The 1984-1988 Fiero Coupe

Fiero Coupe - the original design

A sporty 'commuter car'

Here are a few pics of the 1984 - 1986 Fiero Coupe model. Originally it was introduced in just two colors: red and white just like the original Corvette. (GM was trying to be cute :-) Later in the same model year they introduced the silver and black colors; which is why you still see so many of these old Fieros on the road (with over 100K miles). Almost everybody who wanted one ran out and bought it in the first year. Those who couldn't get one, bought it the next model year.

These pics show a few of the popular options: 1) pop-up sunroof - I had one which made the cabin feel more spacious, but it rattled as it got old and the seals began to dry out. They also tended to leak; which ruined the headliner. 2) the real cool looking aluminum wheels - these were an option in the early years but were made standard equipment in 1988. The standard wheel covers are shown on the silver coupe. 3) the black luggage rack on the rear decklid. This was a $100 option that was totally non-functional. I never saw anybody stap any luggage to it but it gave the rear end a sportier look. Note how the red and silver ones look a little 'naked'.

Pontiac hadn't introduced the rear wing yet - it first appeared on the 'notchback' GT model.




 

Then sales started to plummet; mostly because it was such an impractical car... and the performance didn't come close to the looks. The standard Tech4 four cylinder engine was really just the old Iron Duke motor that debued back in ... 1962 ... in the original Chevy II so much for GM's "Performance Division" going all out on actual performance. The new 2.8L V6 which debued in the GT model was a much better engine - and one not shared with other GM cars.

Here's the first 1985 Fiero GT with the original 'notchback' bodystyle. These cars are very different mechanically from the 1988 models. It looks a lot like the later 1988 Fiero Formula, doesn't it?

Here's an early 1986 Fiero GT 'notchback' coupe with very rare wheels. This is why Pontiac called the mid-year GT redesign a 1986 1/2 model. The stock gold color aluminum wheels that came on it.

Here's a silver 1986 Fiero Coupe with the optional silver aluminum wheels.

Note the lower body accent stripe in 1986.

Here's a blue 1987 Coupe with custom wheels. This very rare color was only offered in 1987.
Note the different color ground effects from the 1985 and 1986 GT model:

They saved the best for last. Here are several 1988 Coupes with the optional aluminum wheels that became standard equipment on the final 1988 Coupe model.

What's different about it?

Note the front and rear bumper covers. The earlier coupes had the twin black pads to carry on the Pontiac twin grille theme. In 1987, the bumper covers were changed to be a more rounded body-color plastic. Also, in 1984 (only) the rear deck lid was completely flat. There as a black 'grate' over the engine; but not enough ventilation. This was blamed as the cause for the early models overheating. In 1985 and subsequent years, there is a 'bump' over the engine compartment. This styling change was solely intended to give the engine more breathing room. In the restyled Fiero GT fastback model that first appeared in 1986 1/2, this 'bump' was fully integrated into a new decklid design.