2001 Pontiac Firebird

In the fall of 2001, an announcement was made that General Motors would discontinue production of the Pontiac Firebird and the Chevrolet Camaro. The 2001 Firebird was available as a base, Formula and Trans Am model in coupe and convertible body styles. Pricing began at $18,850 for the base coupe and rose to $31,200 for the Trans Am convertible. Power was from an overhead valve 3.8-liter V6 engine rated at 200 horsepower. The WS6 Ram Air 350 cubic-inch V8 engine offered 325 horsepower.

The base models were equipped with integrated fog lamps, a hidden headlamp design, fender-mounted air extractors, air conditioning, disc brakes with ABS, cruise control, and a fold-down rear seat. Convertible models added a Monsoon sound system with CD player and eight speakers, a six-way power driver's seat, remote keyless entry, an alarm, power door locks, power windows, power outside mirrors, power radio antenna, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel with radio controls. A five-speed manual was standard with an available four-speed automatic. A six-speed manual was also available; an optional Hurst shifter was available on models with the six-speed transmission. The Firebirds had a safety-cage construction, manual safety belts, frontal impact airbags, and two rear-compartment child safety seat tether anchors. They had automatic daytime running lamps, fog lamps, disc brakes with ABS and electronic brake force distribution, and an available traction control system.

The Firebird Formula models had Silver 16-inch five-spoke sport wheels, low-profile Z-rated tires, and a modified suspension. The Trans Am coupe models had removable roof panels, a rear spoiler, and leather seat surfaces. The standard engine on Formula and Trans AM models were the 5.7-liter Generation III LS1 V8. The engine had a new camshaft and a new intake manifold. Pontiacs with the WS6 Ram Air Performance and Handling Package had functional hood scoops, Ram Air induction, and dual-outlet exhaust system. They also had a modified suspension, performance radial tires, alloy wheels in a five-spoke design, and a power-steering cooler.

The Sports Appearance added dual exhaust outlets, a chin spoiler, rocker panel extensions, and a slightly modified rear valance.

Pontiac offered a wide range of stereo systems on the Firebird. The base model was the Delco 2001 Series with AM/FM stereo, a CD player, and a seven-band graphic equalizer. The convertibles came with a Monsoon radio with four-additional speakers (bringing the total to eight). Formula and Trans Am coupes had a similar stereo system with 10 speakers.

by Daniel Vaughan | Jul 2014