When I went searching for a car to buy after the tranny crapped out on my pickup, I wanted something fairly new and fast but something that would not take a bite out of my wallet. I had the Z28 in mind or perhaps I would settle with a firebird.
After an extinsive search in St. Louis I located a 1995 Firebird Formula for $10,000 that was fully loaded: 285HP LT1, 3.23 gears, leather, cd player with equalizer, t-tops and a rare transmission perform button option that came with my automatic. At the time this car was bought for $5,000 under NADA value so I just could not pass up an offer like this.
I'll start with performance. This previous owner gave me a Hypertech programmer to go with it boosting flywheel horsepower ratings to appx. 305. With the optional upgrade from 2.73 gears to 3.23 provides even more exhilerating acceleration. The whole valvetrain to drivetrain is extremely dependable--the only repair after 84,000 miles I have had to do was to replace a rubber transmission mount ($19). The setback to changing to 3.23 gears is I loose a little gas mileage because I am a frequent interstate traveller. But I still average around 20-22 mpg. As far as setbacks to this much power is if you have a leadfoot, the rear rubber can add up in a heartbeat. The tires are P245 50R or 50ZR depending on the speed rating and they run anywhere from $100 to $250 a tire so exercise control of the right foot!! Also when the highway is a little wet, DO NOT FLOOR IT!! The back will go all over the place. I would'nt recommend driving during the winter because ice and snow combined with fat tires and 300 horsepower is too dangerous.
Handling is phenominal, it feels like you are glued to the pavement taking hairpin curves and such and I have run my car to over 100 mph a few times and you can't tell you are going that fast because it is riding so smooth. That is really awesome for a sporty suspension. My brother's 89 Formula rode like an old FWD truck!! GM certainly made great improvements.
Styling is great!! The artistic curves of this of this beautiful car makes it have the appearance of a true work of art. After looking my car over for the first time, I fell in love! It is so aggressive looking and I like the body style better than the Z28's by far. The interior is great especially with the leather option I have. The only problem is the rear seat space. Most adults in my car feel a little uncomfortable but they are perfect for kids. The t-tops are great too, there is nothing like the wind blowing through your hair. Handle these real careful because the glass can easily break if hit hard enough. Also, I have seen firebirds that were not cared for and the fiberglass front and rear clips were faded real bad, but it depends on how you take care of it.
Sound system is great, but the cd player has its occasional flaw. Make sure you know the theftlock code if you buy used because if you unplug the battery cable the stereo thinks it is being stolen and you have to punch in the code to restore its usefullness.
One last con, the firebirds for years have had headlight motor problems. Both of mine are grinding but they still work.
Finally I recommend this car for all ages. Be careful 16 year olds, because you can loose control in a heartbeat. These cars are great if you have young kids because they fit in just fine. Plus you older folks can live again and be young just as the true muscle car lives. Anyone of any age, if like me, will love to drive this engineering marvel.
Amount Paid (US$): 10,000
Condition: Used
Model Year: 1995
Model and Options: Formula/3.23 gears, leather, cd with equalizer, transmission perform, power everything
