The third-generation Pontiac Firebird and its corporate sibling, the Camaro, showed signs of trending upwards in price over the last few cycles. However, prices seem to have stabilized for cars that haven’t been sitting in the garage under a cover with delivery miles only, so you can get into a clean, driver-quality example with the right equipment for reasonable money. This 1990 Pontiac Firebird Formula 5-speed listed here on eBay is how I’d try to get into one if I was in the market, as it’s the purest – and most affordable – example of a 3rd-gen model. A 5.0L V8 and a stick? Yes, please.
Bidding is currently at $5,500 with the reserve unmet. While I’m sure we’re only halfway or so to the reserve, anything under $20,000 feels like a fair deal to me. Recent sales of note show a general range of $10,000 – $15,000 for clean examples, which is still incredibly reasonable in today’s market. When the 3rd-generation models first emerged, there was obviously some disappointment in the malaise-era performance. GM engineers worked to continuously improve the engine lineup, with some truly collectible models emerging like the turbocharged Trans Am. However, don’t sleep on models like this one that didn’t grab the headlines. The seller notes this clean Firebird with the rare and desirable 5-speed manual has only 25,850 miles.
By the time the Formula arrived in 1990, the 305 V8 produced 170 horsepower and 255 lb.-ft. of torque. It’s a shame the horsepower figure wasn’t a touch higher, but it’s still decent for the era. The engine compartment is clean and shows no signs of modifications, but if you wanted to bump that performance figure up, plenty of aftermarket parts exist to help improve acceleration without making it into an over-the-top hot rod. Headers, exhaust, and an intake system would all be subtle upgrades that could be easily reversed in the future; I would also throw on some Bilstein or Koni shocks to firm up handling.
The 16-inch Hi-Tech Turbo wheels are still some of the best-looking alloys Pontiac has put on a car, and they fill out the wheel arches perfectly. It’s always nice to see a Firebird or Camaro in a color that isn’t red or black, and the white paint appears to be in fine shape. The Formula graphics still look crisp as well. The seller notes it recently passed the stringent California smog test and that the A/C and heat still work as intended. This is a car I doubt you’ll ever lose money on, especially if it stays mostly stock. Do you think the third generation Camaro/Firebird is still a bargain in the enthusiast car marketplace?
The driver’s seat shows much wear for less than 26k miles.