For years, Pontiac yearned for its own dedicated sports car within the General Motors (GM) empire. While Chevrolet basked in the glory of the Corvette, Pontiac sought to carve its own niche in the sports car market. What emerged was the Pontiac Fiero, a vehicle often misunderstood and unfairly judged, yet possessing a unique charm and driving experience that deserves a fresh look. This is the story of the Fiero Car, Pontiac’s one and only foray into the world of mid-engine sports cars.
The Pontiac Fiero has long been saddled with a reputation as a failure, a car plagued by fires and unpredictable handling. Critics pointed to its modest power output, perceived heavy body, and the use of seemingly mundane components borrowed from other, less glamorous GM models. Ask the average “car person” about the Pontiac Fiero, and you’re likely to hear tales of woe and engineering missteps. However, scratch beneath the surface of these widespread opinions, and you’ll often find a lack of firsthand experience. Many who readily dismiss the Fiero have never actually spent time behind the wheel. This disconnect between reputation and reality is at the heart of the Fiero’s complex narrative.
Standing before a metallic grey 1986 Pontiac Fiero SE “notchback,” the familial resemblance to its Firebird sibling is immediately apparent. The subtle center beak grille and neatly concealed hideaway headlights are classic Pontiac design cues. A hint of a smile seems to emanate from the car’s front fascia as the eye follows the elegant fender line towards the slender A-pillar. The simple black keys feel surprisingly light, and the door opens with a reassuring click and smooth motion. A quick glance at the rear reveals a gracefully sloping roofline that flows into flying buttresses and a flat decklid. Black metal louvers add a touch of sporty aggression to the engine bay flanks, while a subtle luggage rack and spoiler enhance the rear profile. The neatly cut-off rear is finished with a full-width smoked taillight lens and a set of European-inspired quad exhaust outlets.
Stepping inside, the Fiero reveals itself as a vintage sports car surprisingly well-suited for daily driving. The interior is functional and welcoming, with a dashboard that extends outwards and seats positioned low, creating a cockpit-like feel. Despite its compact exterior dimensions, legroom and shoulder space are surprisingly generous, reflecting its American design origins. After adjusting the seat forward, the gear lever falls readily to hand, and a quick check for neutral precedes the turn of the ignition key.
With a twist, the engine awakens with a growl that belies its “parts bin special” origins. The ergonomics are well-considered; visibility is excellent in all directions, and the mirrors are effectively placed. The centrally positioned pedals feel natural and intuitive, reminiscent of more exotic sports cars. With a press of a button, the headlights pop up, and the instrument gauges illuminate with a vibrant red glow.
Pulling out of the garage and onto the road, the clutch pedal immediately signals its firm nature. However, the engine’s low-end torque effortlessly moves the lightweight Fiero, minimizing the need for excessive clutch work. While a base model Fiero might have come with the less inspiring “Iron Duke” four-cylinder engine, this particular model boasts the more desirable 60-degree 2.8-liter V6 with fuel injection – an engine shared with its Firebird cousin – paired with a four-speed manual transmission. The sound emanating from behind is surprisingly assertive, a distinct growl that hints at hidden aggression. A gentle tap of the accelerator confirms this, the exhaust responding with a sharp snarl. Another, more deliberate throttle input results in an even more pronounced outburst, a series of pops and burbles that are unexpected from a 1980s-era GM product.
The Fiero’s power delivery is surprisingly brisk. Engaging first gear, aiming the car, and applying full throttle results in an unexpectedly rapid launch. First gear is dispatched in a flash, followed by a quick shift to second, the exhaust barking between gear changes and then resuming its snarl as power is reapplied. The car accelerates with enthusiasm, the tachometer needle climbing eagerly. Shifting into third gear reveals a solid torque curve, and the Fiero continues to gather speed rapidly, soon exceeding legal limits. The engine, nestled closely behind the driver, feels like a contained force of nature, eager to unleash its energy. Finally, shifting into fourth and lifting off the throttle allows for a moment to exhale and appreciate the experience.
Cruising through winding mountain roads, the Fiero’s design and purpose begin to resonate deeply. It’s a car that demands to be driven, rewarding engagement and precision. The manual steering, perfectly weighted for these twisty roads, provides exceptional feedback from the road surface. The front end can feel a touch light at times, a characteristic shared by many mid-engine cars, but the Fiero maintains a confident stance and wide wheelbase, instilling a sense of control. A feeling of sure-footedness grows with each curve as the car is pushed harder, seeking the apex.
Many of the notorious issues associated with the Pontiac Fiero should be considered as largely exaggerated rumors. While some early models did have fire-related problems, these were not universal, and many were addressed. The Fiero’s real challenge lay in consumer misunderstanding of the mid-engine, rear-drive (MR) layout. Characteristics like snap-oversteer, common in MR cars, were unfamiliar to many drivers accustomed to front-engine, front-drive vehicles. By making a mid-engine sports car accessible to the average buyer, General Motors inadvertently exposed it to a lack of understanding and driving experience with this type of vehicle dynamics. To keep the Fiero affordable, parts sharing was extensive. Components were sourced from various GM models, from the Chevette to the Citation. Even the windshield washer fluid reservoir might appear to have come from a larger commercial vehicle.
However, the origins of its components become largely irrelevant when experiencing the Fiero as a whole. It looks and feels like a car far exceeding its price point. After a day of driving, it becomes clear that perhaps the market wasn’t quite ready for the Fiero when it was new. Now, over thirty years later, its compromises are more easily accepted, viewed as quirks of a classic car. Minor oil leaks or imperfections are simply part of the vintage car ownership experience, easily overlooked as long as the driving experience remains rewarding.
As the fuel gauge approaches empty, a stop at a gas station becomes necessary. While reasonably fuel-efficient under normal driving, spirited driving will certainly impact fuel consumption. Under the harsh fluorescent lights of the gas station at night, a young man approaches, intrigued by the Fiero. He asks what it is, admitting he’s never seen one before. Stepping back to allow him a better view, the explanation is simple: “It’s a Pontiac Fiero, they were made a long time ago.” He examines the car, surprised, and mentions he thought it was a new model of some sort, and then asks, “What’s a Pontiac?” The question, while innocent, carries a sting, a reminder of the brand’s now-defunct status.
With both windows down and the sunroof open, the Fiero’s original radio plays Elton John’s “Rocket Man,” the music blending with the rumble of the V6 engine behind. Reflecting on the drive, a mix of emotions surfaces. Disappointment that this car was so often dismissed as flawed, and elation at the exceptional driving experience it delivers. The wide track, the direct manual steering, the need for deliberate and engaged driving – the Fiero demands effort, but rewards it handsomely.
This Fiero is a car with character, capable of challenging the driver, yet ultimately offering a deeply satisfying and engaging experience. It was a budget-friendly sports car that perhaps arrived before its time, too good for a market that wasn’t quite ready to appreciate its unique qualities.
Special thanks to Eddie Bowen for the use of his 1986 Pontiac Fiero SE. All photos courtesy of Chris Landry.
