| Pontiac Motor
Division General Motors Corporation Pontiac, Michigan |
| Engine |
320-hp, 350
cu. in. V-8 |
| Transmission |
2-speed automatic |
| Steering |
Power-assisted |
| Suspension |
Heavy-duty |
| Brakes |
Disc F, Drum R |
Check
list |
| Engine |
| Throttle Response |
Very
Good |
| Noise Insulation |
Good |
| Drive
train |
| Shift Linkage |
Good |
| Shift Smoothness |
Very
Good |
| Steering |
| Effort |
Very
Good |
| Response |
Very
Good |
| Handling |
| Predictability |
Very
Good |
| Evasive Maneuverability |
Very
Good |
| Brakes |
| Directional Stability |
Good |
| Fade Resistance |
Good |
| Interior |
| Ease of Entry/Exit |
Good |
| Driving Position |
Good |
| Front Seating Comfort |
Fair |
| Rear Seating Comfort |
Poor |
| General |
| Vision |
Good |
| Heater/ Defroster |
Very
Good |
| Weather Sealing |
Very
Good |
| Trunk Space |
Fair |
|
Did we hear you mention
street racer? Would you prefer a European sports car? Pontiac
offers both-in the same Firebird--through the magic of option
lists. And something in between if you can't seem to make up
your mind. The biggest
change in the '68 sporty car from the industry's most prolific
innovator is a redesigned rear suspension intended to eliminate
axle hop which plagued last year's model. The new multiple
leaf springs and staggered shock absorbers help, but the axle
still can't be called perfectly behaved. Handling, conversely,
is excellent, lending confidence to even the most maniacal
driving. Ride comfort, even with the optional heavy duty suspension,
is very good.
The interior appointments of
the Firebird are acceptable-but not exceptional. We were particularly
disenchanted with the seats, apparently unchanged from last
year. Another change due, but not made, is making the 3-speed
automatic available with the 350 cu. in. engine, which needs
all the help it can get. The 2-speed just isn't versatile
enough.
The elimination of side vent
windows might not have been such a good idea; the dash-mounted
fresh-air vents don't pass much air, and there isn't adequate
means for exhausting stale air. |
