What is a Fiero 2M4?
The 2M4 is GM’s internal model code for the Pontiac Fiero, a mid‑engine, two‑seat sports car built by Pontiac from 1984 to 1988. It identifies the specific platform the car used within General Motors’ production system.
In automotive history, the Pontiac Fiero represented GM’s ambitious bid to offer a modern, affordable mid‑engine sports car. The 2M4 designation appears in GM’s internal documentation and parts catalogs to designate this generation of Fieros. This article explains what the 2M4 tag means, what the car offered, and why it matters today.
What the 2M4 designation represents
Below are key facts about the 2M4 code and the Fiero platform it flags.
- Internal platform code: 2M4 refers to the Pontiac Fiero within GM’s factory coding system, used for production and parts cataloging.
- Mid‑engine, two‑seat layout: the defining configuration of the Fiero and the 2M4 family, with the engine mounted behind the passenger area and driving the rear wheels.
- Production years: Fieros bearing the 2M4 designation were produced roughly between 1984 and 1988 in North America.
- Engine options: early Fieros commonly used a 2.5 L inline‑four; later trims offered a 2.8 L V6, expanding performance options.
- Trim variety: the lineup included base models and higher‑trim variants such as SE, Formula, and GT, each with different engines and equipment.
- Transmissions: most models were equipped with a manual transmission (commonly a 5‑speed), with automatic options available on some versions.
- Becoming a milestone: the 2M4‑coded Fiero is widely cited as GM’s first mass‑produced mid‑engine car, a notable technical and cultural entry in 1980s American automotive history.
- Legacy today: the Fiero remains a cult classic among enthusiasts and collectors, appreciated for its distinctive engineering and mid‑engine concept.
In short, the 2M4 tag identifies the Pontiac Fiero’s specific mid‑engine platform within GM’s manufacturing framework, not a separate or standalone model. The designation helps historians and collectors track production years, configurations, and variant history tied to this generation of Fieros.
Models, specs and what set them apart
The Fiero lineup under the 2M4 code evolved over its brief run, balancing affordability with a bold engineering concept. The following notes lay out the core elements that defined the 2M4 Fieros.
- Core design: a compact, two‑seat, mid‑engine layout aimed at delivering balanced handling and a distinctive appearance.
- Body and construction: fiberglass composite body panels atop a steel subframe, contributing to a lightweight but rigid chassis.
- Engine options: ranged from a 2.5 L inline‑four to a 2.8 L V6, with the V6 typically offering stronger performance in higher‑trim models.
- Drivetrain and performance: rear‑wheel drive with a transaxle integration that helped centralize weight and improve handling characteristics.
- Estimated power range: approximately 90–110 hp from the four‑cylinder option, up to around 140 hp from the later V6 variants, depending on year and trim.
- Notable trims: base models, SE, Formula, and GT, each introducing different styling cues and equipment levels.
- Market positioning: marketed as an affordable, modern sports car that offered a different driving experience compared with front‑engine rivals.
These elements together made the 2M4 Fieros recognizable for their unique package: mid‑engine dynamics, an approachable price point for the era, and a design that stood out in the crowded 1980s sports‑car segment. The 2M4 designation is the thread that ties these features to a single production lineage.
Historical significance and current status
Beyond its mechanical specifics, the Fiero’s 2M4 lineage reflects a broader story about American automotive experimentation in the 1980s. It represented GM’s willingness to try a modern mid‑engine concept in a mass‑market context, even as it faced reliability and quality challenges that affected public perception at the time.
Today, many 2M4 Fieros have been preserved, restored, or modified by enthusiasts. They are often valued for their engineering curiosities, potential for performance upgrades, and status as a rare mid‑engine American car from a major manufacturer. The community around the Fiero remains active, with clubs, shows, and a steady stream of restoration and aftermarket activity that keeps the 2M4 story alive.
Summary
The Fiero 2M4 is the internal GM model code for Pontiac’s mid‑engine, two‑seat sports car produced from 1984 to 1988. It marks GM’s bold attempt to bring a modern mid‑engine package to a broader market, through a range of trims and engine options. Today, the 2M4 Fieros are appreciated as distinctive historical machines and sought‑after collectibles for fans of 1980s American automotive innovation.
How much is an 84 Fiero worth?
Typically, you can expect to pay around $4,200 for a 1984 Pontiac Fiero in good condition with average spec.
How many fieros caught fire?
The exact number varies, but estimates place the number of Pontiac Fieros that caught fire between 260 and 300, with some sources claiming a higher number like 340. The issue was most prevalent in the 1984 model year, due to a design flaw with the 2.5-liter engine. The fires were a result of oil leakage onto hot exhaust components or connecting rod failures, which led to a widespread recall.
- Reported incidents: Pontiac acknowledged 260 fires attributable to the issue in a 1988 press release, and the Center for Auto Safety reported at least 340 fires by 1990.
- Cause of fires: The fires were often caused by oil leaking from the engine and dripping onto the hot exhaust manifold. In some cases, connecting rod failure, which could be a side effect of low oil level, could also lead to a fire.
- Prevalence: The issue was concentrated in the 1984 model year, which was the first year of production. The fire rate for the 1984 model was estimated to be about one fire for every 300 to 400 cars sold.
- Recall: Due to the problem, Pontiac issued a recall for all 1984 models in late 1987 to make modifications, which aimed to fix the design flaw.
- Injuries: There were a small number of reported injuries, but no fatalities were linked to the fires.
How much is a Fiero worth today?
A Pontiac Fiero's value varies widely, but the average price is around $13,092. A Fiero in good condition typically ranges from $4,200 to $5,200, depending on the year. However, the price can climb much higher for rare models or those in excellent condition, with mint 1988 GTs fetching over $22,000 and certain rare examples selling for significantly more.
Factors that influence value
- Condition: A well-maintained car with low mileage will be worth more than one that is in poor shape.
- Model Year: The final year, 1988, is often more sought after, particularly the GT model.
- Model Trim: Higher-end models like the GT are more valuable than standard trims.
- Rarity: Any Fiero that is a rare color or has a limited production number can command a higher price.
- Modifications: Original, factory-spec cars are generally more valuable than those that have been heavily modified.
Value examples
- Average: The average sale price for a Fiero is about $13,092.
- Good Condition (average): For a car in good condition, expect to pay around $4,200 for a 1984 model or $5,200 for a 1988 model.
- High-End: Mint condition 1988 GTs are selling for $10,000 to $22,000.
- Top Sale: The highest recorded sale for a Fiero was a specialized 1984 Prova Designs Countach that sold for $68,000.
What is a 2M4 Fiero?
The Fiero 2M4 (two-seat, mid-engine, four-cylinder) placed on Car and Driver magazine's Ten Best list for 1984, and was the Official Pace Car of the Indianapolis 500 for 1984.
