My Favorite Car: '86 Pontiac Fiero GT, Francisco Velez Jr., Tampa

'86 Pontiac Fiero GT

The Fiero was America's first mid-engine two-seater. Originally designed as a commuter car for the '80s, the big chief at Pontiac and GM wanted a commuter car built with new plastic body parts, and available parts from current cars (Chevette and X-cars) that could get at least 50 mpg. That car was the '84 Fiero coupe with a 4-speed manual transmission and no AC. The car was an instant success, but it was the redesigned 1984 Indy 500 pace car that everyone wanted with the over-the-roof hood scoop. Unfortunately, it had a short life-span, ('84-'88) due to high insurance rates and a short-term problem with engine fires. I loved the car the moment I saw it, but couldn't get one because I was starting a new family and career. I finally got not one, but four: '84, '86, '87 and '88. I now have an '86 GT. I love working on it, and nobody else works on it unless I can't fix it or don't have the special tools for it. It's sporty, compact and has a unique design. Most of all, it's fun to drive.