1999 Pontiac Firebird Head-turning looks with power to match. By Natalie Neff, New Car Test Drive .com

The Firebird commands attention, from ogling construction workers and wide-eyed children alike. But the head-turning response is just the second thing you'll notice about Pontiac's timeless pony car. The first, of course, is the fun.

For the traditionalist, the Firebird strikes all the right chords. With muscular, low-slung lines and a 320-horsepower V8 feeding massive rear tires, there's no doubting the Firebird is meant to be driven, and driven hard. And with traction control now available across the model lineup, every Firebird now inspires more confidence when the urge strikes to mash the gas.