PONTIAC FIERO - Everything You Need to Know | Up to Speed

The Pontiac Fiero: A Car That Defied Expectations

The Pontiac Fiero was finally released on the market in 1984, after five years of development. Despite being built from parts bin components, critics praised the car's mid-engine balance, stating that it felt like it was on rails. The upgraded Fiero SE model had stiffer springs and shocks, as well as sticky Goodyear Eagle GT tires, which improved its handling capabilities.

However, the Iron Duke engine that powered the Fiero was underpowered, pumping out only 92 horsepower and 134 lb-ft of torque. Despite this, the engine did deliver on the promise of good fuel economy, with an independently confirmed 50 mile per gallon highway rating. This was a remarkable feat, considering most cars today can barely achieve that level of efficiency.

Despite its promising aspects, the Fiero had several fatal flaws. One of the main issues was the tall oil pan, which raised the engine's center of gravity and created a recipe for engine fires. The team at Pontiac engineered a new oil pan to solve this problem, but it created another issue - the engine ran with less oil, leading to increased friction and heat. Combine this with smaller problems like oil and coolant leaks onto the hot exhaust manifold, and you had a car that was prone to engine fires.

AutoWeek magazine reported that roughly 20% of 1984 Fiero owners experienced an engine fire. This number may seem relatively small, but it's still a staggering amount of cars catching on fire. The irony is that a car named after the Italian word for "catching on fire" was plagued by this issue. In 1985, Pontiac released the V6 engine that the Fiero truly deserved, which improved its performance and made it a more desirable commuter.

The next year, Pontiac released the Fiero GT, which had an upgraded Getrag design, Muncie-built five-speed manual transmission, sick diamond-spoke wheels, dual exhaust, revised bodywork, and completely new brakes. This was the car that enthusiasts truly wanted - a sportier version of the Fiero that looked like it belonged on the road to Rome.

But just as things were getting good for the Fiero GT, GM recalled all 1984 models due to the engine fire issue. Pontiac had to repair 125,000 cars to ensure that none of them would catch fire again. The recall cast a shadow over the Fiero's reputation and made it difficult for the car to gain traction.

Despite its troubled past, the Fiero has experienced a rebirth from the ashes. Enthusiasts have taken it upon themselves to restore and modify the car, often with great success. While some people remember the Fiero with engine fire memes and unfair stereotypes, it's essential to acknowledge that the Fiero was one of GM's most groundbreaking cars.

In retrospect, Pontiac gave the Fiero a raw deal by underestimating its potential and cutting corners on its design and engineering. If they had given the car enough money and resources to build it correctly from the beginning, we would likely remember it in a more positive light. As it stands, the Fiero remains an interesting footnote in automotive history - a car that defied expectations and left a lasting impact on enthusiasts around the world.

The 1988 Fiero GT was essentially a reborn car, with a new suspension setup, a balanced crank, and improved brakes. However, this final form of the Fiero ultimately wasn't enough to save it from its reputation as a car prone to engine fires. The last year for Fiero production was in 1988, but since then, the car has experienced a phoenix-like rise from the ashes.

Today, the Pontiac Fiero is remembered as one of GM's most innovative cars, with enthusiasts celebrating its mid-engine balance and underrated performance. While it may have started out as a rough-around-the-edges commuter, the Fiero evolved into something more - a symbol of automotive innovation and a reminder that even the most unlikely car can leave a lasting impact on the world of motorsports.

As we look back on the Pontiac Fiero's troubled history, it's easy to forget its many charms. The car's bold design, impressive handling capabilities, and surprisingly good fuel economy all make it an intriguing footnote in automotive history. Whether you're a die-hard enthusiast or just a curious observer, the Pontiac Fiero is a car that demands attention - a car that refuses to be forgotten.

In conclusion, the Pontiac Fiero is more than just a car with a reputation for engine fires. It's a testament to the power of innovation and design, a reminder that even the most unlikely creations can leave a lasting impact on the world of motorsports. Whether you love it or hate it, the Pontiac Fiero is an automotive icon that deserves our respect - a car that may have started out as a rough-around-the-edges commuter, but ultimately became something more: a symbol of automotive innovation and a reminder that even the most unlikely cars can leave a lasting impression on the world.