, 2013
by Haralds G
Apr 02, 2013
I am a Firebird fan, so it would not be to fair against others. Small engough for city parking, fast when needed, but sometimes a little too low torque, stick-shift what's a real-deal thingy, only for 2 people or with young family - 2 adults + 2 kids, but no more needed,Apr 02, 2013
by Michael R
Mar 30, 2013
Great power. Extremely dependable. Ordered this car back in Sept 97 and waited 3 months to have it built for me. No T-Tops. No extra frills. This car runs great and has needed very little repairs. Lots of original equipment still on it.. Mar 30, 2013
by Kyle B
Oct 18, 2011
The 3.8 v6 has surprising power and when backed by the 5 speed manual tranny gets great gas miliage. I can drive this car pretty hard and average 26 mpg, or drive it nice and get up to 32. The handling is awsome, 98 and up v6 f-body's have the same suspension setup as the v8 models. Oct 18, 2011
by Anonymous
Jan 10, 2011
This car is fantastic, I drove this car all summer with the T-Tops out and hair blowing in the wind. It was fast, cool, turned heads, and never had a single issue. This car is an engine on wheels that was made to haul ass. The brakes are strong, shifting is smooth as glass, and corners like it's on rails. The only gripe I would ever have with this car is that it just isn't made for more than two people, and friends just hate being cramped into the backseat, but this car is made for two, so get your lover, turn the key, and prepare for a very fun ride!Jan 10, 2011
by Ed G
Sep 23, 2010
* Performance - doesn't turn that well with the drag suspension, however in a strait line, watch out.
* Build Quality -New Motor, New Transmission, Nitrous, Stall, Exhaust, all replaced by choice.
* Appearance - Whats not to like?
* Cost of Ownership - this is a null and void point, this is an expensive toy.
* Fun Factor -Smile to my face just starting it.Sep 23, 2010
by Mitchell G
Aug 07, 2010
very nice car it will beat 85% of all cars under 8 CYL engines and most likely will beat all 305 8 CYL engine depending on weight ratio, its not all about performance though the looks are one of the best parts of the car overall with removable t-tops for a hot day this we definitely get the ladies in your car. with a little exhaust work no matter what it is people will be scared to race you even in a base trim. Aug 07, 2010
by Tuan-Azmin B
Sep 02, 2009
Build quality is typical GM for the year but you can sit back and relax 'cos you know all that money went into the development of the awesome chassis and power train. Car is a blast to drive!!! And the lines don't seem to get old, unlike most other cars on the road ... people are constantly amazed that the car/design is from the late 90's 'cos it's just mean looking and sexy!Sep 02, 2009
by Steven W
Aug 25, 2009
Performs good for a v6. I would not recommend it to
anyone that wants a car that won't need much
maitenance, I have already had to replace the stereo,
window motor, headlight motor, and antenna motor. I
get about 20 mpg.Aug 25, 2009
by Joe L
Jul 24, 2009
Great performance car- a very good amount of horsepower. Looks very aggressive with the WS6 Ram Air Hood and sounds aggressive with the 3" inch Borla catback exhaust. And Pontiac does not make them anymore. Love this great, fast carJul 24, 2009
by Anonymous
Mar 23, 2009
i love my car. the only things i don't like is motors in the lights, and the right side windownmotor goes out. the cost is great. i love driving this car. it drive good it handles the road great. i am a woman. who loves this car.Mar 23, 2009
by Keith F
Jul 04, 2008
The 1998 Trans Am WS-6 is probably the fastest car I have been in, ever. 0-60mph in 4.8 seconds, 1/4 mile in the high 12 low 13 seconds. 5.7 Litre LS-1 Corvette engine with Ram Air (320 hp, 335 ft/lbs of torgue) aluminum drive shaft, cross drilled rotors (after market), tuned single 3" exhaust and suspension, 275/40ZR-17" tires all the way around - a great package. Cars I have raced and beat include: 1998-2002 Corvettes, Mustangs of all vintages and types including the supposedly fast new Mustang GT, Porches (Cayenne Turbo and 911), Camaro SS, Mercedes Benz S55 AMG, Nissan 300zx turbo, etc... I didn't manage to get the two Ferrari owners who happened to be next to me at the red light to take the bait - but oh well. I don't drive this car as much as I would like - it always wants to be driven so fast ;)
Jul 04, 2008
by Haley F
Jul 01, 2008
Handles great, mileage is wonderful. Jul 01, 2008
by Grant H
Jun 17, 2008
I like everything about my baby!Jun 17, 2008
by Davey V
Jun 04, 2008
Don't Drink and SpeedJun 04, 2008
by Bronson B
May 11, 2008
Awesome speed performance. Add a Twin Turbo and it just killsMay 11, 2008
by Brian K
Apr 15, 2008
I just bought it and love it so farApr 15, 2008
by Joey C
Apr 04, 2008
Owned for almost a year, lots of plans for it but no money to fulfill them. Gets me into a lot of trouble.Apr 04, 2008
by Anonymous
Apr 03, 2008
Fast, fun, 6 speed manual tranmission, decent fuel economy, terrible in the snow :( Apr 03, 2008
by Alexander F
Mar 30, 2008
Words cannot describe how truly amazing this car is. Having owned many other sport cars in the past I didn't think I was going to get much better. Boy was I wrong! The Formula has an extemely powerful LS1 engine which is the same engine in the Corvette. The engine is incredibly smooth and sounds great. Also, I get 26 miles per gallon highway! I ran 13.48 at 105mph (stock). Mar 30, 2008
by Jeffrey S
Mar 29, 2008
T/A catback, T/A chrome rims, stock otherwiseMar 29, 2008
by Leigh S
Mar 14, 2008
I had this car in high school and loved it!!! It was great on the inside and out! It had black leather interior and red exterior! This car hung to the curves like it was ridin' rails! Best car you can buy hands down!Mar 14, 2008
by Jessica B
Feb 15, 2008
I chose my car because it was a great buy and a quality product. I bought it as a sort of project car to build and also just to have for fun . My car started out as a daily driver, but I since I work so far away it put a lot of miles on my car quickly. To keep the miles off of it and keep it in good condition, I decided to put it away until spring and I bought a winter car. I enjoy everything about my Firebird and I truly wouldn't change a thing.Feb 15, 2008
by Shawn H
Feb 09, 2008
Charcoal interior, with tinted windows,t-tops, after market cd player and muffler. This is my first car and am very proud of it.Feb 09, 2008
by Anonymous
Sep 23, 2007
I love the get up and go it has, not to mention the looks i get when I drive it. It is my first sports car to ever own and I will never get rid of it. She's my pride and joy. What else is there to say. If you have one you know what im talking about!Sep 23, 2007
What users have asked
Security Light Stays on and won't start until it shuts off
I have a 1998 Pontiac Firebird 3.8V engine with manual transmission. Sometimes it won't start so I'll have to wait about 3 minutes until the Security light goes out on its own. Then it may do it again or start. I have replaced the ignition switch and the problem happened before that and after, but now it seems more frequent. Not sure if its the key (happens with both keys) so not sure if key chip is worn? Any ideas? Is it the key? the ignition switch? I saw somewhere someone say "reset the relay switch??? If the key, where do I get a new one?
463 views
Why the rough start?
After work today I went to the car wash and came home. The car sat for a few hours and the next time I started it, it sounded rough (almost like the starter was not disengaging) and had a rough idle for a few minutes. Since then the idle has gotten better and it seems to run fine, and there are no codes. It still has a rough start though. Has anyone else experienced this? What would be a good starting point? 98 Pontiac T/A 5.7L, auto, 94,000mi
21 views
Security has me locked out of 98 firebird
Vehicle has set for 9 yrs Fresh gas and oil New battery Vehicle ran fine when parked but security has me locked out Lights work but tumblers roll over to silence Can system be bypassed,reset or what to continue reviving this machine?
26 views
Top Comparisons
Have you driven a 1998 Pontiac Firebird?Compare this car
1998 Pontiac Firebird Pricing
Original MSRP
$18,540 to $30,240Price 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: keyless entry · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio
Lights
Headlights: Auto on/off
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: trunk release · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio
Lights
Headlights: Auto on/off
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
Lights
Headlights: Auto on/off
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
Lights
Headlights: Auto on/off
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: trunk release · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio
Lights
Headlights: Auto on/off
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: leather
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy · Wheels: chrome
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent