When the 1982 Firebird's debuted, they were an instant success. The public liked the clean, sleek style of the new Firebirds (many liked them more than the Camaros). GM's gamble to keep the Fbodies rear wheel drive proved to be the right choice as well. Compared to the '81 Firebirds, the '82s were about 500lbs lighter, much better on gas, and were much better at taking corners.

The engine lineup was drastically changed for '82 as well. Gone were the traditional Pontiac V8s, the 140hp 301 4bbl and the 200hp 301 4bbl turbo V8s. In their place was a group of engines that had never been in a Firebird before. The engines offered were identical to the Camaro for the first time ever. While traditional Pontiac fans were angry that their traditional, Pontiac-designed engines were gone, the car more than made up for that.

Standard, Base coupe: LQ9 2.5 litre four, 90hp (17,804 produced)

Optional base coupe, standard S/E: LC1 2.8 litre 2bbl V6 (34,444 produced)

Optional base coupe, S/E, standard Trans Am: LG4 305 4bbl V8, 145hp

Optional, Trans Am: LU5 305 CFI V8, 165hp

There were three models available in 1982. The base coupe sold for $7,155. Next was the $8,021 S/E, which was the "luxury" Firebird. Standard on the S/E were the 2.8 V6, black-finish exterior trim, body moldings, locking fuel door, sport mirrors, rear spoiler, aluminum wheels, power hatch release, full instrumentation, cloth seats and a "luxury" interior package. The $8,143 Trans Am skipped these features, but added the 305 V8 and sport suspension as standard. The standard suspenstion on Trans Ams was the same as the S/E. Ordering the WS6 package added a limited-slip rear end, larger stabilizer bars, 4 wheel disc brakes and a 12.7:1 steering ratio.s

While the Firebird shared the same platform as the Camaro, the Firebird was set up somewhat different. It had a softer, more isolated feel that was more comfortable to ride in. Nevertheless, handling was still awesome, and the car sold well above the 80,000 units GM originally predicted.