Why the 4th-gen Pontiac Trans Am Firebird Is a Legend: Track Time Tuesday Presented by Yokohama Tire’s ADVAN APEX

Yes, we still long for a return to the Firebird Trans Am’s glory days. 

Every few years, we hear rumblings about the return of the Pontiac Firebird. And sadly, they often are just rumors. And while a new and very cool custom built Trans Am Firebird is indeed being released, it isn’t from General Motors or any of the Big Three. Don’t get us wrong, we are always thrilled when the possibility arises to get a new Firebird. However, these one-off models are produced in very limited numbers come with very big price tags;. Without the GM stamp of approval (and official F-Platform)…well, it just isn’t the same.

We first heard that Trans Am Depot will be releasing a 2021 Trans Am Firebird inspired by the ultimate film car: Burt Reynolds’ unforgettable Smokey and the Bandit ride. Based on the Chevy Camaro SS, the “Bandit Edition” was even endorsed by the late actor, and includes his signature on each of the 77 cars.

When it comes to the Pontiac Firebird; we tend to be in the “ain’t nothing like the real thing, baby” camp. Especially the 4th-generation Firebird. The F-body marvels that rolled off the line from 1993 to 2002 embodied the pony car’s classic cool swagger. And, in 1998, included the C5 Corvette’s LS1 V8. 

It was truly a Golden era for the Pontiac Firebird. And let’s face it, the car had already seen some great times. From its early days of performance muscle, to the late 1970s and the iconic Trans Am Firebird, it had a lot of highs. But the 4th-gen Firebird included the Trans Am, the mighty WS6 performance package, and incredibly cool special editions like the Firehawk, Trans Am GT, 30th Anniversary Trans Am, and others.

How cool was the 4th-gen Firebird? We find it ignites all the senses.

Sight 

Need we say more? This was a great looking car. It drew from racing roots, was sleek with perfect aero looks, but still had tons of pony car character.

Check out this commercial for the 1998 Firebird. They weren’t playing around. This was a menacing car, ready to strike.

Sherry Bryan

Longtime automotive journalist S.J. Bryan has been covering the automotive industry for over five years and is an editor with Ford Truck Enthusiasts and regular contributor to F-150 Online, Harley-Davidson Forums, and The Mustang Source, among other popular auto sites.

Bryan first discovered her passion for all things automotive while riding in her parent's 1968 Ford Mustang. The automotive expert cut her teeth growing up riding on Harleys, and her first car was a Chevy Nova. Despite her lead foot, Bryan has yet to receive a speeding ticket.

The award-winning former playwright was first published at age 18. She has worked extensively as a writer and editor for a number of lifestyle and pop culture publications. The diehard gearhead is a big fan of American muscle cars, sixth-gen Ford trucks, and Oxford commas.

S.J. can be reached at sherryjbry@gmail.com.