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From: pugh@bmcg.UUCP (Mike Pugh)
Newsgroups: net.auto
Subject: Re: Pontiac Fiero
Message-ID: <1596@bmcg.UUCP>
Date: Wed, 6-Feb-85 22:02:43 EST
Article-I.D.: bmcg.1596
Posted: Wed Feb  6 22:02:43 1985
Date-Received: Sat, 9-Feb-85 07:31:50 EST
References: <1929@inmet.UUCP>
Organization: Burroughs Corporation, San Diego
Lines: 97

> []
> 
> Before even thinking about a Fiero, I'd advise you to read the
> ConsumerReports article (I believe it was in the 1984 Auto Issue)
> where they raked it over the coals.  Having read that, knowing 
> two people who own them, and after hearing my roommate's horror
> stories about the one he rented, I can offer these words:
> (a) The thing turns very poorly.  A Cadillac has a smaller turning radius.
>     Just *try* to avoid hitting something/someone with a turning radius
>     that huge (I don't remember the number, but I do remember it was
>     1.5 - 2 times the t-r for my Celica)
> (b) If you are tall (over 5' 8") you are going to be uncomfortable in it.
>     It looks cool but cramps the slightly larger-sized passenger
> (c) You can't see out the back too well.  
> (d) There is little or no storage/luggage space
> (e) The glove box is a poor excuse for a storage area.  
> (f) The body construction is *a few* sections of fibreglass.  Now 'glass
>     is great for fast, small sporty cars, but it does have one problem:
>     hit it and it shatters, splinters and cracks.  Metal cars just dent;
>     fibre cars crack, the cracks fill up with water and freeze, and then
>     they crack more.  When you bust a panel, you have to replace the whole
>     thing.  That's a lot of bucks -- probably in the $600-$1000 range for
>     a single panel.  Driving in Boston one tends to be concerned with 
>     dent protection.
> (g) The middie engine probably gives you a nice center of rotation.  I
>     seem to remember somebody saying that it was an easy car to spin out.
>     No thanks.
> 
> As with all things, look before you leap.  I first saw a Fiero up in
> Connecticut around October 1983 -- and I tailed the lady driving it for
> 40 miles (along I-84) until I found out what it was and where/when you
> could get them.  After some closer inspection, I decided to get a Celica.
> 
> And again, as with all net-noise, these ideas are my own, and do not
> necessarily represent those of my employer, friends, roommate, Consumer
> Reports, Pontiac, Toyota, the lady in the new Fiero or anyone else
> for that matter.
> 
> --Hal Stern
>   Intermetrics, Inc
>   {ihnp4, harpo, ima}!inmet!stern

I am a Fiero owner of 14,000 miles of experience. I have raced the Fiero in  
San Diego slalom events.  Now for a point by point rebuttal.

	a. It does have a poor turning radius, but how often do you have to 
	   turn the wheel all the way to avoid hitting someone? I have 
	   won first place on courses with hundreds of pylons by avoiding
	   them.
	  
	b. I am 6' and find no problem.  How wide are you?
	
	c. Backward vision is no problem, but to the side can be.
	
	d. The storage space is better than it looks, but it is
	   a weakness.
	   
	e. Yea.
	
	f. The body has *NO* fiber glass.  It has three types of 
	   plastics.  It is so soft in the front and rear that
	   minor impacts (low speed parking) have no effect. The panels
	   should cost less than you say, but I don't know how much.
	   
	   As far as the most commen type of dents, i.e. parking lot
	   dings, it is immune.  The cost of repairing a single 
	   door ding on a Mazda RX7 is $135.00.  My fiero would have
	   not been damaged at all.  A great feeling when you have to 
	   park between two old rust buckets.
	   
	g. The most commen cause of spinning a car is having too
	   much difference in traction between the front and rear
	   and losing the rear in a power off oversteer mode. 
	   one of the most notorious offenders is the porsche 911,
	   with all that motor in the rear.  By by the way, where did you
	   take physics?


In conclusion:  The fiero handles very well once you learn to drive it.
                It is more difficult to learn than most front engine
		rear wheel drive cars and has a difficult clutch to
		boot.  It does not feel as elegant as a BMW but will
		out do a 318i on the slalom by a lot.
		
		The shift is less than ideal especialy first.
		 
                The motor has a low red line causing early shifts
		and needs more power.
		
		It has the best occupant survive-ability of ay car tested
		in the 6 year history of the government crash tests.
		
		The plastic body panels work well and require no special
		treatment, and never rust (even in the salt). 
		
		For the price it is a bargain.