Pontiac Firebird (1988) – Ultimate Guide
Introduction
- The sporty F-body Firebird had 17 major changes and engineering highlights for 1988.
- Base models shared an improved Tuned Port Induction (TPI) system on V-8 engines, which also had new serpentine accessory belt drives.
- Base model features:
- standard 15×7 in. deep-dish Hi-Tech Turbo or diamond spoke aluminum wheels
- a redesigned four-spoke steering wheel
- an AM/FM stereo with seek-and-scan and clock
- Pallex cloth interior trim
- a new Camel colored interior
- monotone paint treatments
- a choice of two new exterior colors (Silver Blue Metallic or Orange Metallic)
- Formulas had new 16×8 in. Hi-Tech Turbo cast-aluminum wheels and a new 5.0-liter throttle-body-injection (TBI) V-8 engine that was also standard in the Trans Am.
- All TPI 5.0-liter and 5.7-liter engines now came with full-gauge analog clusters and a 140-mph speedometer.
- New features for GTA models included:
- a remote deck lid release
- a power antenna
- a right-hand visor-vanity mirror
- power windows
- power door locks
- body side moldings
- air conditioning
- tinted glass
- a lamp group
- the Pass Key theft deterrent system
- controlled-cycle wipers
- a rear window defogger
- cruise control
- tilt steering
- an AM/FM stereo with cassette and graphic equalizer
- steering wheel-mounted radio controls
- integral rear seat headrests
- Metrix cloth interior trim (optional for the Trans Am)
- In addition, leather-trimmed articulating front bucket seats were a new GTA model option.
- Base Firebirds featured:
- a 2.8-liter MFI V-6
- a center high-mounted stop lamp
- complete analog instrumentation
- a full-length console with instrument panel
- side window defoggers
- a front air dam
- the GM Computer Command Control system
- a hatch “pull-down” feature
- rectangular-shaped concealed quartz halogen headlights
- monochromatic paint
- a UM7 Delco ETR AM/FM stereo
- cloth reclining front bucket seats
- a folding rear seat
- a four-spoke steering wheel
- a lockable storage compartment
- P215/65R15 BSW tires
- a five-speed manual transmission
- “wet-arm” cast-aluminum wheels
- Formulas added or substituted:
- a 5.0-liter EFI V-8
- a body-color aero rear deck lid spoiler
- a domed hood
- Formula graphics
- 16×8-in. Hi-Tech aluminum wheels
- the WS6 special performance suspension
- two-tone paint and striping
- Trans-Ams added or substituted:
- a body aero package
- hood and front fender air extractors
- hood air louvers
- fog lamps
- soft ray tinted glass
- the Y99 Rally Tuned suspension
- GTAs added:
- the 5.7-liter TPI V-8
- four wheel disc brakes
- air conditioning
- cruise control
- dual power mirrors
- power articulating front bucket seats
- power deck lid release
- power door locks
- power windows
- a Delco UT4 ETA “touch control” AM/FM stereo with cassette and anti-theft feature
- a special performance suspension
- a leather-wrapped steering wheel
- steering wheel radio controls
- P245/50VR16 Goodyear Eagle tires
- a four-speed automatic transmission
- 16 x 8-in. gold-colored light-weight diamond-spoke aluminum wheels
I.D. NUMBERS
IDENTIFICATION
ENGINE
TRANSMISSION
CHASSIS
OPTIONS
HISTORICAL NOTES
1988 Firebird Notes
1988 Automotive Notes
- GM news:
- Ford news:
- Chrysler news:
- AMC news:
- Other makes news:
- Top American Automobile Corporations for 1988
1. General Motors 3,181,657
2. Ford  2,011,007
3. Chrysler  1,104,002
4. Others  150
- Top model year production for 1988
Ford  1,331,489
Chevrolet  1,236,316
Pontiac  680,714
Oldsmobile  535,015
Dodge  489,645
Buick  458,768
Skyhawk  29,134
Skylark  54,792
Century  113,258
Reatta 4,708
Regal  129,997
LeSabre  136,040
Estate Wagon  9,624
LeSabre Wagon 3,723
Electra Wagon 5,901
Electra  92,513
Riviera 8,625
Plymouth   336,070
Mercury  298,859
Lincoln  280,659
Chrysler  278,287
Cadillac  270,844
Allante  2,569
Cimarron  6,454
Seville  22,968
DeVille & Fleetwood  152,513
Eldorado  17,775
Fleetwood Brougham  53,130
Avanti  150
Acura  128,238