Pontiac Firebird Facts for Kids

Pontiac Firebird Trans-am

The Pontiac Firebird was a popular sports car made by Pontiac, a division of General Motors. It was built for many years, from 1967 to 2002. During this time, there were four main versions, or "generations," of the Firebird. This car was famous for its sporty look and powerful engines. After the Firebird stopped being made, the Pontiac GTO became its successor.

The History of the Pontiac Firebird
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The History of the Pontiac Firebird

The Pontiac Firebird had a long and exciting history, with different designs and features over its 35 years. Each new generation brought fresh styles and updated technology.

First Generation (1967–1969): The Beginning

The very first Pontiac Firebird was introduced in 1967. It was a "pony car," which means it was a sporty, compact, and affordable car. It shared many parts with its cousin, the Chevrolet Camaro. The Firebird was available as a coupe (a two-door car with a fixed roof) or a convertible (a car with a roof that can be folded down). It had a distinctive look with its front bumper built into the design.

Second Generation (1970–1981): A New Look

The second generation of the Firebird arrived in 1970 with a completely new design. These cars looked very sleek and modern for their time. This generation included the famous Trans Am model, which became very popular, especially in the late 1970s. The Trans Am was known for its large "screaming chicken" decal on the hood and its powerful engines. Many people remember this car from movies and TV shows.

Third Generation (1982–1992): High-Tech Style

The third generation Firebird was launched in 1982. These cars had a more modern, aerodynamic design. They were also lighter than the previous models, which helped them perform better. This generation is famous for its use in the TV show Knight Rider, where a modified Trans Am named KITT could talk and drive itself. This made the Firebird even more popular with young people.

Fourth Generation (1993–2002): The Final Chapter

The fourth and final generation of the Pontiac Firebird came out in 1993. These cars had a very sleek and futuristic look. They were designed to be very fast and powerful, offering strong performance. This generation continued to offer both coupe and convertible versions. Production of the Pontiac Firebird ended in 2002, marking the end of an era for this iconic American sports car.

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1972 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am
1974 Pontiac Firebird Formula
A 1976 Pontiac L78 400CID V8
A 1977 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am with an early low-profile shaker.
Two late '70s Trans Ams, in T-top and hardtop versions. Note: No Firebird was ever offered factory in Right Hand Drive Configuration
1989 Pontiac Trans Am Firebird GTA
1991 Firebird convertible with restyled nose
1988 Pontiac Trans Am GTA with notchback option
1971 Pontiac Trans Am
1974 Pontiac Trans Am
1978 Pontiac Trans Am
1981 Pontiac Turbo Trans Am
1987 Pontiac Trans Am
A modified 3rd generation Trans Am used as KITT
Trans Am Super Duty at the NYIAS
1967 Pontiac Firebird 400 convertible
1968 Pontiac Firebird convertible 400 Ram Air with the optional hood tach
1969 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am
1994–1997 Trans Am convertible
1996 Firebird Formula with functional "Ram Air" hood
rear view (1993–1997)
The 1999 30th Anniversary Trans Am
Joe Aquilante on the front stretch of Pocono Raceway 1999, to become SCCA national champ in T-1
Pontiac Firebird Trans Am Collector's Edition convertible