headlight motor grinding
when I shut my headlights off on my 1999 3.8L auto, the headlight motors grind gears for 3-4 seconds after the lights retract. this is very loud, and cant be good. how do I fix this?
226 views
1999 Pontiac Firebird Reviews, Pricing & Specs
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The Pontiac Firebird isn't really made for more than one person. With a tiny rear seat and little regard for the front passenger, it's all about the driving experience. And once you're behind its wheel, who gives a hoot about anyone else inside or outside the car? The 1999 Firebird is fresh off a redesign from the previous year, so few changes were in store. It got a bigger gas tank and a new traction control option across the line. The V8 models also got a Torsen limited slip differential. To celebrate its 30th year, a special anniversary edition white Firebird with blue stripes was issued, with an airbrushed image of Knight Rider's David Hasselhoff on the hood. OK, I'm kidding about the Hoff part.
The 1999 Firebird came in both coupe and convertible forms. Base model featured a 3.8-liter, 200-hp V6, while the Formula and Trans Am carried the new LS1 V8 engine rated at 305-hp. With the WS-6 performance package, that rating went up to 320-hp and added dual exhaust tips, alloy wheels, and hood scoops. The LS1 harkened back to the muscle car days of yore, producing one of the fastest Firebirds in Pontiac history.
The LS1 V8 was fierce and fun, say owners, though V6 drivers were more than satisfied with their engine performance. Aggressive styling, tight cornering, and overall muscle car action are the Firebird's biggest selling points, along with its affordable price tag. A backseat that would make Mini-Me feel claustrophobic, poor traction in bad weather, and problems with the ABS system were common complaints.
Published Aug 9, 2022 by CarGurus Editorial Team
User reviews for 1999 Pontiac Firebird
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by Anonymous
Apr 19, 2023
Nice car, sleek looking drives nice. Fun to drive. Apr 19, 2023
by kenneth m
Sep 06, 2021
Love the body type. I recommend car gurus to othersSep 06, 2021
by Derwin B
Oct 30, 2020
You would have to be in the era when this car was built to really appreciate amd understand the value of the car.Oct 30, 2020
User rating:
by Anonymous
Apr 19, 2023
Nice car, sleek looking drives nice. Fun to drive. Apr 19, 2023
by kenneth m
Sep 06, 2021
Love the body type. I recommend car gurus to othersSep 06, 2021
by Derwin B
Oct 30, 2020
You would have to be in the era when this car was built to really appreciate amd understand the value of the car.Oct 30, 2020
by Byron S
Oct 23, 2020
I love this car but I dont love the price Oct 23, 2020
by Hugh C
Oct 19, 2013
This car is a V6, but it does have power and speed. Had good take off power, she glides around curves like they are nothing.
This car loves to go fast, faster you go the smoother the ride, it's an over all fun car to drive, we get about 25 miles a gallon. We've had no major repaires.Oct 19, 2013
by Anita W
Sep 05, 2013
My bird is always fun to drive! With the Eaton rear end, she hangs the curves like there's no tomorrow!!!!!Who cares about gas mileage? She was built to run. Performance is top notch, and appearance IMO is bad ass!Sep 05, 2013
by Edward D
Mar 22, 2013
its not a v-8. So power is not there for the size of the car. But very comfortable for driver and passenger and car has nice gadgets and t-tops for the summer or that convertible feel.. Its very sporty and reliable. Mar 22, 2013
by Anonymous
Feb 24, 2013
A great starter sports car and good highway driving vehicle. Not so great city mpg and obviously not great in snow or ice. Excellent acceleration and driveability. Downside is mainly the small interior and the gas mileage as compared to a four cylinder or hybridFeb 24, 2013
by Anonymous
Feb 19, 2013
I loved driving this with t-tops off. Sun and wind. Handles great. Acceleration and braking very good. Regular service in 2 years we have had it. Was son's school car.
Ok on snow if you know how to drive rear wheel and we have a couple sandbags.Feb 19, 2013
by Ashley H
Aug 21, 2012
Great looking car. Gas mileage is pretty good. Quality is pretty good besides the chrome cracking on the wheels. Has a real functional Ram Air hood. Magnaflow exhaust.Only major repair were new push rods and rockers due to abuse by previous owner. Other than that smooth running reliable car.Aug 21, 2012
by Dave E
May 10, 2012
Been a great car owned it since 14,000 miles, only issue was water pump and
traction control module, $2300.00 fix, but was still covered by warranty.
Easy to work on and may parts for it with the ls-1 motor. run synthetic. Also i have
a 160 temp thermostat which I would recommend. May 10, 2012
by Angel A
Nov 23, 2011
The car has a lot of power with the all aluminum Corvette LS1 engine, the combination of transmission and rear end, this car is all you ever wanted in an american Muscle Car.
The front end of this car intimidates other contenders, with that mean looking Ram Air hood scoop. A great looking car with a lot of punch power.Nov 23, 2011
by Tony J
Oct 23, 2011
Car is great has a lot of power looks great has front seats are good, but sitting in
the back of the car is not fun at all fun to drive cant say anything bad about this
make and modelOct 23, 2011
by Shawn B
Jul 22, 2011
Has power galore, Decent gas economy for a V8 sports car, and makes corvette
owners look dumb. Can't ask for much more out of a modern muscle car. Only real
downside is the rattles and squeaks that it has developed over time (thanks to the
t tops). Stereo power is excellent, although the factory speakers are lacking.Jul 22, 2011
by Victor M
Sep 01, 2010
She performs great with no issue.
Real good built and style. She looks awsome especialy when she shines.
Cost........to much. Milage: 102.000 miles on her
She is very fun to drive. She gets alot of attention. She handle great and sounds really good with the Hurst 6 speed. One day I'll drive her to Rout 66 just because.Sep 01, 2010
by Mathew F
Mar 31, 2010
Good acceleration, good braking, handles great around corner. Fun to drive. Great gas mileage. Interior is orginal. Has pacesetter headers and cold air intake. Dynomax eshaust. Recently put a Firebird decal on the hood and window and sides and center caps.Mar 31, 2010
by Benjamin H
Oct 28, 2009
Needs super to get great HP, easy to upgrade, then performs like a beast. Solid, straight body, fast on the gas, easy shifting, fairly good fuel economy for a sports car. super fun summer car (i have t-tops) but horrible in the winter (spun out how many times?)Oct 28, 2009
by Scott S
Jun 26, 2009
Acceleration is what you'd expect from a stock V6. Got new brakes right after buying it. Handles a little loose, especially at higher speeds, but is manageable. No big repairs done to it, had ground effect piece rip off during winter time, have the replacement, just need to get it painted. Exterior is Arctic White, interior is gray. T-Tops are great, don't leak. Need new rims badly, stock ones are/were chrome and are now peeling like crazy. It is a fun car to drive and I love being able to every day. It's been hesitating to start lately and has sputtered quite a bit lately.Jun 26, 2009
by Terry S
Jun 20, 2009
Great everyday car with a lot more room in it than it looks. Plenty of power for what I need, good handling and braking. Not so good in snow. Relatively inexpensive to operate and maintain. Very comfortable and very fun to drive, especially on a nice day with the "T" tops off!Jun 20, 2009
by Taffin S
Apr 15, 2009
its a great car looks totally awesome and gas isn't too bad at all. it has a few things that just seem to go wrong with this model but what car doesnt. it is definately very fun to drive and its pretty peppyApr 15, 2009
by Daniel D
Jul 14, 2008
great car for the money if u want speed, a little work and you'll outrun cars costing 5 times as much, the ls1 is an awesome powerplant to hot rod and blow the doors off beemers, acuras, or whateverJul 14, 2008
by Jimmy D
Jun 21, 2008
this car is amazing. v6 power all the way for great gas milage.Jun 21, 2008
by Kyle G
Jun 16, 2008
The car lasted me a long time with some little parts here and there... until it got crashed by a friendJun 16, 2008
by Ryan C
Jun 16, 2008
really needs a 5 speed and mabe a lil more low end power even though it is only a V6. and the T tops are a must on emJun 16, 2008
by Crystal B
May 24, 2008
I loved this car however it doesn't go well with a deer as a hood ornamentMay 24, 2008
by Lucy D
May 22, 2008
It's pretty much alright.May 22, 2008
by Johnathan A
Apr 25, 2008
SLP Headers, Y pipe, Cats, Loudmouth II Exhaust. SLP Intake, MSD Coils, Hurst short throw.Apr 25, 2008
by Freddy M
Apr 18, 2008
A CAR THAT SHOULD HAVE NEVER BEEN STOPED FROM PRODUCTIONApr 18, 2008
by Joel B
Apr 15, 2008
i love this car.Apr 15, 2008
by Brent B
Apr 08, 2008
It's a great looking car for the price. It has some electrical issues, but doesn't let me down.Apr 08, 2008
by Danny W
Mar 30, 2008
The pontaic firebird is very stylish and aero dinamic and it has a meaty v8 engine to back up what its looks say about it. the two front seats are very nice the driver seats dashs and controls soround you like cockpit one amazing car. one of the best cars ever in that price range still today.Mar 30, 2008
by Dustin W
Mar 28, 2008
Overall a great car...could be faster but I always want something faster. Mar 28, 2008
by Ryan H
Jan 20, 2008
11.46 1/4 mile. You want some!?Jan 20, 2008
by Anonymous
Jan 11, 2008
The past year i have had serveral problems with this car. I guess there all wear and tear sence the car does have 92,000 miles. I replaced the fuel pump and had the diff replaced within one month of each other. Now not to metion oil leak from the top and replaced two power sterring hoses that where leaking.Jan 11, 2008
by Tyler M
Jan 06, 2008
very sporty, recommend taking out backseat and just put speakers there.Jan 06, 2008
What users have asked
Does a 427 cubic inch motor fit inside a 1999 Pontiac Firebird?
If i was to acquire a 427 cubic inch motor (6.9 almost 7 liters) would it be able to fit inside a 1999 Pontiac Firebird? obviously if it did id have to change some things out such as the tie-rods and rear end but i need to make sure it would fit first and i don't feel like spending $15,500 just for it not to fit. It's also a base model so id have to swap the hood possibly go to a ws6 hood or do a hood cutout and id have to make sure that it isnt too loud so i dont get pulled over i plan on making it basically a street legal drag car without slicks
28 views
My power windows on a 1999 Firebird won't work intermittently. The motor and switch have been replaced. I have noticed that this only happens when the light on the clock on the dash won't come on.
The motor and switch have been replaced on the driver's side. It then worked for awhile but won't work again at times. I have noticed that this problem only occurs when the clock light on the dash goes out. Could this be an ignition problem? The last time it happened, it lasted for a month and then the clock light came on at start up and the windows worked.
457 views
Quality Dashcover(dashmat) for 99'-02' firebird
Can a firebird/Camaro owner '99-'02 please tell me where I can snag a QUALITY dashmat? Impossible to confirm by looking at online pictures. ALSO, is there a product that will repair cracking on dash/door panels? Much grass, Stevey
7 views
Top Comparisons
Have you driven a 1999 Pontiac Firebird?Compare this car
1999 Pontiac Firebird Pricing
Original MSRP
$18,700 to $30,780Price 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
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: 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
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: 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