1987 Pontiac Firebird/Trans Am/Formula specs & fuel economy
1987 Pontiac Firebird/Trans Am/Formula: 8 EPA configurations, Automatic 4-spd / Manual 5-spd, fuel economy and an adjustable running-cost comparison.
EPA data snapshot imported 2026-09-06 · United States · US gallons
The 1987 Pontiac Firebird/Trans Am/Formula has 8 EPA-listed configurations in our 2026-09-06 data snapshot. Listed transmissions: Automatic 4-spd; Manual 5-spd. Compare the engine, drive type and fuel ratings below before matching an individual car by VIN.
Engine, transmission and fuel economy
Each row links to its original EPA vehicle record. MPG uses US gallons; MPGe expresses energy equivalence and is not a liquid-fuel tank measurement. Missing values remain “Not reported.”
| Engine / transmission / drive | Primary fuel | City | Highway | Combined | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.8L 6-cyl · Automatic 4-spd · Rear-Wheel DriveEPA engine descriptor: (FFS) | Regular Gasoline | 17 MPG | 25 MPG | 20 MPG | EPA #3089 |
| 2.8L 6-cyl · Manual 5-spd · Rear-Wheel DriveEPA engine descriptor: (FFS) | Regular Gasoline | 15 MPG | 24 MPG | 18 MPG | EPA #3090 |
| 5L 8-cyl · Automatic 4-spd · Rear-Wheel DriveEPA engine descriptor: (FFS) 4 barrel carb | Regular Gasoline | 15 MPG | 22 MPG | 18 MPG | EPA #3091 |
| 5L 8-cyl · Manual 5-spd · Rear-Wheel DriveEPA engine descriptor: (FFS) 4 barrel carb | Regular Gasoline | 15 MPG | 23 MPG | 17 MPG | EPA #3092 |
| 5L 8-cyl · Automatic 4-spd · Rear-Wheel DriveEPA engine descriptor: (FFS) | Regular Gasoline | 15 MPG | 23 MPG | 18 MPG | EPA #3093 |
| 5L 8-cyl · Manual 5-spd · Rear-Wheel DriveEPA engine descriptor: (FFS) fuel injection | Regular Gasoline | 15 MPG | 24 MPG | 18 MPG | EPA #3094 |
| 5.7L 8-cyl · Automatic 4-spd · Rear-Wheel DriveEPA engine descriptor: (350 V8) (FFS) | Regular Gasoline | 15 MPG | 23 MPG | 17 MPG | EPA #3095 |
| 5L 8-cyl · Manual 5-spd · Rear-Wheel DriveEPA engine descriptor: (GM-CHEV) (FFS) | Regular Gasoline | 15 MPG | 24 MPG | 18 MPG | EPA #28841 |
What would it cost you to run?
Change the example mileage and prices to match your driving. These are your assumptions, not live pump prices. Liquid-fuel versions use the same entered price per US gallon; adjust it for the fuel grade you plan to buy.
| Configuration | Annual cost | Calculation basis |
|---|---|---|
| 2.8L 6-cyl · Automatic 4-spd · Rear-Wheel DriveEPA #3089 | $2,100 | Regular Gasoline operation |
| 2.8L 6-cyl · Manual 5-spd · Rear-Wheel DriveEPA #3090 | $2,333 | Regular Gasoline operation |
| 5L 8-cyl · Automatic 4-spd · Rear-Wheel DriveEPA #3091 | $2,333 | Regular Gasoline operation |
| 5L 8-cyl · Manual 5-spd · Rear-Wheel DriveEPA #3092 | $2,471 | Regular Gasoline operation |
| 5L 8-cyl · Automatic 4-spd · Rear-Wheel DriveEPA #3093 | $2,333 | Regular Gasoline operation |
| 5L 8-cyl · Manual 5-spd · Rear-Wheel DriveEPA #3094 | $2,333 | Regular Gasoline operation |
| 5.7L 8-cyl · Automatic 4-spd · Rear-Wheel DriveEPA #3095 | $2,471 | Regular Gasoline operation |
| 5L 8-cyl · Manual 5-spd · Rear-Wheel DriveEPA #28841 | $2,333 | Regular Gasoline operation |
Fuel: miles ÷ combined MPG × price per gallon. Electric vehicles: miles ÷ 100 × kWh/100 miles × price per kWh. Plug-in hybrids show gasoline operation only here; charging and blended operation need a separate driving model. Maintenance, insurance, depreciation and charging-session fees are excluded.
Start with its VIN.
Confirm the year, make and model free. History records are a separate check.
Use the specs to check the listing
- Match the model year, engine, drive type and transmission with the seller’s documents.
- Check the fuel requirement on the vehicle label and in its owner’s manual.
- Use the VIN to investigate identity, title and reported history separately.
- Verify open recalls on the official NHTSA lookup and arrange an independent inspection for current condition.
The EPA catalogue is not a VIN history database and does not establish accidents, maintenance, title status, towing capacity or installed options. EPA also notes that older drive labels do not always distinguish AWD from 4WD. Standardized consumption figures can differ from real-world use.
Sources reviewed
Open the underlying public source and verify that its scope matches the question you are asking.
Frequently asked questions
What transmission does the 1987 Pontiac Firebird/Trans Am/Formula have?
EPA records in this snapshot list Automatic 4-spd; Manual 5-spd. These are model-level configurations. Match the individual car’s VIN and factory build information before identifying a replacement transmission.
What fuel does the 1987 Pontiac Firebird/Trans Am/Formula use?
Primary fuels listed across the EPA configurations are Regular Gasoline. Some versions may also list an alternative fuel. Match the particular configuration and follow the vehicle’s fuel label and owner’s manual.
Are these the exact specifications of my Firebird/Trans Am/Formula?
These are EPA model-year configurations, not a decode of an individual VIN or a complete trim catalogue. Confirm identity, installed equipment and service requirements with the car’s VIN and manufacturer records.
Will I achieve the listed fuel economy?
EPA ratings support comparisons under standardized test conditions. Your result depends on driving, weather, tyres, load, charging pattern and vehicle condition. The cost calculator uses the listed combined rating and your entered prices.