The 1975 Pontiac Firebird gained a new wraparound rear window, more conservative grille, and new taillights. Prices were up sharply and performance down an equivalent amount for 1975, which was the first year for catalytic converters, unleaded gas, and very low compression ratios. Meanwhile, sporty cars had been cluttered with luxury options stripes and at least the Trans Am had an image to sustain. Pontiac also claimed the new HEI ignition helped engine performance, reduced pollution and lengthened spark plug life.

Firebird sales rose from 73,729 cars in 1974 to 84,063 in 1975. A surprising 27,274 of those were Trans Ams, while the other models declined. Ironically, Trans Am sales increased sharply as performance diminished.

The base Firebird now started at $3713 and 22,293 found buyers. The base engine a 250-cid six, but few opted for it in base and Esprit models. V-8 options on the base were the 155-bhp 2-barrel 350-cid and the 175-bhp 4-barrel version.

The luxury Esprit began at $3958 with the V-8 model $120 more. The Formula started at $4349 and came with the 350 V-8 or the 185-bhp 400 cid unit. It attracted 13,670 buyers and featured a slightly wider track. The 400 V-8 was the principal engine for the Trans Am. It started at $4740 and attracted 26,417 orders. Only 857 buyers opted for the mid-year 200-bhp 455.

Standard equipment on the 1975 Trans Am included bucket seats, rally gauges with clock and tach, engine-turned dashboard, honeycomb mag wheels, front and rear spoilers, front and rear wheel opening flares, functional extractor on the front fenders, dual exhaust, shaker hood, and heavy duty 4-speed or automatic transmission.

Common add-ons for the 1975 Firebird included air conditioning ($435), power disc brakes ($21), power steering ($105), power windows ($91), power door locks ($56), shaker hood ($84.26), functional hood scoops ($56) rally gauge cluster with clock ($50), rally gauge cluster with tachometer ($99), tilt wheel ($49), console with bucket seats and floor shift ($68), cruise control ($58), remote control trunk lid ($15), rear spoiler ($45), AM/FM radio ($135), AM/FM stereo ($233), stereo tape player ($130), custom finned wheels ($54), Rally II wheels ($61-$91), vinyl top ($99), and honeycomb wheels ($127).

Pontiac sold 531,922 cars for 1975 and regained fourth position nationally, as Plymouth slipped to sixth place. Road testers reported that a Trans Am with the 185-bhp 400 V-8 could manage 0-60 mph in 9.8 seconds and a quarter mile in 16.8 seconds, so earlier cars were best avoided at traffic lights.