The Pontiac Fiero initially featured a 2.8 liter V6 engine rated at 140 horsepower and 160 foot pounds of torque. Considering the weight of the vehicle of only 2500 pounds and an advanced suspension system for it's time, the Fiero quickly became a popular vehicle for both gas efficiency and sporty feel. With wild suspension concepts applied such as a front double A-arm, which allowed toe-in and toe-out adjustments straight from the factory the Fiero was making radical statements for it's time. The rear featured a multi-link Chapman strut suspension, which gave the vehicle it's complete all wheel independent suspension setup. Paired with 10.5" vented rotors in the front and rear, the Fiero was one amazing handling machine. It not only looked like a Ferrari, it handled like one too
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Video content: Pontiac Fiero classic car commercial #1
Beyond the suspension and engine, the real beauty of the Fiero lays within it's transmission designs. Whether choosing an automatic or manual transmission, the Fiero could easily meet the expectations of both economy and performance minded consumers. Automatics featured a three speed TH-125 paired with a torque converter lockup and final drive ratio's of 3.18 and 3.33. This suited the commuters by yielding impressive highway gas mileage of 32 miles per gallon. For the sporty minded enthusiasts, the manual transmission was available in four and five speed models. Despite the connotation of a manual being for sporty drivers only, two four speed models were introduced with final drive ratios of 4.10 for performance, and 3.32 for economy for the 1984 production models. Later models received varied values, but still retained the option of economy and sport. This was the genius in the marketing of a sports car that can please both versions of consumers. Later, an advanced sport transmission known as the Getrag 282 or Muncie 282 five-speed was used for higher output V6.
Video content: Pontiac Fiero classic commercial #2
Just before the Fiero production lines were stopped, one last "grandiose" prototype version was made that was styled after the 1990's Firebird and featured a DOHC four cylinder engine with an output rating of 190 horsepower, or 3.4 liter V6 yielding 200 horsepower that was found in later 1990 versions of the Lumina Z34 and Grand Prix. There were also rumors circulating that GM was considering using the highly favored 3.8 liter turbocharged engine found in the Buick Grand National, however this was all rumor and nothing was ever proven to be fact. Had these engines been successfully transplanted into this potent chassis, it surely would have become the new flagship of General Motors performance division.
So if this car was so great, why did production finally come to a halt in the late eighties? A huge mess of problems like cracks, blown rods, and cooling issues caused almost 150 fires and injured six people. The media blew this out of proportion and just as history would have it, consumers followed the word of media like gold. So one could in effect say, that the media was a huge contribution to the Fiero's demise. However, had GM settled these issues in the R&D department before hitting the production line, the media wouldn't have anything to write about thus leaving the root cause on General Motors. Either way, a great vehicle was lost due to a combination of manufacturer negligence and media blowing things out of proportion. The Fiero's mistake is nothing compared to the likes of the modern Toyota problem, which makes one curious about the future of the negligent manufacturer.
Video content: Pontiac Fiero classic commercial #4
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