When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
Auto Detailing and AppearanceShare tips and tricks on how to make your Third Gen shine! Get opinions on products or how something tasteful looks on your Chevrolet Camaro or Pontiac Firebird.
Obviously we all love our third gens and I know a lot of people on the forum have multiple third gens...but I was wondering if you have any other cars you have a passion for? My dad was a car guy so I was going to car shows at an early age. He has always been into the 58-64 x-frame cars so I've had a soft spot for those as well. Just wondering what other members might enjoy?
I got my 88 as a fair weather daily driver. But this is my garage queen. I get bored I go out and tear something apart so I can put it back together. Real good stress reliever.
I picked up a 34k mile 40th Corvette 6-speed in 2019 and picked up a 40k mile 6-speed Camaro SS last Fall…
I didn’t have the garage space but had to pick up the SS… My friend had one brand new in 1996 and it was the most fun car ever back then. The 96-97 SS cars don’t pop up often and it was a great opportunity at a great price…. Luckily my parents had a garage space…
I think 4th gens are a great bargain like Thirdgens were years ago if you like them…
I got my 88 as a fair weather daily driver. But this is my garage queen. I get bored I go out and tear something apart so I can put it back together. Real good stress reliever.
Are those S10 ZQ8 wheels on it? Good looking car!
Originally Posted by 88IROCvertZ
I picked up a 34k mile 40th Corvette 6-speed in 2019 and picked up a 40k mile 6-speed Camaro SS last Fall…
I didn’t have the garage space but had to pick up the SS… My friend had one brand new in 1996 and it was the most fun car ever back then. The 96-97 SS cars don’t pop up often and it was a great opportunity at a great price…. Luckily my parents had a garage space…
I think 4th gens are a great bargain like Thirdgens were years ago if you like them…
Great looking pair!! Don't blame you for picking up that SS. I had a 99 SS I sold earlier last year. 6sp t-top car. A lot of bang for the buck!
I've had other cars that I've really liked. My other car besides my GTA is a 2019 Cadillac ATS Coupe, which I think was exactly the right car for me. There's fewer and fewer cars that I really like anymore, partly because I like coupes. I could see driving this ATS for a very long time. it's quick. It's an amazing handling car. It's rare - I don't know how many ATS Coupes Cadillac sold from 2015-2019, but I doubt it's even 10,000. It will almost certainly be the last ICE coupe that Cadillac ever builds.
Not surprising that I like the ATS Coupe. It's a GM sports coupe that rides on the same chassis as a Chevrolet Camaro. Sound familiar? In some ways, it's as close to a Firebird as I can get today.
But no other car has ever sparked the sort of passion in me that 3rd gens do. I'm on my 3rd. I probably will never sell it.
90 coupe deville, 11 Denali on 24s. Daily driver Camry XSE.
That Coupe DeVille looks nice! My grandfather had a coupe early 90's Sedan DeVille's back in the day. Took one to homecoming is a matter of fact, ha!
Originally Posted by Thirdgen89GTA
Focus RS. Rear biased AWD makes things fun.
Love the Focus RS! Haven't had a chance to drive one, but had a few STi's over the years and still appreciate the awd turbo cars like that.
Originally Posted by blacksunshine'91
Besides my two thirdgens, I only have my little four door family car.
Haha, just your little family car...nice!! Sweet trio!
Originally Posted by ksr
I've had other cars that I've really liked. My other car besides my GTA is a 2019 Cadillac ATS Coupe, which I think was exactly the right car for me. There's fewer and fewer cars that I really like anymore, partly because I like coupes. I could see driving this ATS for a very long time. it's quick. It's an amazing handling car. It's rare - I don't know how many ATS Coupes Cadillac sold from 2015-2019, but I doubt it's even 10,000. It will almost certainly be the last ICE coupe that Cadillac ever builds.
Not surprising that I like the ATS Coupe. It's a GM sports coupe that rides on the same chassis as a Chevrolet Camaro. Sound familiar? In some ways, it's as close to a Firebird as I can get today.
But no other car has ever sparked the sort of passion in me that 3rd gens do. I'm on my 3rd. I probably will never sell it.
Definitely one to appreciate and see the heritage behind it. Certainly could be one of the last coupes ever...
I've had other cars that I've really liked. My other car besides my GTA is a 2019 Cadillac ATS Coupe, which I think was exactly the right car for me. There's fewer and fewer cars that I really like anymore, partly because I like coupes. I could see driving this ATS for a very long time. it's quick. It's an amazing handling car. It's rare - I don't know how many ATS Coupes Cadillac sold from 2015-2019, but I doubt it's even 10,000. It will almost certainly be the last ICE coupe that Cadillac ever builds.
Not surprising that I like the ATS Coupe. It's a GM sports coupe that rides on the same chassis as a Chevrolet Camaro. Sound familiar? In some ways, it's as close to a Firebird as I can get today.
But no other car has ever sparked the sort of passion in me that 3rd gens do. I'm on my 3rd. I probably will never sell it.
I've been looking for a modern 2-door daily driver that's not a Camaro/Challenger/Corvette. The ATS coupe sounds like what I might be interested in. Looking at pictures, looks like a pretty sharp car!
I've been looking for a modern 2-door daily driver that's not a Camaro/Challenger/Corvette. The ATS coupe sounds like what I might be interested in. Looking at pictures, looks like a pretty sharp car!
The ATS Coupe got really good reviews for the most part. But people don't want coupes anymore. Typical of GM, they kind of blew the launch. The original plans for the ATS were to launch a sedan, coupe, and convertible. The sedan came out in 2013, sold reasonably well. The coupe didn't arrive until 2015 and by then, whatever ATS buzz there had been was gone. The convertible never materialized, sadly.
Honestly, I love that car. I say that I'll keep it a really long time because few cars being made today appeal to me. But the fact is, I like my ATS for what it is.
It's a darn fun car to drive. The 2.0 turbo engine puts out 272HP with 295 pounds of torque. It jumps off the line. I think the test times on it range from 5.1 to 5.5 seconds 0-60. These days, I guess that's nothing all that special, but really in real world, non-racing driving it's still pretty quick.
A lot of people probably think calling it "the modern Firebird" is silly, and Cadillac likely would hate me for saying that. But I don't really think of it as a luxury car. The interior is very nice and world's better than any Firebird, but it's not some plush, fancy interior and that suits me.
The handling with that chassis is amazing. It's a Cadillac chassis used by Chevy for the 6th gen Camaro.
Styling is conservative, but I kind of prefer that. I think 3rd gen Firebirds are fairly conservative compared with 2nd gens and 4th gens and, IMO, that's why they've aged so well. To my eyes, 3rd gens don't look dated, but other Firebirds do. I"m biased there I know, but I do think that more conservative designs just age better.
There was an awesome ATS-V too. I bought the regular one new, the V was too expensive. But there were some used Vs at good prices back then. They had some additional vents and other bodywork that I thought looked really good. I wish that had been offered as an appearance package on the regular ATS.
Well its funny that I have my '18 Hellcat and I swear more people look at the GTA. I took the GTA to our newly opened O'Reily's and a high school kid was getting a battery checked or something. He ran over and said, "Cool car." Its good to see that car lover spirit alive and well.
Well its funny that I have my '18 Hellcat and I swear more people look at the GTA. I took the GTA to our newly opened O'Reily's and a high school kid was getting a battery checked or something. he ran over and said, "Cool car." Its good to see that car lover spirit alive and well.
Love'em both! My brother bought a GT350R this past summer and honestly I didn't know much about them since I've never been a Mustang fan. After driving his and doing some research, our local dealer got another used one in with only 1,200 miles...and it was yellow. I ended up buying my first and probably only Mustang I'll ever own. Man are they neat cars...
Well its funny that I have my '18 Hellcat and I swear more people look at the GTA. I took the GTA to our newly opened O'Reily's and a high school kid was getting a battery checked or something. He ran over and said, "Cool car." Its good to see that car lover spirit alive and well.
I considered an ATS-V, but in the end, sedan or not, I knew that I wanted my daily driver to be a AWD hatchback or Wagon. I’ve always been drawn to that form factor in daily drivers for the versatility in use.
and I absolutely loath SUV/CUVs.
In a few years I’m considering replacing the RS with a 2nd gen Panamera Turbo.
Though I’d also consider a 2nd gen 4S as they are bottom 12’s around 112mph.
I considered an ATS-V, but in the end, sedan or not, I knew that I wanted my daily driver to be a AWD hatchback or Wagon. I’ve always been drawn to that form factor in daily drivers for the versatility in use.
and I absolutely loath SUV/CUVs.
In a few years I’m considering replacing the RS with a 2nd gen Panamera Turbo.
Though I’d also consider a 2nd gen 4S as they are bottom 12’s around 112mph.
I love super wagons.
I'm with you...if money was no object, I'd take an RS6 Avant. To me that's the ultimate wagon.
I recently picked up an 05 Outback XT with about 149k on the clock. Needed a new coil pack, plugs, ball joints, and some other minor repairs but it might just be my new favorite mountain car. Station wagon cargo capacity, amazing ground clearance, AWD, 25mpg, and about a 6.5s 0-60 (the turbocharger is such a boon at high altitude too). Oh, and all the creature comforts and safety features too (heated seats, ABS, side airbags, etc).
The more I read up on the Subaru flat fours, the more I'm thinking about swapping one into my 69 VW. Pretty cool engine design!
I have a few, my 2017 Ram 1500, my girlfriends 2019 Genesis G70, my 2000 WS6, 1983 AMC Concord Wagon, 1966 AMC Rambler Rebel. Hoping to add a C5Z to the collection soon, or maybe a Grand Prix Turbo/McLaren or Fiero GT Aero. Whatever presents the best deal I guess.
I have a few, my 2017 Ram 1500, my girlfriends 2019 Genesis G70, my 2000 WS6, 1983 AMC Concord Wagon, 1966 AMC Rambler Rebel. Hoping to add a C5Z to the collection soon, or maybe a Grand Prix Turbo/McLaren or Fiero GT Aero. Whatever presents the best deal I guess.
Love those old AMC wagons. And I even like the high ground clearance. I can't explain why, I just do.
Those G70's are bonkers cars, Hyundai roots... they came a long way. The Genesis line compete right on level with Mercs, BMW, Jags, etc. World class luxury & comfort, power, handling, fit & finish, looks, etc. But priced cheaper, very impressive package.
And a 4th Gen WS-6, well for me I am a 3rd gen fan, but they still today are the best looking car on the road, those nostrils coming down the road.... top level styling!! And one of my fav colors in that body, silver, pewter, or red. I always said I will park an '02 WS-6 beside the Goose someday....
Love those old AMC wagons. And I even like the high ground clearance. I can't explain why, I just do.
Kinda like how I love the Subaru Brat.
I'm actually debating dropping it a bit being the rwd Concord and not the 4x4 Eagle. I'm still on the fence. It needs some decent frame repair that I'm addressing first.
Originally Posted by Buddy
Those G70's are bonkers cars, Hyundai roots... they came a long way. The Genesis line compete right on level with Mercs, BMW, Jags, etc. World class luxury & comfort, power, handling, fit & finish, looks, etc. But priced cheaper, very impressive package.
And a 4th Gen WS-6, well for me I am a 3rd gen fan, but they still today are the best looking car on the road, those nostrils coming down the road.... top level styling!! And one of my fav colors in that body, silver, pewter, or red. I always said I will park an '02 WS-6 beside the Goose someday....
I was 1,000% against a Genesis when we started looking but then we found this new 2019 mid last year and I was able to get them below trade in value before even driving it.
Then we drove it and it quite honestly has better fit and finish than similar optioned BMWs and such than I've been in. It handles amazing as well. It's just the 2 0t, but even that is torquey enough for me to enjoy.
We have been potentially exploring GV70s for a little more space but the mark ups right now are silly right around 10%.
I'm actually debating dropping it a bit being the rwd Concord and not the 4x4 Eagle. I'm still on the fence. It needs some decent frame repair that I'm addressing first.
I was 1,000% against a Genesis when we started looking but then we found this new 2019 mid last year and I was able to get them below trade in value before even driving it.
Then we drove it and it quite honestly has better fit and finish than similar optioned BMWs and such than I've been in. It handles amazing as well. It's just the 2 0t, but even that is torquey enough for me to enjoy.
We have been potentially exploring GV70s for a little more space but the mark ups right now are silly right around 10%.
The G70 with the 3.3 tt is a monster. They are going head to head with Mercs and BMW and actually comparing equally. In that catagory they are bargins.... again, in that catagory. Lol
The G70 with the 3.3 tt is a monster. They are going head to head with Mercs and BMW and actually comparing equally. In that catagory they are bargins.... again, in that catagory. Lol
Oh absolutely, it's pretty quick and it has pretty good supportability in terms of modifications and availability to be even better, just like the Stinger.
My girlfriend doesn't care to go fast and honestly the 2.0t is faster than general traffic anyways, it might be faster than my L98 if I'm being honest lol
She did say if she gets the G70 she wants the 3.3tt, but they're hard to find right now.
Oh absolutely, it's pretty quick and it has pretty good supportability in terms of modifications and availability to be even better, just like the Stinger.
My girlfriend doesn't care to go fast and honestly the 2.0t is faster than general traffic anyways, it might be faster than my L98 if I'm being honest lol
She did say if she gets the G70 she wants the 3.3tt, but they're hard to find right now.
Your car with the 2.0 is a great engine for sure, but that 3,3 is a really smooth, powerful mill. So docile and smooth just driving around, but a world class sports sedan when pedal is down.
Kinda a side story similar. back in 2015 my dad and I got to shop for a new car for his girlfriend, we came down to the Chrysler 200C. The standard 4 banger 'Tigershark' was a nice engine, then drove the 3.6 Pentastar.. just makes it a different car. So very smooth just driving around, engine barely working, and just fantastic fuel milage. But it has just great power for that size car, even torque steer when matted. Just an overall more enjoyable car.
If she does buy another, have her be patient and hold out for the 3.3
My DD, 2021 Colorado ZR2 with the 3.6L. 1998 C5 with less than 50k miles, Nassau Blue. Husband's new CT5-V. Never been a huge fan of sedans, but this car has changed my mind.
My DD, 2021 Colorado ZR2 with the 3.6L. 1998 C5 with less than 50k miles, Nassau Blue. Husband's new CT5-V. Never been a huge fan of sedans, but this car has changed my mind.
Great looking fleet. That blue Corvette is really special.
And a 4th Gen WS-6, well for me I am a 3rd gen fan, but they still today are the best looking car on the road, those nostrils coming down the road.... top level styling!! And one of my fav colors in that body, silver, pewter, or red. I always said I will park an '02 WS-6 beside the Goose someday....
I had a '98 Trans Am convertible. I actually didn't get the Ram Air packages because I hate the big nostrils up front. Well, "hate" is a strong word, but I do think they hurt the car and weren't worth the extra 15 or 20 HP that you got.
But I was actually thinking of maybe getting another 4th gen. Not a convertible though. The massive blind spots in that car with the top up just made it a lot less fun to drive. I wish in hindsight I had gotten t-tops. If the used car market these days wasn't so f***ing crazy, I might hunt for a nice 4th gen. Maybe if and when things ever get back to normal. Even by today's standards, my '98 was a pretty damn fast car. C&D test drove one to 162 mph and 0-60 was in 5 seconds.
I had a '98 Trans Am convertible. I actually didn't get the Ram Air packages because I hate the big nostrils up front. Well, "hate" is a strong word, but I do think they hurt the car and weren't worth the extra 15 or 20 HP that you got.
But I was actually thinking of maybe getting another 4th gen. Not a convertible though. The massive blind spots in that car with the top up just made it a lot less fun to drive. I wish in hindsight I had gotten t-tops. If the used car market these days wasn't so f***ing crazy, I might hunt for a nice 4th gen. Maybe if and when things ever get back to normal. Even by today's standards, my '98 was a pretty damn fast car. C&D test drove one to 162 mph and 0-60 was in 5 seconds.
We had a 95 T/A vert and the cowl shake on it was so bad. We also later had a 2001 WS6 t-top and it was significantly more solid. T-tops for the win!
Great looking fleet. That blue Corvette is really special.
Thank you! My favorite color by far. My ZR2 is pretty close to Nassau, just slightly less flop and more blue/less green hued on the Z. I wasnt excited about the grey on the V, but it was what was readily available and it looks great cleaned up and on a sunny day.
Thank you! My favorite color by far. My ZR2 is pretty close to Nassau, just slightly less flop and more blue/less green hued on the Z. I wasnt excited about the grey on the V, but it was what was readily available and it looks great cleaned up and on a sunny day.
I've often talked about how much I hate how nearly every car these days is white, black, silver, or gray. So few people go for the bold colors anymore. When they're even offered on cars, they don't sell well. The GM color palate in particular is pretty dull. Dodge offers some good ones.
I usually spew the most hate for gray and silver, but really, it comes down to the car and the color. Some colors, even these, just work on some cars but not on others. I like white sports cars. Black does look good on just about anything.
That pic of your CT5 looks pretty good. The darker the gray the better.
My favorite recent car color was "mange tango pearlcoat,' which I had on a 2014 Cherokee which I told in 2018. Awesome color, kind of a coppery orange. Cadillac offered this color on the first-ever CTS in 2003. I bought a CTS in 2004 and would have gotten that, but it was already discontinued. I think they may have that color available again now on CT4 and XT4.
Ive got my 55 chevy street strip project The 55 was going to get my race engine out of my old el camino that i miss Engine out of el camino but with new ridiculous tunnel ram Then i bought a big block Tunnel ram for big block Then i help my dad keep his drag car from the 70's running Its had some revisions over the years and been made to street drive Then i still daily my toyota painted cherokee.
fun story on cars my family had/has. This is my dads race rig in 1968 In 2001 i mechanically restored the race car and drove it from socal to las vegas for viva las vegas car show, my brother has it now. but the tow car had long since been sold Last year we came across it at a local car show. Original as my dad custom ordered it in 1967, a Super Sport 427 4 speed white with red interior. Still has original plates that were issued to my dad. other than the wheels its original with only 56k on it. No he didnt want to sell it back. Cant blame him tho.
fun story on cars my family had/has. This is my dads race rig in 1968
In 2001 i mechanically restored the race car and drove it from socal to las vegas for viva las vegas car show, my brother has it now. but the tow car had long since been sold
Last year we came across it at a local car show. Original as my dad custom ordered it in 1967, a Super Sport 427 4 speed white with red interior. Still has original plates that were issued to my dad. other than the wheels its original with only 56k on it. No he didnt want to sell it back. Cant blame him tho.
Both really cool cars! Glad you still have one of them in the family!! What motor are you guys running in it? Any other pics or details?
Pretty neat to run across his old 67 like that too...
I'm liking that 55! Molded in front bumper, radiused rear wheel wells, hard core old school stuff there. You have any more info posted anywhere?
no i haven't done a build thread on it. I bought the car 23 years ago. Been gathering parts for it. It was at one time a legit drag car years before i owned it. Ive got a pontiac rear for it, a straight axle for the front, a clutched turbo 400, the 468 big block thats got dart aluminum heads, howards aluminum rods and will be 12:1 compression. Not a great street car. Just really waiting so i have a nice place to build it nice. Plus my 3rd gen became priority as it will be more street friendly.
Both really cool cars! Glad you still have one of them in the family!! What motor are you guys running in it? Any other pics or details?
Pretty neat to run across his old 67 like that too...
the 60 chevy race car has a corvette 427 big block with a Mickey Thompson cross ram and a Muncie 4-speed. I put 3.08 gears in the rear to street drive it. but have the race ready center with the 4.88 gears in the trunk of my 55. When helping my dad move years ago i found in the garage his original tool box he kept in the trunk. Full of old racing decals. So its back in the trunk. Yeah wish i could get the car back from my brother.
01-25-2022, 09:01 PM
