1988 Pontiac Fiero Reviews, Pricing & Specs
What owners say
"Overall, owners of the 1988 Pontiac Fiero enjoy its unique style and fun handling, describing it as a great lightweight sports car with a mid-engine design. Many appreciate its reliability, fuel economy, and the ability to customize the vehicle. However, some drivers wish for more power from the engine, and several mention various electrical or mechanical issues that can arise. While the Fiero captivates with its looks and driving experience, it may not suit everyone, especially taller individuals who find it challenging to get in and out."
This is a totally custom build for me. I've scrapped the original 5speed manual tranny, and 2.5litre 4cylinder iron-duke engine for a massive powerhouse 3800 Series II Supercharged motor. Also swapped the transmissions to the automatic heavy-duty tranny that comes with the Series II 3800SC. The car started as a coupe model, I've swapped every body part on it for GT stuff from an 86GT, and put in all the power options, power windows, mirrors, stuff like that. No AC, no power steering, no nothing that takes power away from the wheels. I love it.
May 16, 2008I found this car, and picked it up for the low price of 900 bucks a year ago. It's an old car, so I shall judge it accordingly. Power-wise, it is pretty low for a vintage sportscar, but the rear-mounted V6 does have enough grunt to move the car down the road, and the rumble is absolutely erotic compared to a modern engine. The interior is nice and simple- it's sadly cheapened up from previous-year Fieros (there are no speakers mounted in the headrests, for instance), but it is quite functional, and is a little more comfortable than a new car. Handling is merely average, but for its vintage and average state of neglect, the stock suspension takes well to decent tires, and the weight ensures that tail can throw itself out when you tell it to. (With the automatic transmission, don't expect it to stay out, it always bogged down on me when I put too much drift into it). With age, however, comes worn bones, and the example I have features lots of minor electrical quirks and a few major mechanical issues, this is the type of car that you will lose money on trying to restore; that said, you will enjoy breathing life into such an unusual example of GM earnestly trying to build a car to stand up to Porsche. As a side note, the 1986 model year did have recalls associated with engine fires- however, none of the other model years were affected, and any '86 models that haven't been serviced to the recall have burned down years ago. These cars are not powder kegs.
July 27, 2013I've owned 3 Fiero Gts( 1986 1/2, 1987 and 1988) and have logged more than 275,00 miles in them. The '88 is the best by far: it has excellent handling and roadability and is a pleasure to drive quickly on a country road. This car now has 170,000 miles but still looks like a new car. It is yellow with gray leather interior and has all the other options except the t-top. I should get rid of it because of the high mileage but I enjoy it too much to part with it. GM made a mistake in dropping it after correcting the many earlier problems; with the later upgrades of that engine, it would have been a world-class car both in performance and appearance.
March 16, 2008What owners say
This is a totally custom build for me. I've scrapped the original 5speed manual tranny, and 2.5litre 4cylinder iron-duke engine for a massive powerhouse 3800 Series II Supercharged motor. Also swapped the transmissions to the automatic heavy-duty tranny that comes with the Series II 3800SC. The car started as a coupe model, I've swapped every body part on it for GT stuff from an 86GT, and put in all the power options, power windows, mirrors, stuff like that. No AC, no power steering, no nothing that takes power away from the wheels. I love it.
May 16, 2008I found this car, and picked it up for the low price of 900 bucks a year ago. It's an old car, so I shall judge it accordingly. Power-wise, it is pretty low for a vintage sportscar, but the rear-mounted V6 does have enough grunt to move the car down the road, and the rumble is absolutely erotic compared to a modern engine. The interior is nice and simple- it's sadly cheapened up from previous-year Fieros (there are no speakers mounted in the headrests, for instance), but it is quite functional, and is a little more comfortable than a new car. Handling is merely average, but for its vintage and average state of neglect, the stock suspension takes well to decent tires, and the weight ensures that tail can throw itself out when you tell it to. (With the automatic transmission, don't expect it to stay out, it always bogged down on me when I put too much drift into it). With age, however, comes worn bones, and the example I have features lots of minor electrical quirks and a few major mechanical issues, this is the type of car that you will lose money on trying to restore; that said, you will enjoy breathing life into such an unusual example of GM earnestly trying to build a car to stand up to Porsche. As a side note, the 1986 model year did have recalls associated with engine fires- however, none of the other model years were affected, and any '86 models that haven't been serviced to the recall have burned down years ago. These cars are not powder kegs.
July 27, 2013I've owned 3 Fiero Gts( 1986 1/2, 1987 and 1988) and have logged more than 275,00 miles in them. The '88 is the best by far: it has excellent handling and roadability and is a pleasure to drive quickly on a country road. This car now has 170,000 miles but still looks like a new car. It is yellow with gray leather interior and has all the other options except the t-top. I should get rid of it because of the high mileage but I enjoy it too much to part with it. GM made a mistake in dropping it after correcting the many earlier problems; with the later upgrades of that engine, it would have been a world-class car both in performance and appearance.
March 16, 2008I don't think I've mentioned how safe the Fiero is, but with its wide stance and agile cornering it's not very apt to turn over due to its low center of gravity even at higher speeds. Even though the 2.5 ltr. four cylinder doesn't have the power or acceleration the 2.8 ltr. six cylinder does, it can still hold its own. Braking and handling are very good. Since the Fiero is small, feeling safe and in control comes natural. It was originally known as a "poor man's Corvette" due to its' economical benefits and because it was the first American mass produced sports car!
June 5, 2014The car looks really great for an 88. I've always thought they were sporty. I had to fix a lot of electrical problems when I first got it. Still have a few fuel issues to deal with. But, all in all I do like the car so I don't really mind.
October 15, 2012Performance: It is a light car with a V6 so it feels quick and corners like no other because it has a low center of gravity and 50/50 weight distribution with its mid-engine design. Compared to cars of the 80s it is up there but compared to modern cars, it is still a strong cornering car, but lacks in horse power. Build quality is that of an 80s GM. It has aggressive styling and head turning good looks. Gets pretty decent gas mileage for a sports car, 27 hwy if you are easy on it. I probably average around 22. It is definetely the funnest car I have owned. I have driven more powerful cars, but the handling is second to none, which makes it feel faster.
July 13, 2010Typical 80s interior, not typical of GM reliability of the era (actually, and surprisingly, very reliable), it handles especially well. Like driving on rails is an apt description
September 2, 2020I honestly love it. The body design, the sound of it, and the handling. There's really nothing else like it on the road today. The only thing it needs is more power in the engine department. The 2.8V6 is too wimpy for the look of the car, but an engine swap will take care of that nicely. The brakes are great, huge improvement over previous years of Fiero. My car is definitely a lower-mileage survivor, with only 88,000 miles on the clock. It still manages to get about 20 - 23 MPG highway while being 20 years old. Parts are easy to find and cheap to fix it, and it isn't as hard to work on as people make it out to be. Personally, I love the car and plan on buying a few more to toy with!
July 10, 2008My nice weather car with only 63,000 original miles on it
June 14, 2008I have an 88 fiero yellow formula. It has 101k. Bought it new for the wife. Spent its whole life in a garage. E erything original save tires struts/shocks battery. Great little car, part of the family.
September 26, 2021
