2000 Pontiac Firebird

The 2000 Pontiac Firebird is a sporty rear-wheel-drive car that was available as a coupe or convertible. Engine options included a 3.8L V6, and two different versions of the 5.7L LS1 V8. The LS1 came in the Firebird Formula and Trans Am trims. The base 3.8L V6 produced 200 hp and 225 lb-ft of torque. The LS1 engines were more powerful, with the standard version producing 305 hp and 335 lb-ft of torque. A performance exhaust option brought this up to 320 HP. People loved the Firebird for its aggressive styling, powerful engine options (especially the LS1), and relatively affordable price point. Common dislikes include the sometimes-questionable build quality, interior materials, and dated design.

Engine

3.8L V6

• Intake Manifold Gasket Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Coolant leak, overheating, rough running engine, white smoke from exhaust.
  • Solution: Replace the intake manifold gasket.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $600+
  • Recalls: None Found

5.7L LS1 V8

• Oil Consumption
  • Description/Symptoms: Excessive oil usage, blue smoke from the exhaust.
  • Solution: Replacing valve stem seals, piston rings, or even a complete engine rebuild may be necessary.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $5000+ depending on the extent of the issue.
  • Recalls: None Found
• Knock Sensor Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Engine misfire, reduced performance, check engine light.
  • Solution: Replace the faulty knock sensor(s) and possibly the wiring harness.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

4L60E Automatic Transmission (All Engines)

• Slipping or Harsh Shifting
  • Description/Symptoms: Hesitation during gear changes, erratic shifting, or failure to shift. This is often caused by worn clutches or solenoids inside the transmission.
  • Solution: A transmission rebuild or replacement may be necessary.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1500 - $3500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Worn Struts/Shocks
  • Description/Symptoms: Bouncy ride, poor handling, excessive body roll, leaking fluid from struts/shocks.
  • Solution: Replace the worn struts and shocks.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $1000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Weak/Broken Coil Springs
  • Description/Symptoms: Sagging suspension, uneven ride height, clunking noises.
  • Solution: Replace the coil springs.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $800+
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Power Window Motor Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Window moving slowly or not at all.
  • Solution: Replace the power window motor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $400+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Headlight Motor Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Headlights not opening or closing properly.
  • Solution: Replace the headlight motor or gears.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $300+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Dim or Flickering Instrument Panel Lights
  • Description/Symptoms: Inconsistent or weak lighting in the instrument cluster.
  • Solution: Replace the instrument panel bulbs or repair the wiring harness.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 - $200+
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• T-Top Leaks (T-Top Models Only)
  • Description/Symptoms: Water leaking into the cabin around the T-tops, especially during rain.
  • Solution: Replace the weather stripping and seals around the T-tops.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Cracked Dashboard
  • Description/Symptoms: Cracks appearing on the dashboard, especially in hot climates.
  • Solution: Replacement of the dashboard, or installation of a dashboard cover.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $1000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Sagging Headliner
  • Description/Symptoms: Headliner detaching from the roof and sagging down.
  • Solution: Replace or re-glue the headliner.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2000 Pontiac Firebird, while a desirable sports car, has some common issues. Engine issues like oil consumption and intake manifold gasket failure can be relatively expensive to address. Transmission problems with the 4L60E are also a common concern. Suspension wear and electrical gremlins are typical of older vehicles. Interior issues such as dashboard cracks and sagging headliners detract from the overall ownership experience. The severity and cost of these issues vary, but potential buyers should be aware of them when considering a purchase.