This 1985 Pontiac Fiero isn’t a low mileage time capsule, but it is being offered up for sale by the original owners. There cannot be many Fieros left not only in condition like this, but also with the first driver to take the wheel after leaving the dealership. The Fiero is an early model with the base-spec equipment levels, but the sellers seemed to have enjoyed every minute of it as they note it’s been used frequently and regularly serviced throughout their ownership. The mileage is a tick under 70,000 and the cosmetic condition is impressive in photos. Find the Fiero listed here on craigslist in Port Orange, Florida for $6,500.
The Fiero’s “2M4” badge tells you this is an early model, when Pontiac was touting the key attributes of its new model: two seater, mid-engined, and equipped with a four-cylinder engine. Honestly, in retrospect, it’s ironic Pontiac made a point of emphasizing the underwhelming powerplant right on the back of the car where every potential buyer would see it, but the Fiero was attempting to be both a slick handling, sporty offering while providing fuel-conscious drivers with good fuel economy. The receipt was a complicated one, as buyers of vehicles like this wanted an actual performance car, not an economy car trying to be one.
The interior of the Fiero is a familiar sight, not only because many of have laid hands on a Fiero but because it was also the basis for so many kit cars. We’ve all seen these bucket seats and console in cars purporting to be a Ferrari or Lamborghini (and fooling absolutely no one in the process.) This Fiero remains in very nice shape and shows evidence inside and out of being loved by its long-term owners. Thankfully, they opted for the manual gearbox, which made the most out of the low-output Iron Duke four-cylinder engine. The three-spoke steering wheel and nicely contoured bucket seats at least gave the appearance of the Fiero being a truly sporty model.
The engine bay presents well, with no obvious signs of leaks or deferred maintenance. Obviously, finding out the details of how the seller has maintained this Fiero will be a big selling point, and hopefully there is an extensive paper trail of receipts to go along with it. As a no-rust, no smoking car, this Fiero is a standout, but the claims of being maintained since new and offered up by the original owner puts this one over the top. A four-cylinder Fiero is certainly not the most desirable spec, but this may be one of the nicest ones left. Would you drive a survivor model with the four-cylinder or a project grade six-cylinder?
Pontiac used to make a lot of hop-up parts for the iron duke. They had a really cool rooftop hood scoop. I drove hundreds of these and the only real negatives I had were a lack of power steering and wide front tires which made it hard to park, and not great power. Personally, I think this is a no brainer at the price point. I’m only a couple hours way, so I may check it out today for my daughter. I’ll report back if I do.
4 cyl, unmerican, etc. I object.
Each of the auto co seemed to spring onto a good idea: some thing smaller, attractive, economical, sporty. That’s a great nitch for many buyers. Sure I like the final yr of these best but could prob afford this one easier when in the dealer.
One point is pretty subjective (style. looks, design) and needs a good deal of discernment to hit spot on (Y so many look alike?) but its been done over and over again and needs update now: EV.
Karman Ghia, nash, 850, miaita, stang, all seem to be hits. USA? let’s build a world car EV and reinvigorate our number one status/economy~
The last ones, with the V6, realized the potential of this car – GM finally got it right and then quit.
A co-worker couldn’t wait to get one of these, got one of the first in the area.
The only things I remember about it are that it had speakers in the headrest and that it rapidly ate through the rear Goodyear GTs.
Not sure that these are yet in the $6,500 price range.
Had 2 of these cars ,my first and last just to low from top of car to the ground I let it go for free 20 yr a go
That is a GT steering wheel. The base models had a 4 spoke wheel.
This is not a base model, its an SE, which also came with a 3 spoke wheel too.
I was a GM Pontiac dealer service manager when these were first introduced and was sent to the GM training center in Dedham, MA where we disassembled a brand new Fiero. Every nut and bolt. It was an experience I’ll never forget. Great new design and engineering for fuel efficiency, but found out as time went by that we did not sell many of them.. As time went by, these cars had their problems and buyers looked away. Always liked Pontiac and was sad to see GM drop the line.
GM cheaped out on the Fiero, pulling parts from economy cars to keep the price down……..it never matched the MR2 for performance or technology from a 4cylinder………a shame they finally started to get it right in the final year…….