The 1969 model received a major facelift with a new front-end design but unlike the GTO, it did not have the Endura bumper. The front door vent-windows were replaced with a single pane of glass and Astro Ventilation, a fresh-air-inlet system. Modifications for 1968 included the addition of federally-mandated side marker lights: for the front of the car, the turn signals were made larger and extended to wrap around the front edges of the car, and on the rear, the Pontiac (V-shaped) Arrowhead logo was added to each side. During 1969 a special 303 cu in (5.0 L) engine was designed for SCCA road racing applications that was not available in production cars. The 350 cu in (5.7 L) HO engine was revised again with a different cam and cylinder heads resulting in 325 hp (242 kW). There was an additional Ram Air IV option for the 400 cu in (6.6 L) V8 engines during 1969, complementing the Ram Air 400(now often colloquially but incorrectly called the 'Ram Air III,' a name never used by Pontiac). Power output of the other engines was increased marginally. An HO version of the 350 cu in (5.7 L) with a revised cam was also offered starting in that year, which developed 320 hp (239 kW). Also for the 1968 model, the 326 cu in (5.3 L) engine was replaced by the Pontiac 350 cu in (5.7 L) V8, which actually displaced 354 cu in (5.8 L), and produced 265 hp (198 kW) with a two-barrel carburetor. The 230 cu in (3.8 L) engines were subsequently enlarged for 1968 to 250 cubic inches(4.1 liters), the base version developing an increased 175 hp (130 kW) using a one-barrel carburetor, and the high-output Sprint version the same 215 hp with a four-barrel carburetor. Power for the Ram Air package was the same as the conventional 400 HO, but peaked at 5,200 rpm. A 'Ram Air' option was also available, providing functional hood scoops, higher flow heads with stronger valve springs, and a hotter camshaft.

All 1967–1968 400 CI engines had throttle restrictors that blocked the carburetors' secondaries from fully opening. Most buyers opted for one of three V8s: the 326 cu in (5.3 L) with a two-barrel carburetor producing 250 hp (186 kW) the four-barrel 'HO' (high output) 326, producing 285 hp (213 kW) or the 325 hp (242 kW) 400 cu in (6.6 L) from the GTO. The 'Sprint' model six came with a four-barrel carburetor, developing 215 hp (160 kW). Based on the architecture of the standardĬhevrolet 230 cu in (3.8 L) inline-six, it was fitted with a one-barrel carburetor and rated at 165 hp (123 kW). The 1967 base model Firebird came equipped with the Pontiac 230 cu in (3.8 L) SOHC inline-six. However, GM feared this would cut into Chevrolet Corvette sales, and gave Pontiac a piece of the ' pony car' market through sharing the F-body platform with Chevrolet.

Originally, the car was a 'consolation prize' for Pontiac, which had desired to produce a two-seat sports car based on its original Banshee concept car. Both a two-door hardtop and a convertible were offered through the 1969 model year. The Firebird's rear 'slit' taillights were inspired by the 1966–1967 Pontiac GTO and Pontiac Grand Prix. Announcing a Pontiac styling trend, the Firebird's bumpers were integrated into the design of the front end, giving it a more streamlined look than the Camaro. The first generation Firebird had characteristic Coke bottle styling shared with its cousin, the Chevrolet Camaro. See also: GM F platform § First Generation, 1967–1969

New firebird