What brand of car is the Firebird?

The Firebird is a model produced by Pontiac, the division of General Motors. It is not a standalone car brand.

Brand and Manufacturer

The Firebird is most closely associated with Pontiac, a GM brand that existed from 1926 until its shutdown in 2010. As a GM division, Pontiac produced several performance-oriented models, with the Firebird serving as its flagship muscle car for decades.

Shared platform and lineage

Throughout most of its life, the Firebird shared its underpinnings with the Chevrolet Camaro, using the F-body platform in various generations. This collaboration helped GM offer two distinct pony cars within one family of vehicles.

GM discontinued the Pontiac brand in 2010, and no new Pontiacs have been sold since then. The Firebird, however, remains a landmark in American automotive history and is widely remembered by enthusiasts.

Historical timeline

To overview the Firebird's life in the market, here is a generation-by-generation timeline.

1. First generation: 1967–1969


2. Second generation: 1970–1981


3. Third generation: 1982–1992


4. Fourth generation: 1993–2002

These generations reflect major styling, engineering, and performance updates that defined the Firebird through four decades. The final model year was 2002, after which Pontiac ceased production in the wake of GM's restructuring.

Summary

The Firebird is a Pontiac model created by General Motors. It is not a brand itself, and while Pontiac was discontinued in 2010, the Firebird lives on in automotive history as a symbol of American muscle and performance. For modern comparisons, some buyers consider alternatives from GM's current lineup, such as the Chevrolet Camaro, which shared its heritage with the Firebird.

How much is a 1979 Firebird worth today?

The price for a 1979 Pontiac Firebird varies widely, with a typical price of around $8,200 for a model in good condition. However, prices can range from approximately $13,200 for a model needing significant work to over $40,000 for well-maintained and desirable versions like the Trans Am. Factors like condition, mileage, specific model (e.g., Trans Am), and desirable options significantly impact the final cost.
 
Price factors

• Condition: A car in excellent, original condition with low mileage will command a much higher price than one with rust, dents, or mechanical issues. 
• Model: The higher-performance Trans Am and special editions, like the 10th Anniversary model, are typically more expensive than the base Firebird or Esprit models. 
• Mileage: Lower mileage generally results in a higher price. 
• Modifications and options: Desirable factory options or well-done modifications can increase value, while poor modifications may decrease it. 
• History: A clean history with no major accidents or title issues is a significant positive factor for pricing. 

Example price ranges

• Good condition: Around $8,200 for a base model. 
• Below average condition: As low as $13,200 at auction for a vehicle needing extensive work. 
• Excellent or high-demand models: Can exceed $40,000 or more, with some special examples fetching over $100,000. 

What car company makes Firebird?

The answer depends on which "Firebird" you're asking about: General Motors (GM) made the Firebird concept cars in the 1950s, Pontiac made the production Firebird car line starting in 1967, and Gibson made the Firebird guitar in 1963. For the musical ballet The Firebird, it was composed by Igor Stravinsky.
 
Automotive

• General Motors (GM): Created a series of Firebird concept cars in the 1950s, with design influenced by aircraft and led by Harley Earl. 
• Pontiac: Introduced the Firebird production car in 1967 as a competitor to the Ford Mustang. This line of cars was made by Pontiac, a division of General Motors, until the brand was discontinued in 2010. 

Musical

• Igor Stravinsky: Composed the music for the 1910 ballet The Firebird. 
• Gibson: Began manufacturing the Firebird solid-body electric guitar in 1963. 

What is a 1967 Firebird worth today?

The value of a 1967 Pontiac Firebird varies significantly based on its condition, engine, and options, ranging from approximately $13,000 for a good condition base model coupe to over $56,000 for a high-end coupe, with some rare examples potentially selling for much more. High-value models often feature desirable engines like the 326 HO or 400 V8, while lower prices are typically associated with cars needing significant work.
 
Value factors

• Condition: A vehicle's condition is the most significant factor. A car in excellent, original condition will be worth far more than one needing extensive restoration. 
• Engine: The specific engine and transmission options greatly impact value. 
  • Base model (6-cylinder): The lowest-priced models will have the base six-cylinder engine. 
  • V8 engines: Models with the 326 V8 or the more powerful 326 HO V8 are more valuable. 
  • 400 V8: The rare 400 V8 is highly sought after and commands a premium. 
• Body style: Convertible models are generally more valuable than coupes due to their rarity. 
• Options: Factory options like a 4-speed manual transmission, power steering, or air conditioning can increase the car's value. 
• Mileage and history: While higher mileage can lower value, a car with an excellent, documented history can still be a high-value asset. 

Price ranges

• Good condition coupe: Around $13,580 for a base model, up to $21,700 for a 326 HO. 
• Good condition convertible: Around $15,680 for a base model, up to $25,300 for a 326 HO. 
• Average retail (J.D. Power): Around $28,200 for a coupe in average condition. 
• High retail (J.D. Power): Up to $56,000 for a coupe in excellent condition. 
• Auction sales: Prices vary widely. A recent auction price was $46,200 for a 1967 Firebird, while another rare convertible sold for $49,500. 

Where to find 1967 Firebirds

• Classic car marketplaces: Websites like Classics on Autotrader, Hemmings, and Classic.com list many 1967 Firebirds for sale. 
• Auction houses: Hagerty Marketplace and other online auction sites are also good places to look. 
• Dealerships: Some classic car dealerships, such as Basil Classics, have listings for these cars. 
• Online auction sites: Websites like eBay and Cars.com also feature 1967 Firebirds. 

Is the Firebird just a Camaro?

No, a Firebird is not a Camaro, but they are "cousins" built on the same GM F-body platform. This means they shared a fundamental structure, including the unibody design, floors, and some suspension components, but were designed with distinct styling and branding to appeal to different buyers.
 
Similarities

• Platform: Both were built on General Motors' F-body platform from 1967 until 2002. 
• Underlying structure: They shared many basic components like the unibody design, floors, firewall, and some bracing. 
• Powertrain: In many cases, they shared engines and transmissions, although specific engine options and tuning differed. 

Differences

• Styling: Pontiac gave the Firebird a unique identity with different body lines, grilles, hoods, and other exterior and interior trim. 
• Brand identity: Pontiac positioned the Firebird as a slightly more upscale or bold alternative to the Camaro. 
• Tuning: Pontiac engineers often made subtle but meaningful tweaks to the suspension and other performance parts to give the Firebird a different feel from the Camaro.