2002 Pontiac Firebird Trans-AM: 35th Anniversary The Pontiac Trans-AM was an automobile produced by Pontiac, a division of General Motors (GM). Four distinct generations, based on Pontiac Firebird coupe body styles were produced between 1967 and 2002.
The first generation was available only in 1969. The second generation was available from 1970 to 1981 and was featured in the 1977 movie Smokey and the Bandit. The third generation, available from 1982 to 1992, was featured in the 1980s television series Knight Rider. The fourth generation Trans-AM, available from 1993 to 2002, offered between 275 and 325 horsepower in its ten year career.
4th Generation Trans-AM
1993: First year of the 275 horsepower fourth generation LT1 Trans-AM.
1994: 25th Anniversary Edition Trans-AM introduced.
1996: First year of the WS-6 Performance Package. All other Trans-AMs get a ten-horsepower boost to 285 horsepower.
1998: 305/310 horsepower LS1 motor replaces the LT1 in all regular Trans-AMs. WS-6 cars get 320/325 horsepower.
1999: 30th Anniversary Edition Trans-AM introduced. Featured all the WS6 hardware with traditional white paint and blue racing stripes. Also included blue wheels unique to that year.
2000: 17-inch high-polished aluminum wheels come standard with the WS-6 Performance Package, child seat tether anchors in rear seat, new throttle linkage, revised manual transmission for smoother launches, all cars now comply with LEV Emissions requirements, Maple Red Metallic is available as a new exterior color, and Ebony as a new interior color.
2002: Last year of the Trans-Am and its sister vehicle, Chevrolet Camaro. Although it was not a significant anniversary year for Trans Am, GM decided to make a special edition of the vehicle for this year to commemorate the final year for this American icon; The special edition option package included a yellow body with black accents and wheels. Additionally, custom embroidery and badging on the interior signified the special edition. As the Camaro was also ending production during this year, and it was a 35th anniversary for the vehicle, the Camaro sold more units than its Pontiac counterpart.
In 2000, a study revealed this about the car and its buyers:
Median Age: 35
Average Household Income: $40,000+
Gender: Primarily Male
% College Graduate: Some college
Sales Competitors: Ford Mustang GT, Toyota Celica GT, and Mitsubishi Eclipse GS-T/GS-X.
Reason for Purchase: Bold muscular design, modern muscle car performance and handling, ultimate power experience.
Body Style: Subcompact
Assembly Location: Ste. Therese Assembly, Boisbriand, Quebec, Canada
Model Year Sales
1994: 46,499
1995: 41,947
1996: 36,546
1997: 30,459
1998: 33,578
3rd Generation Engine
Motors (GM)
Type: V8 Ram Air IV
Displacement: 6550 cm³
Power: 345 bhp (257 kW) @ 5400 rpm
Torque: 430 ft.lbf (583 Nm) @ 3700 rpm
Performance:
0-60 mph: 6.3 s
0-100 mph: 13.9 s
Quarter Mile: 14.1 s @ 101 mph
Skidpad: .--g
Top Speed: --- mph
Braking, 60-0 mph: --- ft
Slalom Speed: --.- mph
1972 ENGINE SPECS:
455 V8 HIGH OUTPUT
300 HP @ 4000 rpm
415 LB/FT torque @ 3200 rpm
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