Fierce. Proud. Intimidating. Vicious. Those are some of the ways that the Italian word “fiero” can be used. But the car that Pontiac debuted for the 1984 model year didn’t exactly come across as vicious. The “Iron Duke” four-cylinder that was common was a low-revving lump that delivered good fuel economy…not quite what buyers were expecting in a small, sporty machine. Handling was another questionable decision…even though the Fiero looked like a scaled American Ferrari, the suspension was a mismash of Chevette and Citation parts until the 1988 model year, the last year of Fiero prodction. And to many people, there are two Fieros: one is the car that debuted in 1984, with the wedge nose and the nearly Kamm-like tail, and the GT body, a facelifted, fastback version that echoed some of the GM-80 concept mules that were teasers of the proposed front-wheel-drive Pontiac Firebird. Park the old and new style of Fieros next to each other and it looks like a second generation machine instead of just a mild updating.
While hunting for yet another Rough Start project mill, this $2,500 1986 Fiero GT popped up. It’s a V6/five-speed model that looks solid and very well-maintained…for the age, it’s impressive and for the price, it’s an absolute score. You could buy this car, give it the once-over, and congratulations, you now are the proud owner of your very own GM-sourced go-kart. But could you leave well enough alone? The 2.8L V6 isn’t bad, but it isn’t great. Wouldn’t you rather have a supercharged V6 instead? Surely you can find a solid L67 or L32 supercharged mill for sale with the leftover cash.
I worked at a Pontiac dealer in 1984 when the Fiero was introduced. It was promoted as a economical “commuter” car. Go figure. It had innovative plastic panels attached to a steel space frame. One of he first ones sold was involved in a hard crash, hit from behind and pushed into guard rail. It was totaled, but the driver compartment was intact, the driver uninjured. I thought they were better cars than their reputation would have you believe.
yup, the author is either stupid (didn’t do research) or is too young to know from being around and didn’t do research.
The car from the get go was to be an economy car. It was the only way g.m. would let Pontiac build a 2 seater. Economy commuter car was the name of the game.
Same reason it only got the 2.8v6 to make sure it not touch the vette sales or the f body sales.
Pontiac put good chassis set up and brakes under it for 1988 and was getting to close to the vette and was killed. If Pontiac was allowed the s/c 3800 would’ve been in it factory. and the chassis changes from the start. for at least the gt model. Like many other models g.m. killed off to protect the flagship vette. the what if’s What if it got the 3400 4 valve screamer with a stick. Today their problem is you can swap in a 3800s/c or a ls4 or a 3400 or a northstar. but it is supported by tiny suppliers for parts and isn’t really all that cheap to do correctly. The c4 vette are cheap as dirt and it is simple to put a gen 1 sbc with 450 hp in them cheaply as everyone is on the lsx bandwagon. or jump on the ls train and swap a junkyard take out into one. and be miles ahead. cleanish c4 3-4k, built honest 400 h/p 383 sbc can be had for 1500 or less running from those that are going ls. that is cheap money for a rocket ship that handle on rails if a tad harsh on your back.
Fiero was the safest vehicle behind only the Volvo wagon for 1984/5/6 and maybe 7/8
I’ve had eight fieros love them little go carts
Hey, that’s my car. Cool article guys.
My teacher bought one of the last 88’s looked just like that one, he put it in a garage and never used it. Bought another to drive. I wonder if it’s still in there? He passed away a few years ago,great guy,my favorite teacher.RIP Mr.Schmidt.
This is a good article on the Fiero
https://ateupwithmotor.com/model-histories/pontiac-fiero/?cookie-state-change=1543984621031