Photo Credit: Shutterstock/Jimmy Rooney Photo Credit: Shutterstock/Jimmy Rooney When I first started really appreciating cars, the Fiero was the butt end of jokes. It was the early 1990s, and the Fiero's sullied reputation was still fresh in many people's minds. Despite selling over 370,000 examples in a five-year run, highly publicized issues that plagued the early models scared buyers away. I never really understood the hate for the Fiero. When the car was still being sold brand-new in Pontiac showrooms, I was just a young child. To me, the Fiero was a cool-looking car with an exotic set-up that was relatively inexpensive. But all the anecdotes and hearsay told to me the car was not to be liked. Double-Edged Sword irrational love pontiac fiero As I got older and had more access to actual information, I began to learn more about the Fiero. I learned about the travesties that plagued the early years, but I also learned how well sorted the car was by the end of its model run – especially the 1988 model year. But the damage was done, and the car's reputation was tarnished beyond repair. Maybe if the car had a second generation, it probably could have recovered, but the Fiero wasn't given another chance. Although this was bad news for Fiero fans at the time, it has actually benefited them long-term. Photo Credit: Shutterstock/Vivid Brands Photo Credit: Shutterstock/Vivid Brands Due to the general dislike of Pontiac's composite-body wonder, prices for used Fieros remained relatively low for decades. Even amazing examples won't break the bank compared to some other sporty machinery from the ‘80s. This is a big plus for potential owners like me. Which to Choose Hot Wheels Releases Daniel Arsham 1973 Porsche 911 RSA Photo Credit: Shutterstock/Jimmy Rooney Photo Credit: Shutterstock/Jimmy Rooney For a vehicle that had such a short model run, there were a surprising number of ways a Fiero could be ordered. Two body styles, two engines, four transmissions, and various other exterior options could be had. If I were going to dive deep into Fiero ownership, I think I'd want a 1986-1988 Fiero GT as I prefer the fastback body, and of course, I would opt for the V6 engine and a five-speed manual transmission. But the truth is, I have a deep appreciation for all the variants of the Fiero. There is something retro cool about the early coupe models that lacked the more aerodynamic GT nose cone. Any model with a V6 would do it for me, or maybe even one with a well-sorted engine swap. Blank Canvas irrational love pontiac fiero While on the topic of engine swaps, that brings us to the Fiero's successful secondary life; as a blank canvas for many hotrodders and tuners. Being a diminutive, mid-engine design, the car is a perfect starting point for a custom performance vehicle. Although its engine compartment only contained a 2.5-liter four-cylinder or 2.8-liter V6 engine from the factory, it is surprisingly spacious. People have stuffed all manner of GM V6 engines in there including the popular 3.8-liter Supercharged V6. Numerous Cadillac V8s have also found homes in Fiero's as well as LT and LS small block Chevrolet V8s. Photo Credit: Shutterstock/Jimmy Rooney Photo Credit: Shutterstock/Jimmy Rooney Of course, engines are just the beginning, as the rest of the car is just as appealing to modifiers. This includes the composite body, which, since the very beginning of the Fiero's life, has been ripped off and replaced by various shells that resemble exotics like the Lamborghini Countach and Ferrari 308. But the car doesn't need to be transformed to be appreciated. Just a good old, well-cared-for V6 manual would be more than enough for me. I need to get on it, though; people are waking up to the Fiero, and prices do appear to finally be creeping upward. Mazda Vision X-Compact: All The Details
