For decades, Pontiac yearned for its own dedicated sports car within the General Motors (GM) empire. While Chevrolet proudly boasted the Corvette, Pontiac’s aspirations for a sporty counterpart remained unfulfilled. Until the arrival of what some might call their “Frankenstein’s Monster” – the Pontiac Fiero. Specifically, the Pontiac Fiero SE V6, Pontiac’s singular foray into the realm of mid-engine sports cars.
Throughout automotive history, the Pontiac Fiero has often been relegated to the footnotes, branded as a commercial misstep. Tales of engine fires and unpredictable handling have become ingrained in car lore. Critics pointed fingers at its perceived lack of power, excessive weight, and the utilization of carry-over suspension and drivetrain components from less prestigious GM models. Ask the average “car person” about the Pontiac Fiero, and you’re likely to encounter narratives of failure. Yet, probe further and inquire if they’ve ever actually driven a Fiero, and the response is often a telling “no.” This disconnect, the author posits, is precisely where the problem lies.
Standing before a metallic grey 1986 Pontiac Fiero SE “notchback,” the design lineage to its Firebird sibling becomes immediately apparent. The quintessential Pontiac split grille, albeit subtly integrated, and the neatly concealed hideaway headlights echo the Firebird’s aesthetic cues. A subtle smile plays on the lips as fingers trace the Fiero’s fender lines, culminating at the slender A-pillar of the driver’s door. The black plastic keys feel surprisingly light, contrasting with the solid click as the door swings open effortlessly. A quick glance at the rear reveals a gracefully sloping roofline merging into flying buttresses, leading to a flat decklid. Black metal louvers accent the engine bay flanks, while a luggage rack-spoiler hybrid adds a touch of practicality and visual flair. The rear fascia is dominated by full-width smoked taillights, positioned just above the European-inspired quad exhaust outlets.
Stepping inside, it’s evident this is a vintage sports car with daily driving aspirations. The interior presents a surprisingly civil and inviting ambiance. The dashboard, projecting outwards, and the low-slung seats necessitate a somewhat deliberate descent into the cockpit, though the analogy of a “greased emu on ice” might be a touch dramatic. Legroom and shoulder space are unexpectedly generous, clearly catering to American dimensions rather than more petite statures. After adjusting the seat forward, the gear lever, described with a slightly suggestive term in the original text, falls readily to hand. Ensuring neutral, the key is turned, bringing the engine to life.
With a twist, the Pontiac Fiero awakens with a growl that belies its “parts bin special” reputation. Ergonomically, the Fiero excels. Visibility is remarkably comprehensive, and the mirror placement is well-judged. The centrally positioned pedals feel intuitive, a characteristic often lauded in high-performance sports cars. A press of a button and the headlights pop up, illuminating the gauges with a striking blood-red glow.
Reversing out of the garage and onto the open road, the clutch pedal immediately demands attention – it’s notably firm. However, the engine’s low-end torque effortlessly propels the lightweight Fiero, minimizing the need for excessive clutch work. While the base model Pontiac Fiero was equipped with the less inspiring “Iron Duke” 4-cylinder engine, this particular model boasts the more desirable 60-degree 2.8-liter V6 with fuel injection, an engine shared with its Firebird stablemate, paired with a four-speed manual gearbox. The sound emanating from behind is unexpected – an aggressive growl that hints at untapped potential. A gentle tap of the throttle elicits a sharp snarl from the exhaust. Another, more assertive prod, and the Fiero responds with an angry bark, complete with pops and burbles as the revs subside. This auditory experience is far removed from the typically muted soundscapes associated with 1980s GM vehicles.
The Pontiac Fiero’s power delivery is surprisingly immediate and engaging. Engaging first gear, aiming the car in the desired direction, and applying full throttle results in an exhilarating surge of acceleration. First gear is dispatched in what feels like an instant. A quick shift to second, accompanied by an assertive snarl from the exhaust between gears and another bark as power is reapplied, keeps the momentum building. Settled firmly into the seat, the tachometer needle eagerly climbs. Upshifting to third reveals a robust torque curve, propelling the Fiero well beyond legal speed limits in short order. The tightly packaged engine behind the driver transforms into a “Tasmanian devil in a bird’s cage,” eager to unleash its energy. Finally, shifting into fourth and releasing the throttle allows for a moment to exhale and process the experience.
Cruising through winding mountain roads, the Pontiac Fiero’s inherent character and purpose become increasingly clear. It evokes the sensation of living with a captivating yet unpredictable partner, one who might jest about mischievous intentions. Is it truly a joke? And is one willing to accept that inherent risk? The Fiero, often judged harshly for its compromises, deserves recognition for how effectively it transcended those limitations. This particular Pontiac Fiero is undeniably a driver’s car, through and through. The manual steering, perfectly weighted for the twisty roads, provides exceptional road feel. While the front end can feel slightly light at times, this characteristic is not uncommon in mid-engine cars of this era. With its wide stance and generous wheelbase, the Fiero maintains a reassuring sense of control. Confidence builds as corners are approached with increasing speed, searching for the apex.
Many of the infamous stories surrounding the Pontiac Fiero’s reliability should be viewed with a degree of skepticism. While some instances of engine fires did occur, they were not universally prevalent. Consider it a “culling of the herd,” with early issues potentially addressed in later models. The more significant challenge for the Pontiac Fiero was likely consumer misunderstanding of the mid-engine, rear-drive (MR) platform. Similar “snap-oversteer” tendencies can be found in cars ranging from the Toyota MR2 to the Lamborghini Countach. By making a mid-engine sports car accessible to a broader market, General Motors inadvertently encountered a lack of driver familiarity and understanding. To achieve affordability, the Pontiac Fiero did utilize shared components. The front suspension was derived from the Chevette, and the rear from the Citation. Other parts were likely sourced from various GM models. Even the windshield washer fluid reservoir might appear to originate from a larger commercial vehicle.
However, the origin of these shared parts becomes largely irrelevant when experiencing a car that looks and feels significantly more expensive than its price tag suggested. After a day behind the wheel, it becomes apparent that perhaps consumers weren’t quite ready for the Pontiac Fiero at the time of its release. Now, over three decades later, we can view its compromises with greater perspective. We can readily accept them as inherent characteristics of a classic car. A minor oil leak might be shrugged off with a smile, as long as the driving experience remains rewarding.
As the fuel gauge approaches empty, a stop at a gas station becomes necessary for the Pontiac Fiero’s return journey. While reasonably fuel-efficient under normal driving conditions, spirited driving can quickly deplete the tank. Night has fallen, and the harsh fluorescent lights of the gas station cast an intense glow on the car. Leaning against the door while refueling, a young man approaches, his eyes fixed on the Pontiac Fiero. He inquires about the car, confessing he’s never seen one before. Stepping back to allow him a better view, the explanation is offered: “It’s a Pontiac Fiero, they were built a long time ago.” He examines the car, then turns back, expressing surprise, having assumed it was a new model. He then asks, “What’s a Pontiac?” A question that carries a sting of automotive history fading from public consciousness.
With both windows down and the sunroof panel removed, the Pontiac Fiero’s original radio plays Elton John’s “Rocket Man,” a fitting soundtrack for the drive. The once-angry Tasmanian devil V6 now settles into a contented grumble behind. Reflecting on the experience, a mix of emotions arises. Disappointment lingers at the years of misinformed opinions about the Pontiac Fiero. It was often dismissed as a flawed project, perhaps better suited as a kit car. Yet, the reality is a driving experience that ranks among the most engaging and rewarding encountered. The wide track’s grip on the road, the manual steering demanding active driver input, all contribute to a truly involved driving experience. The Pontiac Fiero requires genuine effort to drive well; it’s not effortless, but the payoff is immense when everything comes together.
This “monster,” as the author playfully terms it, will “eat your lunch and give you a black eye” if driver inputs are clumsy or misguided. Yet, in its moments of dynamic grace, it possesses a majestic quality. The Pontiac Fiero was a budget-friendly sports car that perhaps arrived ahead of its time, too nuanced and rewarding for the prevailing consumer mindset.
Special thanks to Eddie Bowen for the use of his 1986 Pontiac Fiero SE. All photos courtesy of Chris Landry.
