The 1985 model year featured the first round of major revisions to the Firebird line. The base coupe and S/E featured a better-integrated, rounder front and rear end, and the S/E got a new aluminum wheel design. The Trans Am received new front and rear facias, as well as a new, standard ground effects package.

Rally tuned suspension was new for base models. Interiors were revised for all models as well. The instrument panel received a softer look, a softer, rubbery gray material covered all the switches, and the console became two pieces. The section that housed the radio was now separate from the floor console.

But the big news for '85 was "Tuned Port Injection," or TPI. TPI gave the 305 another big horsepower boost, allowing the best T/A engine to make 205hp. Base and S/E models also got a horsepower jump as well, with the introduction of "Multi Port Fuel Injection" to the 2.8 V6. The 2.8's power was bumped from 112hp to 135hp, and the former 125hp 2.8 H.O. 2bbl V6 was dropped from the S/E.

Standard, base coupe: LQ9 2.5 litre TBI four, 88hp

Optional base coupe, standard S/E: LB8 2.8 litre MPI V6, 135hp

Optional base coupe and S/E, standard Trans Am: LG4 305 4bbl V8, 155hp (160 in T/A)

Optional, T/A: L69 305 H.O. 4bbl V8, 190hp (1,665 produced)

Optional, T/A: LB9 305 TPI V8, 205hp

All engines came with a choice of a 5 speed manual or 4 speed automatic, except the 305 TPI. Unfortunately, in its initial year the LB9 was only available with the automatic.

The Trans Am had revised suspension options for '85 as well. The base suspension was comparable to the optional WS6 '84 setup. WS6 for '85 now included 16 inch wheels with P245/50/VR16 Goodyear Eagle VR50s, larger front and rear stabilizer bars and revised shocks and struts. WS6 was a mandatory option when TPI was ordered.

There were no special-edition T/As for '85, and the Recaro model was cancelled.