1977-78-79 Trans Am – Smokey & The Bandit

Not only a General Motors icon but a legend of the film industry. Smokey and The Bandit fans world wide join clubs and create replicas of the classic Trans Am from the hit Burt Reynolds/Jackie Gleason comedy. The only thing more iconic than the car is that Firebird hood logo – at least it was during the 80′s, when you weren’t cool unless there was a mural painted somewhere on your ride.

1982 Firebird TTop – Knight Rider Style

Firebird Trans Am variants remained popular throughout the 1980′s thanks to NBC’s Knight Rider. Just like Bandit fans, there is a global following made up of KITT lovers who transform their Trans Am cars into personalized Knight Industries Two Thousands. One thing that always bugged me – couldn’t NBC give Michael Knight a larger ride? He always looks so scrunched up in that car.

1980-82 Pontiac Acadian – Chevrolet Chevette Knock-off

My father used to rock a Chevrolet Chevette – or “The Shitter”. Not the best from GM, Chevettes were cheaply made and not well received. Pontiac’s version, the Acadian, was produced for Canadian car buyers, and were latched to the back of tow trucks just as often as the Chevy.

Pontiac Trans Sport – A Minivan for the GM Crowd

When soccer moms needed a Minivan to get their kids to school, but don’t want to go down the Caravan or Sierra route, there was Pontiac’s 1990 Trans Sport van. The roomier interior may have been a plus, but they probably should have invested in flame-retardant materials.

Pontiac G6 – Hertz Favorite Rental Car

I have been a rental customer of Hertz since I was old enough to not pay that extra charge for being under 25. Since the introduction of Pontiac’s G6  it has been a favorite of the car rental company, and I have driven a few. I must admit it’s a nice car, at least to drive for a weekend. There seem to be a good amount on the roads, so perhaps they have some staying power – though not enough to make GM feel the make’s worth keeping around.

1980′s Bonneville – The Boxiest of Boxy 80′s Cars

The Bonneville claimed Pontiac’s longest run from 1957 to 2005. Our personal favorite generation came during the late 70′s thru mid-80′s. The boxiest of sedans had horse power under the hood and comfort in the back seat (and LOTS of back seat, that thing was huge!) The Bonneville had staying power, literally, as we see many mid-80′s Bonne’s still on the streets today.

Pontiac Vibe – The Hipster’s Hatchback

Want a Toyota Matrix but don’t have a money? Try out a Pontiac Vibe! One of GM’s answers to the growing want of hatchbacks for younger drivers, the Vibe (which is also slang for a self pleasuring device) features 5-door design and sporty interiors. 2009 looks to be the last for this hatchback, however, so you college grads may have to look towards Saturn…I mean Saab…I mean…damn.

Pontiac’s First Car

Pontiac’s name was taken from Chief Pontiac, an American Indian chief who led an unsuccessful uprising against the British shortly after the French and Indian War. Pontiac, the brand, was introduced by General Motors in 1926 as the ‘companion’ to GM’s Oakland Motor Car line. The Pontiac Coupe (shown above) was the first in an 80-plus year reign that has been put to an end thanks to America’s automotive financial crisis.

Knight Rider

You know the show, the theme song, and the car! From 1982 to 1986 NBC viewers tuned in to see star David Hasselhoff fight drug runners and mob bosses in his Artificial Intelligence controlled Trans Am. KITT – Knight Industries Two Thousand – was a computer / armored tactical fighting machine on wheels. Aside from Hollywood magic, the ’82 Firebird Trans Am had upgraded handling, suspension and horsepower. Specifically, KITT was a Third Generation Trans Am with almost 300 horsepower! The Third Gen Firebirds were so popular their model run lasted from 1982 to 1992.

Knight Rider 2000

In 1991 Knight Rider producers attempted the first of many come backs for KITT. This time, the Knight Industries Four Thousand was a concept model – a 1989 Banshee. Ok, so it’s not a Firebird or Trans Am – but it’s still a kick ass looking vehicle. The car was actually a “Banshee IV” A 230 hp fuel-injected V8 engine powered rear wheel drive. A heads-up display projection monitor showed off the dash gauges along with video display. The rear spoiler was even adjustable for different speeds; these designs were meant to be worked into both future Pontiac Firebird and Pontiac Trans Am cars.

Smokey and the Bandit

In 1977 Smokey and the Bandit the big screen with Burt Reynolds, Sally Field, Jackie Gleason and a 1977 Pontiac Trans Am (one that enjoys jumping over creeks in the backwoods of Georgia or Alabama). This particular Firebird contained a 6.6 Liter 400 engine with about 200-plus hp under the hood. The film itself became an instant classic thanks to both its comedic interaction and amazing car chases. The Bandit’s Trans Am made a second appearance in Smokey and the Bandit II.

East bound Snowman…