Launched in 1967, the Pontiac Firebird was introduced to the market with the Chevrolet Camaro at the same time as part of Pontiac's platform-sharing project. Coincidentally, another platform-sharing venture had also been launched in that year and which featured the Ford Mustang and its fellow pony car the Mercury Cougar.

From 1967 to 2002, the line had seen an evolution of engines, which ranged from different types of four- and six-cylinder engines in addition to V8 engines, all of which had been produced by different divisions of General Motors.

The first generation of the Pontiac Firebird bore a typical Coke bottle design and was available as a convertible and two-door hardtop. Its design was patterned after the Banshee concept car and initially considered a "consolation prize" for the company, which had long expressed its desire to come up with its own two-seater sports car.

The second generation of the Firebird was produced from 1970 until 1981 and included several special editions such as the Bandit, Gold Special Edition, the 50th Anniversary Edition in 1976 and the NASCAR Edition in 1981. The traditional Coke bottle design had also been replaced.

The third generation of the Firebird was produced from 1982 until 1992. Body styles available for this model include a coupe, three-door hatchback and two-door convertible. This model was also significantly redesigned, including its first expansive glass-dominated structure for its hatchbacks.

The fourth and last generation was produced from 1993 until 2002 and was available as a two-door convertible, three-door hatchback and coupe as well.

Those purchasing the Pontiac Firebird are typically given the chance to opt for the Trans Am specialty package, which consists of upgrades for horsepower, suspension and overall handling. It also includes small changes with the vehicle's appearance, such as with its wheels, fog lights, spoilers and having exclusive hoods. GM paid SCCA $5 per every Trans Am specialty package sold for its Firebirds. Various specialty editions of the Firebird had been featured in films such as Alphabet City (1984), Hooper (1978) and the Smokey and the Bandit series. It was also featured in the popular TV show Knight Rider.