1996 Pontiac Firebird in Bowling Green, KY - $23,995

Still exhilarating after 32 years, the rear-drive Pontiac Firebird enters what very well may be its last year -- its model lineup still intact with more standard features. This car has never been for the faint-of-heart or weak-of-spirit.

Built in GM's Ste. Therese Assembly plant in Boisbriand, Quebec, Canada, the Pontiac shares its structural underpinnings with the Chevrolet Camaro. Available in coupe and convertible body styles, the Firebird is offered in Base, Formula and Trans Am models.

Engine choices include the wonderfully versatile (L36) 3800 Series II V-6 or the (LS1) brawny 5.7L V-8. The standard gearbox for the base Firebird is a five-speed manual. The smooth-shifting 4L60-E four-speed automatic is standard on Formula and Trans Am models, an $815 option for the base Firebird. An aggressive six-speed manual transmission is a no-cost option for Formula and Trans Am.

Those that just have to possess the ultimate in American muscle under the hood, and do not have money to own a Chevrolet Corvette, can opt for the $3,290 optional WS6 Ram Air Package. Only available as an option on the Trans Am, the Ram Air package features a lethal version of the improved LS1 5.7L V-8 coupled with functional air scoops, ram-air induction, low restriction dual outlet exhaust, stiffer suspension bits and P275/40ZR17 performance radial tires and highly polished alloy wheels.

On the road, the V-8 Firebird Trans Am with the optional WS6 Ram Air Performance and Handling package is a coupe turned into a monster, worthy of chewing up vast quantities of Interstate quality asphalt. The result is a heavy coupe that moves with authority. It literally exudes power and performance.

Inside the cabin, displays and controls are good and easy to read and use. Although the Firebird is truly a muscle car, it is equipped with power and luxury features, previously unheard of in the muscle cars of yesteryear.

Ratings & specifications

Engine performance numbers are as follow: 3800 V-6 -- 200 hp at 5,200 rpm and 225 lb./ft. of torque at 4,000 rpm; 5.7L V-8 -- 310 hp at 5,200 rpm and 340 lb/ft of torque; with WS6 Ram Air -- 325 hp at 5,200 rpm and 350 lb./ft. of torque at 4,000 rpm. EPA fuel economy figures range from 19 city/28 highway for the manual six-cylinder to 19 city/30 highway for the automatic eight-cylinder. The six-cylinder uses regular unleaded gasoline while the eight-cylinder requires premium. Underhood fluids are easy to reach and are clearly marked.

Standard safety equipment includes dual front airbags, four-wheel disc brakes with anti-lock, side- impact door beams, daytime running lights, fog lamps, remote keyless entry and PASS-Key II theft deterrent system. Traction control is $250 -- Firebird base, $450 Formula and Trans Am.

The base Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for the 2002 Pontiac Firebird ranges from $19,515 for the base coupe to $31,560 for the Trans Am convertible. Destination charge adds $575. For those that have always wanted to own a new Firebird, this year may be the last chance. Supplies are low and it may take some work with the local dealer to secure one.

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