1990 Pontiac Trans Sport SE
Seems like future will be spacious, aerodynamic and trans inclusive.
Seems like future will be spacious, aerodynamic and trans inclusive.
Ah the GM U-Body. It's good looking trash, but it's still trash.
Based on the then-problematic W-Body, it didn't drive well, lacked a fourth door, had front suspension that got misaligned if you went over a speedbump and ate head gaskets for breakfast, which was a challenge because almost every issue with the powertrain or accessory belt stuff, and there were lots, was an engine-out repair job.
It made the Astro look good, which was not easy. Only the Toyota Van (the HiAce and Previa) were more challenging, and at least they were reliable.
The Caravan, exploding transmission and all, was a better car.
Interestingly, this same chassis got a lot less sexy as the years went on. GM butched it up for the SUV craze with the Montana/Uplander, and the shorty version was the basis for the Aztek.
I slid off the road on some ice and ran over a stop sign and a bush and ended up sideways in a driveway in one of these.
Amazingly, no damage at all beyond some twigs in the undercarriage
I had a Hot Wheels of this a really long time ago, it was my favourite one
like this, but in red
I drove out to the canyon ground
Grinding dust off from the sand
I don't ever fuck with the Dust Devil
He's got the power of an upright in his goddamn hand
God they were trying so hard to save Pontiac some semblance of an identity during those days, despite it being the era with the worst excesses of badge engineering. The cladding and that tiny little "American BMW" grille though... sigh.
Cars peaked in the 90s. They will never be this cool again. If you, like me, live in car-dependent North America, you should drive a 90s car, too.
Really any car from before about 2010-2015 is a solid choice if you have to drive.
