Last spring, this series featured a 1992 Chevrolet Camaro RS in a Northern California junkyard, an example of the final model year for the highly successful third-generation GM F-Body. On a later visit to that yard, I spotted the Pontiac sibling to that car, a Firebird that was born the same year at the same Southern California factory. The Pontiac Division got its own version of the F-Body called the Firebird, showcasing unique features including Pontiac engines and SOHC straight-six engine. The third-generation Firebirds first appeared as 1982 models and featured near-identical stockpiles of GM running gear.
The Firebird’s production was discontinued after the Camaro in 2002, with no chance of return after the agonized halt of the Pontiac brand. The 1992 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a mid-grade 205-horsepower 5.0-liter Chevrolet small-block V8 instead of the base 140-horse 3.1-liter V6, with an option for a 5.7-liter small-block as well. It also comes with a four-speed automatic transmission, and air conditioning, with an MSRP starting at $14,304.
Built in Van Nuys Assembly in the San Fernando Valley of Los Angeles County, the Camaros and Firebirds made here were considered to be the worst-built GM cars in North America and the plant was shut down soon after this car was built. Despite this, the 1992 Pontiac Firebird managed to drive more than 150,000 miles during its life, showcasing its durability.
While the third-gen F-Body was considered antiquated by the early 1990s, the fourth-gen cars handled better and looked up-to-date for the era, offering enhanced performance and aesthetics.
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