I absolutely love the Fiero, especially the base model. I bought a brand new one in 1986. Base model, gold with tan interior, 2.5L four/5 speed. I had the Pontiac alloy wheels installed on it (they made ones with gold accents just for the gold colored car) and a rear deck lid luggage rack installed by the dealer. I paid just over $10K, including the wheels and luggage rack. What a deal. It was absolutely gorgeous, and felt like driving an Italian exotic. It had that big high, wide center console (the gas tank was under it) and the vertical back window was right behind the seat. I owned that car for 11 years and put around 200,000 miles on it. Never had any problems with it. I would buy a new one just like it right now. No, it was not practical, and it wasn't designed to be. If you needed a station wagon or minivan, then that's what you should have bought. And it was NOT a sports car, though it sure looked like one. Giving it sports car power and handling would have at least doubled the price, and put it out of my reach. It was intended as a commuter car. I see no reason why a commuter car has to be bland and boring. You got an inexpensive, well engineered, well built car that looked and felt like something that cost several times more. It was just plain fun, especially the 5 speed model, which cost less than the automatic. I have never had an automatic that was fun to drive. I am now 64 years old, and drive a Mercury Grand Marquis. But I also have a V8 powered, 4 speed 1982 Chevy S-10 truck that I built myself. It has over 400 rwhp. It handles terribly, because it was set up for drag racing, which is done in a straight line. It's fast and loud, and will leave rubber on the road at will. It's also completely impractical, but it's a ridiculous amount of fun.
I recall reading about a speech by a Cord engineer to a group of automotive designers in which he said, 'too much automotive engineering is done in the accounting department.'
Really good and precise video. You had all the major points correct unlike most of the videos about this car. One thing you didnt mention was its really good racing history and gow its performance with the v6 matched its competitors on the market. I own 2 1988 models and you would be amazed at the difference the new suspension makes. It was also the 2nd highest rated car for safety in the usa for every year it was produced.Thanks for an unbiased and fair video about this great little car.
I've always liked the Fiero. The plastic body pannels, the mid engine layout and its looks. After watching this video, I would only want the 1988 GT model. If one of the other models could be retro-fitted with the disk brakes, larger wheels, upgraded suspension and an LS-4, perhaps any Fiero would do. :D
I almost bought a yellow 88 gt with the moon roof, but it had a rebuilt title, the owner didn't have all the matienance records and restored some of it himself. I ended up getting an 86 trans am t top, bright red with red interior, auto, with a 4000km 400hp 350 sbc with a carburetor.
Spot on review! Most accurate yet. My mum's 86 is still in the garage ready to begin a resurrection. The next two years it's getting a full over haul. Hasn't seen the road since 08. But can't find replacement rear light panel. Anybody know any aftermarket parts stores?
Yea one problem tho. When hit in the rear would catch on fire or explode.. killed a woman near my house when waiting at a stop light someone rear ended her and it caught fire very quickly.
They were no more likely to catch fire from a rear end collision than any other car. In fact they were the 2nd safest car sold in america all 4 uears it was produced.
I absolutely love the Fiero, especially the base model. I bought a brand new one in 1986. Base model, gold with tan interior, 2.5L four/5 speed. I had the Pontiac alloy wheels installed on it (they made ones with gold accents just for the gold colored car) and a rear deck lid luggage rack installed by the dealer. I paid just over $10K, including the wheels and luggage rack. What a deal. It was absolutely gorgeous, and felt like driving an Italian exotic. It had that big high, wide center console (the gas tank was under it) and the vertical back window was right behind the seat. I owned that car for 11 years and put around 200,000 miles on it. Never had any problems with it. I would buy a new one just like it right now.
No, it was not practical, and it wasn't designed to be. If you needed a station wagon or minivan, then that's what you should have bought. And it was NOT a sports car, though it sure looked like one. Giving it sports car power and handling would have at least doubled the price, and put it out of my reach. It was intended as a commuter car. I see no reason why a commuter car has to be bland and boring. You got an inexpensive, well engineered, well built car that looked and felt like something that cost several times more. It was just plain fun, especially the 5 speed model, which cost less than the automatic. I have never had an automatic that was fun to drive. I am now 64 years old, and drive a Mercury Grand Marquis. But I also have a V8 powered, 4 speed 1982 Chevy S-10 truck that I built myself. It has over 400 rwhp. It handles terribly, because it was set up for drag racing, which is done in a straight line. It's fast and loud, and will leave rubber on the road at will. It's also completely impractical, but it's a ridiculous amount of fun.
People are stuffing the Cadillac Northstar v8 in these and turning them into insane monsters.
A Buick/pontiac 3800sc would be a great motor for these
@@presmasterflash7555 that would work.
The engine of choice for modding these cars is the LS4. And yes, it does fit.
I recall reading about a speech by a Cord engineer to a group of automotive designers in which he said, 'too much automotive engineering is done in the accounting department.'
And just about every automaker is guilty of this….
@@lancetheb.m.c his comments were met with great enthusiasm.
Really good and precise video. You had all the major points correct unlike most of the videos about this car. One thing you didnt mention was its really good racing history and gow its performance with the v6 matched its competitors on the market. I own 2 1988 models and you would be amazed at the difference the new suspension makes. It was also the 2nd highest rated car for safety in the usa for every year it was produced.Thanks for an unbiased and fair video about this great little car.
I've always liked the Fiero. The plastic body pannels, the mid engine layout and its looks.
After watching this video, I would only want the 1988 GT model. If one of the other models could be retro-fitted with the disk brakes, larger wheels, upgraded suspension and an LS-4, perhaps any Fiero would do. :D
Believe it or not, there is a lot of aftermarket support for these.
th-cam.com/video/kxMUyJ0dwlc/w-d-xo.htmlsi=XpaztZwUkG2ClE00
8 years from now some kid will be saying "Today we'll be talking about the Saturn Sky".
GM kills it's good cars. And that's the story.
I almost bought a yellow 88 gt with the moon roof, but it had a rebuilt title, the owner didn't have all the matienance records and restored some of it himself. I ended up getting an 86 trans am t top, bright red with red interior, auto, with a 4000km 400hp 350 sbc with a carburetor.
Spot on review! Most accurate yet. My mum's 86 is still in the garage ready to begin a resurrection. The next two years it's getting a full over haul. Hasn't seen the road since 08. But can't find replacement rear light panel. Anybody know any aftermarket parts stores?
I had an '87. It was the first car I ever fully restored.
I'm just wondering which V6 engine was used in the Fiero .Was it a Chevy 60° ,or the Buick 90°V6 .?
do the 87 bronco 2 !
Yea one problem tho. When hit in the rear would catch on fire or explode.. killed a woman near my house when waiting at a stop light someone rear ended her and it caught fire very quickly.
There are actually quite a lot of cars that can burst into flames when hit from behind.
They were no more likely to catch fire from a rear end collision than any other car. In fact they were the 2nd safest car sold in america all 4 uears it was produced.
MAYBE CHELTFDDAKKKJOP