Pontiac Firebird/Trans Am
20.3 MPG The 2001 Pontiac Firebird/Trans Am is EPA-rated at 20.3 MPG combined (16.8 city / 26 highway). Over 15,000 miles a year that is about 739 gallons, $2365 a year in fuel, or $0.158 per mile at $3.20/gal.
Across its full 1988–2001 run it averages 18.8 MPG, improving by 2.3 MPG over 8 model years.
Running cost at different fuel prices and mileages
The figure everyone actually wants, and the one the EPA does not publish — because it depends on a fuel price no agency will commit to.
| Fuel price | Per mile | 10,000 mi/yr | 15,000 mi/yr | 20,000 mi/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $2.50/gal | $0.123 | $1232 | $1847 | $2463 |
| $3.00/gal | $0.148 | $1478 | $2217 | $2956 |
| $3.20/gal | $0.158 | $1576 | $2365 | $3153 |
| $3.50/gal | $0.172 | $1724 | $2586 | $3448 |
| $4.00/gal | $0.197 | $1970 | $2956 | $3941 |
| $4.50/gal | $0.222 | $2217 | $3325 | $4433 |
| $5.00/gal | $0.246 | $2463 | $3695 | $4926 |
Every model year
| Year | Combined | City | Highway | EPA fuel cost/yr | CO₂ g/mi | Trims |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2001 | 20.3 MPG | 16.8 | 26 | $3450 | 440 | 4 |
| 2000 | 19.5 MPG | 16.3 | 25.5 | $3600 | 457 | 4 |
| 1999 | 19.8 MPG | 16.8 | 25.5 | $3550 | 451 | 4 |
| 1992 | 18.1 MPG | 15.1 | 23.9 | $3793 | 490 | 7 |
| 1991 | 18 MPG | 15.1 | 23.6 | $3829 | 494 | 7 |
| 1990 | 18 MPG | 15.1 | 23.4 | $3829 | 494 | 7 |
| 1989 | 18.4 MPG | 15.4 | 23.7 | $3743 | 483 | 7 |
| 1988 | 18 MPG | 15.3 | 23.6 | $3829 | 495 | 7 |
Where a model year offered several engines or drivetrains, the figure is the average across all EPA-tested trims that year — the trim count is shown so you can see how much averaging is involved.
How it compares in its class
Among the 229 subcompact cars models tracked here, the Pontiac Firebird/Trans Am ranks 157 on current figures, against a class average of 24.2 MPG.
Closest more-efficient alternatives in the same class: BMW 325ci (20.5), BMW 328ci Convertible (20.5), BMW 330ci (20.5), Mercedes-Benz 190E 2.3 (20.5), Nissan 200SX (20.5).
Tailpipe CO₂ is rated at 440 grams per mile, which works out to roughly 6.6 tonnes a year at 15,000 miles.
Questions
What MPG does the Pontiac Firebird/Trans Am get?
The 2001 Pontiac Firebird/Trans Am is rated at 20.3 MPG combined by the EPA — 16.8 city and 26 highway. Across all 8 model years in the database it averages 18.8 MPG, ranging from 17 to 21 depending on year and trim.
How much does a Pontiac Firebird/Trans Am cost in fuel per year?
At 20.3 MPG and 15,000 miles a year, it burns about 739 gallons — roughly $2365 a year with fuel at $3.20 a gallon, or $0.158 per mile. The EPA's own published annual figure for the 2001 model is $3450.
Has the Pontiac Firebird/Trans Am become more efficient over time?
Yes. It has gone from 18 MPG in 1988 to 20.3 in 2001 — an improvement of 2.3 MPG, or 13% across 8 model years.
Is the Pontiac Firebird/Trans Am efficient for its class?
It ranks 157 of 229 in the Subcompact Cars class on current figures, against a class average of 24.2 MPG. That is 3.9 worse than typical for the class.
EPA test figures from fueleconomy.gov. Cost per mile and annual fuel spend are computed at a reference price of $3.20 per gallon — use your own price. Estimates based on official test figures and average fuel prices. Real-world consumption varies with driving style, load, terrain and maintenance.