As you gaze upon the iconic Pontiac Firebird Trans-Am, you’re reminded of the phoenix that rose from the flames, only to falter and rise again. But which year reigns supreme, and which falls short?
The answer lies in the model’s evolution, where one generation shines bright, while another falters. You’ll soon discover the best and worst years of the Trans-Am, and what makes them stand out – or fall behind.
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Key Takeaways
- The worst year is the Third Generation (1982-1992) due to underpowered engines and dated looks.
- The best year is the Fourth Generation (1993-2002) with improved power and potential collectibility.
- The second-best year is the First Generation (1969) with its classic muscle car status and exceptional handling.
- The best year is the Second Generation (1970-1981) with its aggressive stance and road-racing mission.
- The 1980s had power issues, which were improved in later generations with notable horsepower increases.
Last Place: Third Generation (1982-1992)
The third-generation Pontiac Firebird Trans Am, produced from 1982 to 1992, takes the last place among its peers.
You’ll find that this Pontiac Trans suffered from underpowered engines, producing only 189 hp in 1982. Although engine power increased over the decade, it still didn’t live up to its predecessors, maxing out at 210 hp in 1989.
Despite its sleek design, it now looks dated, with prices ranging from $4,000 to $22,000. However, with over 230,000 units sold, these cars may become collectible, making them a potential investment opportunity for classic car enthusiasts.
Third Place: Fourth Generation (1993-2002)
You step into the fourth-generation Trans Am, a significant improvement over its predecessor, with an average price tag of $25,590 on the used market, and a low of $5,500. This generation overcame some of the 80s power woes, increasing horsepower to 275 hp and 325 lb-ft of torque. The final form of the Trans Am had a horsepower of 310, a suitable swan song for the legendary name.
| Generation | Horsepower | Torque |
|---|---|---|
| 4th | 275 | 325 |
| 4th (final) | 310 | – |
| 4th (average) | – | – |
Second Place: First Generation (1969)
You’re now looking at the first-generation Trans Am, a classic muscle car with a powerful punch.
As a rare and high-performance package, it boasted a 335-hp 400 cubic-inch V8 and Ram Air induction.
You’ll appreciate its focus on handling, with power steering, heavy-duty suspension, and stabilizer bars.
Classic Muscle Car
Raw power and exceptional handling define the 1969 Pontiac Firebird Trans-Am, earning it a solid second place as a first-generation classic muscle car.
You’ll appreciate its rarity, with an average cost of $134,336 and a low of $55,000, making it a highly sought-after classic muscle car.
Some key features include:
- The 400 cubic-inch V8 produced around 335 hp, giving the Trans Am exceptional power.
- Power steering came standard, and the Trans Am focused on handling with a heavy-duty suspension and stabilizer bars.
- The Trans Am had classic muscle car lines and a verifiable racing pedigree, solidifying its place as a legendary American muscle car.
Rare and Powerful
Building on the exceptional handling and raw power that earned the 1969 Pontiac Firebird Trans-Am a solid second place as a first-generation classic muscle car, its rarity and exceptional performance make it a standout.
With a price tag ranging from $55,000 to $134,336, you’ll own a high-performance package that boasts a 400 cubic-inch V8 with Ram Air induction, producing around 335 hp.
Power steering comes standard, and the Trans Am focuses on handling with a heavy-duty suspension and stabilizer bars.
You’ll experience exceptional power and handling in this rare, high-performance ride.
High-Performance Package
This high-performance package is what earns the 1969 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am its solid second-place standing as a first-generation classic muscle car.
You’ll appreciate the details that set it apart from other performance cars.
- The 1969 Trans Am boasted a 400 cubic-inch V8 engine with Ram Air induction, producing around 335 horsepower, making it a rare find.
- Its focus on handling, power, and cosmetics made it a true muscle car, with power steering coming standard and a heavy-duty suspension and stabilizer bars to keep it glued to the road.
- With classic muscle car lines and a verifiable racing pedigree, the 1969 Trans Am has an average cost of $134,336 and a low of $55,000, making it a valuable addition to any collector’s garage.
First Place: Second Generation (1970-1981)
The 1970 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am‘s aggressive stance and swept-back design, adorned with a glorious phoenix emblem on its shaker hood, screamed performance, and you got it in spades.
The Ram Air 400-cid V8 from the previous year remained, producing around 335 hp. You’ll appreciate the stiff springs, sway bars, and variable-ratio power steering, which stayed true to the road-racing mission.
Pontiac even claimed 50 pounds of downforce at speed thanks to a collection of air dams and spoilers.
With an average cost of $79,000, you’ll want to find a less desirable late model to make it more affordable.
Pontiac Trans Am History
You step into the world of Pontiac Trans Am history, where performance, design, and innovation converge.
As you plunge deeper, you’ll find that the Trans Am‘s roots date back to 1967, sharing a base with the Camaro.
Over the years, the Trans Am evolved, with notable changes including:
- The iconic Firebird bonnet decal’s introduction in 1973
- The 1974 model’s 5mph impact bumpers and emissions-reducing equipment
- The second-generation model’s sleeker design, influenced by European styling, which arrived in 1970
Pontiac Trans Am Buying Guide
When buying a Pontiac Trans Am, you’ll want to inspect the vehicle’s performance, checking the engine for any issues.
You’ll also need to weigh the body style options, as some are more desirable than others.
Finally, price point deliberations will play a significant role in your purchase, as the cost of a Trans Am can vary greatly depending on the model year, condition, and features.
Engine Performance Check
Pontiac’s performance woes of the 1980s are well-documented, with the 1982 Trans Am producing a meager 189 horsepower.
However, you’ll be pleased to know that the engine performance improved significantly in later models.
For instance:
- The 1970 model’s Ram Air 400-cid V8 produced around 335 horsepower.
- The 2000 Firebird LS1’s 5.7-liter V8 engine produced 345 horsepower and 335 lb-ft of torque, with a 0-60mph time of 5.6 seconds, making it a great option.
- The fourth-generation Trans Am’s advancing tech increased horsepower to 275 and 325 lb-ft of torque, overcoming some 80s power issues.
Body Style Options
The horsepower improvements in later models are a tribute to the Trans Am’s evolution, and now it’s time to examine the various body style options that contributed to its iconic status.
You’ll find the Trans Am was available in coupe and convertible body styles, with the latter featuring a removable T-top roof panel.
The design was influenced by European styling, resulting in a lower and sleeker appearance compared to its Camaro counterpart.
The iconic Firebird bonnet decal didn’t appear until the 1973 model year, becoming a distinctive feature of the Trans Am’s design.
Price Point Considerations
You’re in the market for a Trans Am, and you’re wondering what it’ll set you back.
The cost of a Trans Am varies greatly depending on the model and year.
Some average price points to ponder:
- First-generation Trans Am: $134,336) – $55,000
- Second-generation Trans Am: $79,000 – $7,000
- Fourth-generation Trans Am: $25,590 – $5,500
Keep in mind that these are just rough estimates, and the actual cost of a Trans Am can fluctuate based on factors like condition, mileage, and location.
Pontiac Trans Am Common Problems
Rust can be a significant issue in Pontiac Trans Ams, particularly those domiciled in the UK’s damp climate. You’ll want to inspect the rear chassis, spring mounts, floorpan, and windscreen base for signs of rust. T-top cars with leaky panels are usually worse, and interiors don’t wear well, with plastic suffering from UV damage.
| Rust Prone Areas | Tips for Inspection |
|---|---|
| Rear Chassis Rails | Check for signs of rust, especially in UK-domiciled cars |
| Spring Mounts | Inspect for rust and damage |
| Floorpan | Check for rust and corrosion |
| Windscreen Base | Inspect for rust and damage |
When looking at performance cars, make sure to check out our guides on models like the Pontiac G6, and Pontiac Vibe. Knowing which model years to target and which to avoid is crucial. Our expert reviews break down these models, providing insights into the years that are celebrated for their engineering excellence and driving satisfaction, as well as those that are best to avoid due to potential issues.
