Car wont start uless i give it gas what could be wrong?

This vehicle is 24 years old -- and they weren't that stellar to begin with. (I remember: I had one!) There are many things that could contribute to the vehicle not starting. Suspect a possible air intake problem, like an un-metered air leak, a vacuum leak, or even maybe a sticking idle control valve. Or, you could have an intake air restriction also. Thorough testing of air, spark, fuel and exhaust will help diagnose the trouble.