2000 Pontiac Firebird

Pontiac introduced its pony car dubbed the Firebird on February 23rd of 1967, the same time Chevrolet introduced its platform-sharing Camaro. Both the Firebird and Camaro wore similar 'Coke bottle' styling with distinguishable features, the Firebird set apart by its rear 'slit' taillights and integrated front bumpers.

The 'first generation' of styling lasted until 1969 and would be the last time it was offered as a convertible until 1989. Some of the design cues were retained for the 'second generation of styling, but the overall design was more 'swoopy' with a large B-pillar, single headlight, dual recessed grilles, enlarged wheel openings, and flush door handles. This design lasted until 1981 and proved popular during its production lifespan, peaking in 1979 with over 211,400 examples built. Nearly 187,300 were built in 1978 and 155,735 in 1977. The lowest amount was in 1972 when 29,951 examples were built, partly due to a UAW strike at the GM assembly plant in Norwood which lasted 174 days. Many of the incomplete Firebirds and Camaro's had to be scrapped due to not complying with 1973 federal bumper safety standards. GM management contemplated dropping the Chevy Camaro and Pontiac Firebird, but fiercely loyal fans convinced them to reconsider.

The 'third generation' was introduced in 1982 and remained in production through 1992. The F-body Firebird had a very steep 62-degree sloping windshield, a large, rear hatchback that was comprised mostly of glass, and concealed pop-up headlights. This generation of Firebird relieved on reduced weight, aerodynamics, chassis development, weight-distribution, and computerized engine management to aid in acceleration and performance and to reduce fuel consumption.

2000 Pontiac Firebird
For 2000, Pontiac produced the Firebird in 'base', Formula, and Trans Am models. Body styles included the coupe and convertible (Formula models were available only as a coupe). The base engine was an overhead valve six-cylinder 3.8-liter (231 cubic-inc), fuel-injected engine delivering 200 horsepower. The eight-cylinder engine option had an aluminum block and head, aluminum intake manifold, overhead valves, a 350 cubic-inch displacement, fuel injection, a 10.5:1 compression ratio, and delivered 305 horsepower at 5,200 RPM and 335 lb-ft of torque.

New for 2000, all Firebirds were compliant with California's new LEV (low-emissions-vehicles) rules. Formula and Trans Am models came with the WS6 Ram Air Package and new 17-inch alloy wheel rims. The WS6 performance package included a Ram Air induction system, polished aluminum wheels, tuned suspension, and polished exhaust. In 2000 Pontiac produced a total of 8,191 Trans Ams with the WS6 package, of those 1,025 were convertibles.

The rear seats now had child seat tether anchors and the throttle linkage on the V8 engine was modified. Standard equipment included power disc brakes with ABS, electric rear and side window defoggers, acoustical insulation, a black fixed-mast antenna, sport exterior mirrors, a Delco AM/FM stereo ETR radio and cassette, covered visor vanity mirrors, reclining bucket seats in the front, and an RPO MM5 five-speed manual transmission. Other features included 16-inch five-spoke cast-aluminum wheels, controlled-cycle windshield wipers, a PASS-Key II theft-deterrent system, a tilt steering column, a four-spoke sport tilt steering wheel with adjustable column, and Solar-Ray tinted glass.

Formula models came with power door locks, power automatic sport mirrors with blue glass, a Delco 500-watt peak power Monsoon AM/FM stereo, seven-band graphic equalizer, clock, touch control, Delco antitheft lock, high-performance 10-speaker sound system, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel with radio controls.

Trans Am models had features found on the Formula plus an audible content theft-deterrent system, a six-way power front driver's seat, and remote keyless entry. Trans Am insignia could also be found on the exterior of the car.

The 'base' Firebird was priced at $18,700 and the convertible at $25,320. The Formula Coupe was priced at $23,600, the Trans Am Coupe at $26,710, and the Trans Am Convertible at $30,780. A total of 31,826 examples of the Firebird was built in 2000, a drop from the 36,219 examples built the previous year.

By Daniel Vaughan | Jul 2014