Tech & Auto
Ranking Every Generation Of Pontiac Firebird From Worst To Best
By RUSS GOOD
4. Third Generation
This generation was produced from 1982 to 1992 and due to the elimination of Pontiac's V8 engine it was notable for its distinct drop in power and performance.
The most famous third-gen is the 1982 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am. A modified version of this model was featured in David Hasselhoff's beloved "Knight Rider" television series.
3. Fourth Generation
This generation saw a complete redesign to more aerodynamic and sleek-looking cars, but this generation is considered the end of the line for the Firebird.
The high-performance Firehawks and the Trans Am WS6 Collector Edition were notable cars during this generation. Sadly, Pontiac as a brand was already dead and gone.
2. First Generation
General Motors created the Pontiac Firebird to compete directly with Ford’s Mustangs, establishing it as a competitor for decades.
The most beloved first-generation Pontiac Firebird is the original 1967, but the rarest of the first-generation Firebirds is the 1969 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am convertible.
1. Second Generation
This generation introduced the iconic “hood bird” in 1973, lovingly called the “screaming chicken,” cementing the muscle car into the American zeitgeist.
The most iconic vehicle to sport the hood bird was the black and gold 1977 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am driven by Burt Reynolds in the film “Smokey and the Bandit.”
Current Generation
This generation of cars has some feeling of the original classics with glass T-tops, a shaker hood and scoop, and the glorious screaming chicken hood.
They are definitely unlike the originals but the current manufacturers, Trans Am Worldwide, do put in the work to keep the legacy of this iconic car alive.