Pontiac Firebird (1997) – Ultimate Guide

Introduction

“Either you get it or you don’t!” That’s what a talented and perceptive copywriter said about ’97 Firebirds. “The first rule of success is to equip yourself with the proper tools. This axiom not only applies to business, but to automobiles as well. Firebird provides drivers with what’s needed for command of the road.”

  • Models and engines carried over from 1996, but new performance and appearance options were added.
  • A Ram Air Performance and Handling Package was offered for convertibles.
  • Ram Air ragtops featured
    • a 5.7-liter V-8
    • twin scoops with Ram Air logos on each “nostril”
    • high-polished dual exhaust tips
    • 17-in. aluminum rims
  • A new package, introduced in mid-1996, was a Sport and Appearance Package for V-6 Firebirds with
    • ground effects
    • fog lamps
    • dual exhausts with cast aluminum extensions
  • New Firebird interior features included
    • a console with an auxilary power outlet for electronic devices
    • a pull-out cup holder
    • revised storage
  • Air conditioning became standard and all-leather power seats were now available.
  • A four-way seat adjuster and daytime running lamps were added standard equipment.
  • New options included a 500-watt Monsoon® sound system.

Firebird coupe

Standard equipment included

  • dual front airbags
  • air conditioning
  • power front disc/rear drum four-wheel antilock brakes
  • side window defoggem
  • RPO L36 3800 Series II 200-hp SF1 V-6 engine
  • Solar-Ray tinted glass
  • full instrumentation with tachometer and trip odometer
  • sport exterior mirrors
  • left-hand remote controlled
  • PASS-Key II theft deterrent system
  • AM/FM stereo ETR radio and cassette with
    • seven-band graphic equalizer
    • touch control
    • search-and-replay
    • Delco theft lock
    • clock
    • seek up/down
    • remote CD prewiring
    • four-speaker coaxial sound system
    • fixed mast antenna
  • reclining font bucket seats with cloth trim
  • four-way dual manual front seat adjusters
  • rear two-passenger folding seat
  • tilt steering column
  • P215/60R16 touring tires with high-pressure compact spare
  • RPO MM5 five-speed manual transmission
  • controlled-cycle windshield wipers
  • 16-in. cast aluminum wheels

Formula coupe

Formula models also include (in addition or in place of the above)

  • brake/transmission shift interlock
  • four-wheel power disc brakes with antilock
  • RPO LT1 5.7-liter 285-hp SF1 V-8 engine
  • P235/55R16 touring tires with high-pressure compact spare
  • RPO MXO four-speed automatic transmission

Trans Am coupe

Trans Am models also include (in addition to or in place of Formula features)

  • cruise control
  • electric rear window defogger
  • power door lccks
  • leather appointment group with leather-wrapped steering wheel, shift knob and parking brake handle
  • dual power mirrors with blue-tinted glass

Firebird/Formula convertibles

convertibles also include (in addition to or in place of respective coupe features)

  • audible content theft-deterrent system
  • cruise control
  • rear window defogger
  • power door locks
  • remote keyless entry
  • dual blue-tinted power mirrors
  • six-speaker sound system
  • power windows

Trans Am convertible

Trans Am convertibles also include (in addition to or in place or Firebird/Formula convertible features)

  • remote keyless entry
  • P245/5OZR16 all-season speed-rated tires

I.D. NUMBERS

IDENTIFICATION

ENGINE

TRANSMISSION

CHASSIS

OPTIONS

HISTORICAL NOTES

1997 Firebird Notes

1997 Automotive Notes

  • GM news:
  • Ford news:
  • Chrysler news:
  • AMC news:
  • Other makes news:
  • Top American Automobile Corporations for 1997

 

1. General Motors?
2. Ford?
3. Chrysler?
4. AMC?
5. Others?

 

  • Top model year production for 1997
Ford   913,440
Chevrolet   650,820
Pontiac   600,506
Lincoln/Mercury   376,348
Buick   287,655
Oldsmobile   277,086
Saturn   271,612
Dodge   241,058
Cadillac   169,912
Plymouth   155,563
Chrysler   44,096
Acura   106,844

1997 FIREBIRD Photo Gallery