What is like to drive a Pontiac Fiero SE 1985?

there no power steering in fiero, previous poster's assertion feel same other small car lighter tells me or has never driven fiero before. they're go-kart drive (and configured one, engine in middle, unlike other pseudo-gokart cars mini). surprisingly spacious size, on passenger side. 6'2 , fit comfortably.

while steering feel better in 1988 model (which have) due suspension , alignment changes, steering feel in fiero not easy compare other car, nor overall driving experience. car feels nimble. sound of engine hear behind instead of in front of you, , blends uniquely of exhaust. of car's weight behind rather in front of you, , though understeers when push far, trait artificially accomplished staggered tire sizes , suspension tweaks, oversteer if keep pushing past second threshold or put larger, equal-width tires on it.

while handling numbers day, can dramatically improved modern tires/wheels, if willing trade of softer ride low-profile, high-performance tires (35 , 40 series aspect ratios). fiero suspension responds these upgrades long mass isn't increased on stock weight - shocks not respond correctly road irregularities if wheels/tires heavier original, , may need upgraded.

these cars great fun drive, ownership not easy other cars. either maintenance-intensive or unreliable, take pick. have quirks maintenance , service befuddle ordinary mechanics don't know them, best off learn fix using ample support online fiero community, otherwise driven poor house misinformed , frustrated mechanics. few pontiac dealers still have technicians old , skilled enough to have knowledge them either. biggest barrier entry makes car rare on roads in 21st century, still enjoyed have overcome it.

update:
engines easy replace engines other gm cars, , few fiero enthusiasts keep original engine unless pristine original 88 gt. also, not difficult find parts these cars anymore, substantial cottage industry has sprung around it, , many common parts interchangeable other gm cars of same era. "ase dealership technician" poster misinformed , must have been referring obtaining parts stealership. although gm has discontinued replacement parts unique fiero, have been commissioning aftermarket suppliers through gm restoration parts program reproduce them. there aftermarket fixes available many if not of fiero's inherent flaws. no longer fire hazard repaired in recall 2 decades ago.

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