1974 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am

The 1974 Pontiac Firebird was a difficult year for the Firebird. Gone was the Endura bumper, replaced by new, Federally mandated, fiberglass front end with a slight wedge shape and rubber covered 5 mph bumpers. The chrome rear bumper was also gone, replaced by those pesky rubber bumpers. Engine ratings dropped again with the Trans Am’s base 400 V8 engine rated at 225 bhp.

But for a mere $57, buyers could order the 250 bhp 455 V8, which received a 10 lb-ft boost to 380 lb-ft, but which came only with an automatic transmission. The mighty Super Duty 455 V8 was also available for an additional $578 and were unchanged from the year before. All V8s included true dual exhausts, which made their last appearance on the Firebird.

Also available for the last time on the 1974 Pontiac Firebird was the Muncie 4-speed manual transmission and the TurboHydramatic 400 automatic transmission. The lower output of the 1975 engines would make those heavy-duty transmissions unnecessary. This would also be the last year of the Super Duty engines.

For 1974 Pontiac Firebird, a brand new front end was introduced due to bumper regulations with a slight wedge shape and a revised rear end with a body-color bumper and longer slotted tail lamps. Engine ratings were changed, but the model lineup continued to remain the same.

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2003 Pontiac Aztek AWD

The first U.S-produced crossover vehicle, the Pontiac Aztek had an auspicious and rather unsuccessful start due to its offbeat and offputing appearance. Gradually, as folks experienced its flexibility, roominess, and storage space, a growing fan base developed. The 2003 Pontiac Aztek was offered as either a front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive Verstrak. Both carried a 3.4, 185-hp V6 mated with a 4 gear automatic.

Few additions happened for 2003, apart from a non compulsory DVD system and XM radio. ABS brakes and front side airbags, which were once standard on the front-wheel drive model, were now optional. Though primarily based on the Montana minivan platform, the 2003 Pontiac Aztek isn’t so much a people-mover as a cargo-hauler. It only has 2 rows of seats, but the back row folds down and can be lifted out.

Unique to the 2003 Pontiac Aztek, the front passenger seat also folds down. This suggests plenty of storage configurations. Capacity is 93 cubic feet when all the seats are down. A cargo net or roll-out load tray offer different trunk storage options. Also uniqe to the Aztek is the removable center console that doubles as both a CD holder and a cooler. A tent/air mattress package permits you to car camp, and stereo controls and a lighter in the tailgate. Numerous packages offer increasing levels of creature comforts.

Though offering AWD, the 2003 Pontiac Aztek sits low and isn’t intended for off-roading in any way. It’s more an understanding between the flexibility of a minivan with the power and adventure of an SUV. Most owners say it is comfortable and handles smoothly, more like a smaller vehicle. The inside is roomy and flexible. They also like the cooler and the great fuel use. Others feel the suspension is rough and report major blind spots caused by the rear spoiler. The tailgate seems too heavy and never correctly opens or closes. The largest desire was for more horsepower. The 2003 Pontiac Aztek also did not do well in front impact safety ratings.

Antilock brakes and front side airbags are optional rather than standard for 2003 on front-wheel-drive versions of this crossover SUV. Addition of a non mandatory DVD entertainment platform rounds out the ‘03 changes. Aztek relies on Pontiac’s Montana minivan. It has 4 standard side doors and a combination rear liftgate/drop-down tailgate. The Buick Rendezvous also shares Aztek’s underskin design, but has a longer body, different styling, and seating for 7 vs. Aztek’s five.

A V6 with automated transmission is the sole powertrain. 2003 Pontiac Aztek offers front-wheel drive with optional traction control or GM’s Versatrak all-wheel drive. Versatrak lacks low-range gearing and isn’t designed for serious off-road use. AWD Azteks come with antilock 4-wheel disc brakes and front side airbags. With 2WD, ABS and front side airbags now are included in the $3,225 1SC option group or in a $950 option combo.

Also for ‘03, wheels–16- or 17-inch, depending on model and options–get a new look. XM satellite radio is a new option. Also new is rear-seat DVD video ; it’s available only with the 1SC package. That package also incorporates a tire-pressure monitor, OnStar help, upgraded interior trim, power driver seat, and slide-out rear cargo tray. Among alternatives are heated leather front seats, in-dash CD changer, sunroof, and a 3500-lb towing package. Available through dealers is a camping setup with clip-on tent and fitted air mattress.

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1971 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am

Almost all of the changes to the 1971 Pontiac Firebird were a result of government emission laws. Cosmetic changes were few, consisting mostly of new high-back sporty bucket seats and honeycomb wheels which would decorate the Firebird until 1977.

Due to the emission standards, the Ram Air engines were axed and the 400 V8 was revised down to 300-hp. The Ram Airs were replaced with the new 455, alleged to be the last produced muscle car engine. It was available as an option in the Formula Firebird, rated at 325-hp. A high output version, hitting 335-hp, came standard with the 1971 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am and used plenty of the Ram Air components,eg the intake manifold and cylinder heads. Though it had less hp than the Ram IV, it got 480 lb-ft of torque and delivered better road handling. The 455 would go through some changes in the 1970s, but would become the classic Trans Am engine.

The 1971 Pontiac Firebird base model 250 straight six engine still rated a measly 155-hp, and the Esprit carried the 350 V8 at 255-hp. In 1971, this 350 V8 was also an option in the Formula trim, which came standard with the 400 V8 at 300-hp. The 1971 Pontiac Firebird, and especially the Trans Am, hadn’t yet achieved mythical standing and in fact were still selling well below the Camaro. For this reason, the Trans Am is kind of of a collector’s item. 1971 Pontiac Firebird owners love the performance and handling, but are not happy with the uncomfortable seats and lousy gas mileage. Little tradeoffs for lots of fun.

As in prior years, the 1971 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am edition received front and rear air dams, scoops, upgraded suspension, motor, and decal packages. The suspension on Trans Am’s was upgraded to incorporate giant torsion bars, heavy duty disc/drum brakes, and fast ratio steering.

The serious news for 1971 was GM’s motor changes to run the automobiles on unleaded petrol. Gone were the Ram Air 400 motors, althought a 400cid was still free. The new addition to the lineup were 2 455cid motors. The performance oriented 455 was available in the 1971 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am and was ranked at 335hp and 480lbs/ft of torque.

For 1971 the new arrival was high-back bucket seats. Though some of the power slipped away due to emissions control laws, but the four-model Firebird series continued on. The largest update for this year was the addition by Pontiac of the largest version of their V8 ; a 455-cubic-inches rated at 332 hp, and the choice of the 350 in the Formula for the first time ever.

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1981 Pontiac Firebird Turbo Trans Am

In what might be most accurately described as “deja vu all over again”, General Motors said on Sep 25th, 2001, the Firebird and Camaro models would stop after thirty- five years of production. The reason, folk weren’t buying the automobiles any more. They’d outlived their usefullness in the company structure within GM. Never mind that GM had left these vehicles mostly untouched since this models 1993 debut - GM refused to remember the mistakes of the past and was repeating them again.

You will wonder how this corelates to the 1981 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am? Think for a minute how old this auto was ; twelve models had been spawned from the shape that was laid down in the mid-to-late sixties. I know we had changed the appearance and powerteams thru its production term, but deep down it was still had a cramped back seat, it was thirsty in times of fuel dearths, and took up a lot of space outside for the space it permitted within.

When the Firebird and Trans Am were selling in huge numbers and reaping massive profits for GM, it was the darling of the industry. But when folks slowed their buying because GM had milked the current design far beyond it’s twilight, GM was always too late with a new auto. Witness the 80 and 81 automobiles, the 91 and 92’s, and lastly the 1999-2002 versions. As great a car as all generations of Firebirds were, thier life cycles at last were stretched too long and poor sales late in their product cycles were a consequence of corporate greediness.

What a mouthful, huh? Well, 1981 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am entered it’s thirtheenth year of production, the past twelve in the F-body that made its appearance as a ‘70 0.5 model. There were few changes made to the 1981 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am for it’s final year, most of which were of the continuing quality enhancements and upgrading of standard equipment levels.

As had been witnessed with the 1980 offering, small displacement engines were the order of the day. The decisions were the 4.9L T / A Pontiac V8, the Chevrolet 5.0L V8 and the highly fascinating 4.9L Turbocharged Pontiac V8. The enormous V8’s were gone, never to return, but one performance icon from as far back as performance vehicles came from returned- The 4 gear. The 4-speed was teamed up with only one engine, the Chevrolet 5.0L. This combination was grouped with a 3.08:1 rear spindle ratio to supply somewhat adequete performance for the day.

While the 1981 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am performance was now simply a shell of it’s former glory days, consider this ; the Ford Mustang, once a deserving compettor, made do with a 255 cubic inch V8 of somewhere around 120 horsepower. Motor Trend magazine made their displeasure known when the subtitle to the road test of a 1981 Cobra was “Why trouble with a V8 Mustang when it can’t out run a Honda Civic”.

The T / A 4.9L would stay in production till around Apr, after that, Pontiac would no longer be a source of V8 engines. With the advent of the brand new third-generation T / A, only Chevrolet ( later refered to as GM company ) engines would be found under the hood of Trans Ams. A 4-bbl carburetor still powered the 4.9L engine, but the sole transmission available was still the automated. Engine codes for the T / A 4.9 were BD or BJ.

Hp ratings of the 4.9L Turbo engines dropped to a more realistic 200 hp. Last year’s 210 hp rating appeared a bit optomistic, and the performance numbers appeared to support this. All turbos got the “boost gauge”, the set of 3 lights in the hood bulge. Even at two hundred hp, this would still be the highest hp rating for a Trans Am till the debut the Tuned Port engines in 1985. For the 4.9L turbo, there were two engine codes, BO orCJ.

The previously mentioned Chevrolet 305 was an option, and after 1981, the Chevrolet ( later “GM company V8″ ) would be the sole offering in a Trans Am ( excluding the limited run of Buick V6 turbo automobiles in 1989 ). The 305 V8 was coupled to a four-spped manual transmission and was ultimately available in California. Like the ‘79 and ‘80 models which preceded it, the chrome splitter tailpipes were replaced bu 2 straight pipes, just like on the sister Camaro. 1981 engine ID’s for the 305’s were DHJ and DHZ.

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2007 Pontiac Torrent SUV

Billed as Pontiac’s first SUV, the Pontiac Torrent is basically a crossover wagon and enters its second year on the market in 2007. Almost all of its changes concentrate on security features and some additional options in this already well-equipped compact sport utility auto.

The 2007 Pontiac Torrent is available in front-wheel or all-wheel drive, depending on what you need the SUV for. Both models come with a 3.4-liter, 185-hp V6 and 5 speed auto transmission only.

Pontiac is making an attempt to build up its performance branding image once more, and has given the Torrent a sports suspension and unibody design, to make it handle more like a car than an awkward SUV. Standard features include ABS brakes, fog lights, skid plates, power locks and windows, keyless entry, a roof rack, and air conditioning.

New in 2007 Pontiac Torrent is a standard Stabilitrak system, tire pressure gauge, an updated alarm, and a rollover sensor. In addition to heated leather seats, power adjustable seats, and steering wheel controls, added options for 2007 include a driver info center and remote start ( superb for winter temperatures ).

The 2007 Pontiac Torrent only has 2 rows of seats, but this implies it has adequate leg and headroom, even in the rear. Cargo capacity reaches up to 72.5 cubic feet when the back seats fold, and the front passenger seat also folds to fit longer objects. Many owners love the back seats can go forward or back, adjusting for more legroom or more load space, and they also recline, ensuring a snug ride for passengers.

2007 Pontiac Torrent owners appreciate its versatility ( plenty of compartments in the load hold ), good gas mileage ( 18 / 25 miles per gallon ), and car-like sporty handling. Overall comfort and elbow room is superior to similar compact SUVs. They also like the exterior styling that distinguishes it from its rivals. The biggest complaint was a desire for more engine power and acceleration reply. Some also discussed rattling.

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