While I do want Pontiac to make a triumphant return as GMs sports car comany, if it were to come back Mary Barra and the bean counters at GM would make it into a mobility company that makes electric autonomous Crossovers. I'd say leave Pontiac dead if that would be its fate
Proudly still cruising in my 2001 stock WS6, fell in love with this car and still in love after all these years. Bought brand new in 2001 with 78 miles on the odometer, 55 miles of which were my test drive.
Trans Am has so much road presence, love those tail-lights, remind me of insect eyes and that swoopy front end, pop-up headlights and bulgy hood, totally badass.
My 35th anniversary puts out 335rwhp/345torque, 1/4 mile in 12.8 with standard street tires. Only upgrade at the time was SLP headers. Now running Moser 12blt With 410 gears and ACT clutch and flywheel. Still a blast to drive after all these years (I am the original owner, purchased Sept 01)
"As younger buyers flock to hopped up front drivers..." The reason for that was made immediately clear about 30 seconds later when they listed the as-tested prices for these cars. Younger buyers couldn't afford them.
that's why I never got one was because of the insurance I could afford the car but my God the insurance was ridiculous for a 2002 firebird. Think I was 23 at the time
It wasn't the price, you could get a basic Z28 Camaro with the same LS1 V8 for about 20-23k back then brand new. It was the insurance, it was just as much if not more than your car note if this was your only vehicle and you were under 30 or so.
The scary thing is you can get a V6 Accord that will run a few tenths less to 60. These cars are still cool but man what a time to live in with commuter cars running with decade old track cars.
@@logdon17 These cars were able to do 4.9 0-60 out of the factory. The v6 accord are not a few tenths less to 60, even in today's streets the Ws6 trans Am is still a beast.
Nice. I had a 99 ss as well. Bought it new in 99, I was 19.... Car wasn't especially fast by today's standards, but all I did is haul ass. Car pulled more hoes than a Gardner.
@@SeanPennII take that back. The Pontiac in the video looks swoopy and aerodynamic, just like a sports car. You can also say some Japanese sports cars of that era looked riced.
Am I the only one who thinks that this generation of Camaro is one of the best looking american cars? To me it's right up there with the OG Challenger and the '96 Viper?
I remember watching this episode when I was a sophomore in high school and wanting one so bad it hurt. 20 Years later I finally have a WS6 in my garage and it turns heads more than almost any Corvette out there.
As a sr in hs in 2001, i used to sit in computer class and look on ebay motors the whole time at camaro ss. So i know the feeling. I had an 89 Rs with a 305 at the time.
I had a 1996 Formula Firebird, a 1998 Trans Am and my favorite of all a 2002 WS6 in silver. All had 6 speed manuals. So sorry I got rid of the 2002. One of the top 3 best cars I have ever owned.
They should have dumped Buick and kept Pontiac as their performance brand. Give it a Midengine halo Tomakawk, 2+2 Firebird, give the GTO the Charger treatment 4-door, Solstice roadster and perhaps a Macan-esque Wendigo SUV/Crossover. But alas only a dream at this stage.
There are aftermarket body kits that make them appear as pontiacs for the new camaro. And don’t tell me that it’s not the same because GM just rebadged and skinned their own shit anyways
They should’ve killed off Buick and GMC trucks!! Hell, a GMC is just a dressed up Chevy any damn way!!!! I’ve had mostly Pontiac’s (6 T/A’s, 2 GTO’s, 2 Grand Prix’s, a Bonneville GXP, and a G8 GT) since I’ve been a licensed driver.
@@SeanPennII are Nissan's and Mercedes made by aliens or something? Because I'm pretty sure we still win no matter who is making what power with what motor. We as in humanity... Not we as in 'Murica
It's wonderful that we are in another age of muscle cars. In a few years, the roads will be filled with 500+ hp cars for under 5K. That's an awesome thought.
@@nathanmcdonald610 powered by an engine made out of 100% nonobtainium. American V8s reach 1500 hp for $15,000 American dollars. Although not from the factory. That would be with major upgrades. Major. And reliability is then an issue. I guess my point is, people who can afford one of those cars, can afford a private jet.
@@CaptainFALKEN GM was in a tight spot financially, and F-Body platforms were on the decline. GM cut Pontiac as well as the Camaro to save money and focus on their most popular best selling brand, Chevy, and specifically their family vehicles like sedans and SUVs. In other words, they were broke, and the bird wasn't selling well, hence it went away. Feel free to read absolutely any history on Pontiac and why GM let go of it, as a Firebird owner myself it's nice to share the history of the platform and name.
They are retarded....they should have kept Pontiac and discontinued Buick. They should have shrunk the budget to Cadillac and maybe maybe merged Pontiac and Cadillac...Pontiacs were always the "performance" line up
I’m just glad the days of the 145 hp V8 Camaro are over. The enthusiasts of those days couldn’t have imagined the 900 whp street cars burning corn fuel these days.
I loved these two cars and they were new when I was in high school. Years later I finally bought an 02 z28, and swapped the 2.73s with 3.73s, and it was a tuff car to beat from light to light 😎
Thank you for another retro GM video. I appreciate you sharing.I look forward to the next ones you will share. I still want to see more from the different brands.
Just picked up an 02 WS6 the other day. Had a 99 in college and decided it was time for a new weekend cruiser. All these years later still the best looking non-Vette GM ever made.
Just purchased a beautiful black 99 Z28 convertible w/6 spd, ZR-1 wheels, Hurst short throw shifter, SLP intake, & Borla exhaust. Constantly get thumbs up/compliments from kids in slammed Hondas, Nissans, Subarus, etc. Nice to see American muscle is still appreciated.
I bought my 1999 red WS6 back in 2000. I still own the car with only 82k miles. Still runs like when I first bought it. It’s an amazing looking car for sure! I only drive it 2 a month only on sunny days, doesn’t touch rain or snow- NEVER. When I do take it to work or a cruise, still has the look at me car. Even the younger generation knows about them and always ask me to do a burn out, press the gas, hear it rumble. It’s still my favorite car ever!! I was really bummed out when GM killed The screaming chicken in 2002. If you can get one you’ll know what I’m talking about? 🥃👍✌🏼
I'm the 2nd owner of my 1997 WS6 Trans Am, only drive it summer and pretty much stock....what a ride...great torque and get looks all the time and thumbs up from people....bought it it in 2008 with 12,000 miles and in 2021 it's at 62...still running great
In 1966, John DeLorean was a chief engineer at Pontiac Motor Division. He wanted Pontiac to have a Corvette-based sports car, named Banshee. General Motors executives refused to allow Pontiac to have one because it would affect the sales of the Corvette. So instead, GM executives had Chevrolet Motor Division offered the Camaro F-Body to Pontiac, and the Firebird was created.
My first job was for a Chevy dealer during this era and I loved seeing these new and getting to drive them with less than a mile on them. Would pick this 02' over any Camaro ever, if I had the chance.
I'm going to miss 2002. So many sporty sports cars and other childhood technological memories that will just be forever rocking wild in the past. Now onward to the future.
Uh brand new Mustang GTs go for about 28k at most dealers and the higher trims with leather and other goodies go for 33-34k. That's pretty cheap especially when accounting for inflation.
@thevally Thank the people with FWD shitboxes who decided not to buy an F-Body back then, today there's less of them left and therefore most owners are not willing to sell them cheaply, including myself. I got an SLP SS 6sp M/T in 2013 for $13200 with 43028miles. In 2023 their prices will be only going up as the car will be just years away from becoming a 25year old classic exempt from inspections and with special plates, at that point a low mile model will be touching $40k+.
@@erikw792 where i live the dealer still has 2018's on the lot he cant sell em. Offered me 2k trade in on my 01 cobra and wanted 36k for a 6 speed 2019 in 2019 lol.
I bought a 01 v6 firebird with a drop top. I had that for years as my daily driver. I had to trade it in for a new daily driver however I bought a low mileage CETA that isn't a daily driver. It's an automatic but beggars can't be choosers. There were only so many made and I was happy to get one. It's very fast and awesome car! I was surprised that its easier to change the oil on the v8 than the v6. They actually designed a spot for the oil filter with nothing under it and made it simple and clean to do on the TA.. It's a wonderful car!
I'm on my 2nd Fbody now. First one was an 02 white Trans Am 6 speed. Had it for 9 years and missed it so much I had to pick up this 02 Z28 6 speed I'm currently daily driving. Really gotta drive these to appreciate them. Just a few upgrades bring them up to par with the handling and acceleration of newer cars if you're into that kind of thing :)
I honestly believe that I was lucky enough to grow up with three generations of f-body cars. From the IROC to the fourth generations cars. Kids today missed out on some very cools cars. As we approach the electric age it only makes me love these cars more and really appreciate them.
As much as I love the current camaro ,this generation was the last designed not to inspire retro feeling of the 60s but built to grab your attention through innovation ,power & handling .
I'm a Trans Am guy all the way. The firebird has always looked better than the Camaro. I love the 4th gen TAs, I had a 1996, ...but the 98 - 02 are the cream of the crop. I've lusted over the 98 - 02 ever since I saw them on the dealer lots when I was a teen. I couldn't stop talking about TAs through high school that I drove some friends nuts 😆 I'll never forget the day I walked up to a Pontiac dealer, probably 2002 or 2003, asked them if I could drive one of their 2000 WS.6 Trans Ams. The guy smiles and says, "you sure can!" He hands me the keys and says with a smile, "just don't drive to Chicago." That WS.6 was badass and handled those county roads like a dream! A few years later, 2005, I bought a 1996 bright red, t-top Trans Am with black leather interior. It's crazy how many people would stop and stare at my car when I would drive it around. Ughhhh I miss it!! I will never buy a Camaro, it just doesn't do anything for me at all. I will soon be obtaining a 98 - 02 Trans Am. My dream TA is a 30th anniversary, but those can pull in a ton of money. The 02 collectors edition Trans Am has grown on me a lot. But I'd be just as happy with a bright red TA again 😁
Ahhh...I started with a 1994 25th Anniversary Trans-Am in 1996 and got my 2002 Firehawk Trans-Am in 2002. I was and always will be a huge fan of these cars. They were the stuff of legends in the 1990's and early 2000's.
That hood scoop made the Camaro look awesome. I wanted one so badly, but I was still in high school at the time, so a brand new 4th gen would have been impossible. I found a 91 z28 for a much more reasonable 4 grand instead.
I still kick myself to this day by not getting the 35th anniversary Camaro SS. I was graduating college in Engineering, had a job lined up and sights were set on that car. My dad persuaded me to be responsible and play it safe and buy my Aunt's basically brand new Buick Park Avenue until I really get on my 2 feet. So I listened, but wish I just went for it.
I was 12 years old in 02 and remember them anniversary SS and ws6 my brother had a 01 ws6 and this is all we would talk about them anniversary cars good ol days miss that ws6
Love the 4th Gen Firebirds! I have a 2002 V6 with 5-speed stick and I love it! Nearly 20 years old but I don't care. I'd rather have one than any new car. Just keep up maintenance and replace worn parts. A great driver!
These cars were discontinued because they were competing too well with the Corvette. The performance gains between a Corvette and a trans am were mediocre and the price difference was significantly higher for the Corvette. GM wanted to raise the price of the corvette but they would not sell many because the Camaro and trans am were almost as good for 10k-20k less. So they discontinued them and within a few years the corvette prices skyrocketed. It's not a coincidence that the price hike came so soon after the f-body was dropped.
Pontiac built excitement that GM is now sadly missing! Bring back the hardlines the aggressive spoilers/aero package all wrapped up in a eye catching bold design & it'll be just like the late 80' early 90's era but with more tech & refinement!
I used to work at a Detail shop and got to drive a Ws6 Formula Ram air 6 speed. That car was pretty fast and a nice driver. I had a big block Dodge Challenger at the time to campair it to.
I still love these cars dearly. They are an absolute blast to drive. When GM stopped making them, they stopped becoming GM, and became something else: a corporation entirely run on greed and self centered views. They havent gave a damn about Pontiac fans in over a decade. And the camaro continues to be a disappointment year after year.
Sat in a ws6 at a auto show back in 99. 22 years later I bought my dream car. 02 convertible ws6 w 86,000 on it. I love the car more than life itself. Ferris Bullers day off.
One of my friends back in 2005 got to drive the anniversary camaro in this video. His mom picked it up a few days prior and he got the keys for a fews days. That car was a rocket! He was loving it. Then someone at the dealer found out they had sold it to a woman so they took back the car. Returned her money. No joke. Thats what happened
Let's be honest now. Some of us were alive and racing when this was first aired. GM did relatively nothing this car needed. The Mustang ruled the only place any buyers cared about. And the media played along obediently. GM did the very least required to keep sales going. And every single damn year this car got it's ass kicked in the sales department. Even when Ford threatened a 351 if that's what it took they discovered they didn't need a stinking 351. The 5 liter kept right on going. Back then there was no internet, and e-mail was some kind of dream. TV shows and magazines were how you stayed ahead of the game. The media wizards were going nuts this damn Camaro couldn't keep up, and cost several grand more. Every article that wasn't a damn ad was crying over the dismal performance of the Camaro. Braking and skid pad numbers? NO ONE GAVE A DAMN!!
![อาจารย์ยอด : ลุงแว่วเล่าเรื่องผี [ผี]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/Fd2Qsy4dqpM/mqdefault.jpg)
The F body cars were just legendary. I prefer the Firebird though.
Same
For sure.
Pontiac was always better with their attention to detail.i always preferred them over bowtie
Same here
Yeah same here. Like my '97 bird.
Wow I’m amazed at how good the TA looks 17 years later ,and the damn thing was fast even by today’s standards!! Bring back Pontiac
The back end of the Firebird Trans Am was hideous, and the pop up headlights looked really weird when they were on
@@Len1977gt Ding dong your opinion is wrong
While I do want Pontiac to make a triumphant return as GMs sports car comany, if it were to come back Mary Barra and the bean counters at GM would make it into a mobility company that makes electric autonomous Crossovers. I'd say leave Pontiac dead if that would be its fate
Larry N Ive read this same exact post 3 or 4 times now in the first 5 or 6 comments lol
@@Len1977gt ur the only person to ever say the firebird and as hideous lmao they’re sexy af
As the years goes by these cars looks better and better!
Too bad that Pontiac no longer exists.
Agreed, I used to talk so much crap about F Body's, but man I ate my words. I love the 98-02 SS and Trans Am.
Look like cheap plastic crap
Pussaty fast plastic crap
@@111rr5 nothing special, slow...
Pussaty slow? It was faster in a 1/4 mile than the mk4 Supra turbo
I love the trans am i bought one 2002 year model in 2004 and i still have it , and yes it's a WS6 package with 6-speed manual. 😎
alejandro perez how much is the car worth nowadays?
Same, except I sold it like an idiot in 2007 and bought a Corvette. I never should have sold the WS6.
@@fogtown3027 about $9-$14k
I got an 00 ws6 m6.
who the hell would buy a automatic in one of those glad you got the 6 speed smart choice
When Chevy built a Camaro that you could still see out of!!!!!!!
I'm glad I'm not the only one that thinks this
FINALLY!
The rear view was hardly any good.
Totally agree
💯😂😂😂😂
Proudly still cruising in my 2001 stock WS6, fell in love with this car and still in love after all these years. Bought brand new in 2001 with 78 miles on the odometer, 55 miles of which were my test drive.
Thats awsome!! How many miles it got now bud??
Nice!
Honestly unless racing the WS6 and hell even stock TAs are more than sufficient for having fun
Me 2!
Always liked the ws6
The Tech Librarian that car was bad to the bone 160 miles an hour no problem whatever you do don't take the governor off
same here
shit, me too
If I'm not mistaken wasnt it somehow faster than the SS?
Trans Am has so much road presence, love those tail-lights, remind me of insect eyes and that swoopy front end, pop-up headlights and bulgy hood, totally badass.
Missed my 2001 Camaro so I bought a 2002 Z28. Still have it. 😁
Trans am all the way.. still want one
They still look good to this day, aged a lot better than that Camaro
Have fun finding an unmodded one
The back end of the Firebird Trans Am was hideous, and the pop up headlights looked really weird when they were on
My 35th anniversary puts out 335rwhp/345torque, 1/4 mile in 12.8 with standard street tires. Only upgrade at the time was SLP headers. Now running Moser 12blt
With 410 gears and ACT clutch and flywheel. Still a blast to drive
after all these years (I am the original owner, purchased Sept 01)
R.I.P F-body and Firebird. The greatest platform in history. This brought a tear to my eye
"As younger buyers flock to hopped up front drivers..."
The reason for that was made immediately clear about 30 seconds later when they listed the as-tested prices for these cars. Younger buyers couldn't afford them.
on top of, the fast and the furious just came out and the tuner world exploded
@@Steve_I People wanted 200 hp gutted Civics that got 30 mpg.
that's why I never got one was because of the insurance I could afford the car but my God the insurance was ridiculous for a 2002 firebird. Think I was 23 at the time
These cars sold for the equivalent of today’s Camaro/Mustang prices with inflation.
It wasn't the price, you could get a basic Z28 Camaro with the same LS1 V8 for about 20-23k back then brand new. It was the insurance, it was just as much if not more than your car note if this was your only vehicle and you were under 30 or so.
That generation trans am was one of the most awesome looking muscle cars ever, sad I sold mine
Still incredibly good performance numbers even in todays standards..impressive!
The scary thing is you can get a V6 Accord that will run a few tenths less to 60. These cars are still cool but man what a time to live in with commuter cars running with decade old track cars.
GENERAL MOTORS
@@logdon17 These cars were able to do 4.9 0-60 out of the factory. The v6 accord are not a few tenths less to 60, even in today's streets the Ws6 trans Am is still a beast.
@@logdon17 which model accord is that fast
@3 name changes allowed every 90 days. ya right those cars can barely get out of their own way..BTW I have owned both
These retro reviews are internet gold. I just can't get enough of them. Motor Week, are you listening?
Motor week retro going retro. I love it
I always regretted selling my 99 ss. Never did find another clean one like mine was for a decent price. One of my favorite cars that I have owned.
Nice. I had a 99 ss as well. Bought it new in 99, I was 19.... Car wasn't especially fast by today's standards, but all I did is haul ass. Car pulled more hoes than a Gardner.
ALL OUT my 99 ws6 is my favorite car I’ve ever owned or driven lol
@303StreetMachines I couldn't help myself... In 99 hugger orange was offered for the first time in the generation, I had to have it.
Love my 09 G8 GT but still miss and wish I still had my 01 WS6
@303StreetMachines mine was a 99 pewter SS 6 speed. Zr1 wheels and slp intake and exhaust. Only thing I wanted on it that I didn't have was the t top.
That was an absolutely beautiful review 😭 really pulled the strings of my mf heart
I had a 77 Trans AM and it got eight miles to the gallon. Loved it
Retro videos within a retro video.
I love my red 2002 ws6
Amen car cousin :p
Hope its 6spd 😏😜
Ur lucky to have one. Wish I could one day
@@castertroy9129 yea there rare nowadays
Garbage
I graduated high school in 2002. Always preferred the WS6 over the SS, but nowadays I'd be happy with either one.
The back end of the Firebird Trans Am was hideous, and the pop up headlights looked really weird when they were on
The Pontiac looks a bit cooler and sleeker than the Camaro.
I primarily love Mustangs. But the only F body I've ever lusted for is the T/A. Pontiac just got it right.
@@331Grabber GM*
@@SeanPennII take that back. The Pontiac in the video looks swoopy and aerodynamic, just like a sports car.
You can also say some Japanese sports cars of that era looked riced.
@@SeanPennII except for the Supra, Mazda RX-7 and Mitsubishi 3000GT (which was a Supra clone).
@@sergiupuscasu2496 The 3000GT is not a Supra clone
It's about time! I miss these 2 cars!
Oh man. I used to lust after these in high school. Especially the Camaro.
Man, I remember this episode when it originally aired.
The WS6 was one of my favorite cars I owned. Just pure fun to drive!
Am I the only one who thinks that this generation of Camaro is one of the best looking american cars? To me it's right up there with the OG Challenger and the '96 Viper?
Jakob Holgersson You’re not alone. To me the 3rd and 4th gen ones are the best looking ones out there.
To me, the 1982-92 Camaro was much better looking in my eyes. However, I love the last Firebird.
Yes the catfish looks good with the right mods
I still remember when the Trans am ram air came out with a whopping 325 hp!!! I wanted one so bad.
I remember watching this episode when I was a sophomore in high school and wanting one so bad it hurt.
20 Years later I finally have a WS6 in my garage and it turns heads more than almost any Corvette out there.
As a sr in hs in 2001, i used to sit in computer class and look on ebay motors the whole time at camaro ss. So i know the feeling. I had an 89 Rs with a 305 at the time.
I had a 1996 Formula Firebird, a 1998 Trans Am and my favorite of all a 2002 WS6 in silver. All had 6 speed manuals. So sorry I got rid of the 2002. One of the top 3 best cars I have ever owned.
Bring back the Pontiac T/A!!!!! 😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠😡😠🏁🏁🏁🏁🏁🏁🏁🏁🏁🏁🏁
I wish but unfortunately Pontiac is in the past. GM couldn't keep this car affordable for the young buyers.
They should have dumped Buick and kept Pontiac as their performance brand.
Give it a Midengine halo Tomakawk, 2+2 Firebird, give the GTO the Charger treatment 4-door, Solstice roadster and perhaps a Macan-esque Wendigo SUV/Crossover.
But alas only a dream at this stage.
There are aftermarket body kits that make them appear as pontiacs for the new camaro. And don’t tell me that it’s not the same because GM just rebadged and skinned their own shit anyways
They should’ve killed off Buick and GMC trucks!! Hell, a GMC is just a dressed up Chevy any damn way!!!! I’ve had mostly Pontiac’s (6 T/A’s, 2 GTO’s, 2 Grand Prix’s, a Bonneville GXP, and a G8 GT) since I’ve been a licensed driver.
I'll take a dump ski right on those big lips
1982 140hp v8s. 2018 300+HP 4 bangers, 700+ HP v8s. The horsepower wars are over and we won.
@@SeanPennII are Nissan's and Mercedes made by aliens or something? Because I'm pretty sure we still win no matter who is making what power with what motor. We as in humanity... Not we as in 'Murica
It's wonderful that we are in another age of muscle cars. In a few years, the roads will be filled with 500+ hp cars for under 5K. That's an awesome thought.
I'm all for American V8 power, but I think technically the French are currently winning the horsepower wars with Bugatti Chiron that makes 1500hp lol.
@@nathanmcdonald610 powered by an engine made out of 100% nonobtainium.
American V8s reach 1500 hp for $15,000 American dollars.
Although not from the factory. That would be with major upgrades. Major. And reliability is then an issue. I guess my point is, people who can afford one of those cars, can afford a private jet.
@I know you are right, And I just got owned but: Reagan became President in 1981. Try again.
How could they discontinue the Pontiac trans am
Going broke and not selling them specifically.
@@Antiganos wrong
@@CaptainFALKEN GM was in a tight spot financially, and F-Body platforms were on the decline. GM cut Pontiac as well as the Camaro to save money and focus on their most popular best selling brand, Chevy, and specifically their family vehicles like sedans and SUVs. In other words, they were broke, and the bird wasn't selling well, hence it went away. Feel free to read absolutely any history on Pontiac and why GM let go of it, as a Firebird owner myself it's nice to share the history of the platform and name.
They are retarded....they should have kept Pontiac and discontinued Buick. They should have shrunk the budget to Cadillac and maybe maybe merged Pontiac and Cadillac...Pontiacs were always the "performance" line up
325hpls1 Buick got to stay because it’s a major cash cow in China. Pontiac had slow sales across the board.
WS6 trans Am was completely over the top. Love it
I’m just glad the days of the 145 hp V8 Camaro are over. The enthusiasts of those days couldn’t have imagined the 900 whp street cars burning corn fuel these days.
I love the firebird more
The back end of the Firebird Trans Am was hideous, and the pop up headlights looked really weird when they were on
I loved these two cars and they were new when I was in high school. Years later I finally bought an 02 z28, and swapped the 2.73s with 3.73s, and it was a tuff car to beat from light to light 😎
Thank you for another retro GM video. I appreciate you sharing.I look forward to the next ones you will share. I still want to see more from the different brands.
Love my CETA. I’ve had it since 04! Modified it years ago and love the sound the LS1 makes.
The best F body ever!
I wonder how the Trans AM would look now if Pontiac was still around.
theres a company that takes new canaros and gives them a trans am make over they are called trans am depot
Ugly
Just picked up an 02 WS6 the other day. Had a 99 in college and decided it was time for a new weekend cruiser. All these years later still the best looking non-Vette GM ever made.
Just purchased a beautiful black 99 Z28 convertible w/6 spd, ZR-1 wheels, Hurst short throw shifter, SLP intake, & Borla exhaust. Constantly get thumbs up/compliments from kids in slammed Hondas, Nissans, Subarus, etc. Nice to see American muscle is still appreciated.
I bought my 1999 red WS6 back in 2000. I still own the car with only 82k miles. Still runs like when I first bought it. It’s an amazing looking car for sure! I only drive it 2 a month only on sunny days, doesn’t touch rain or snow- NEVER. When I do take it to work or a cruise, still has the look at me car. Even the younger generation knows about them and always ask me to do a burn out, press the gas, hear it rumble. It’s still my favorite car ever!! I was really bummed out when GM killed The screaming chicken in 2002. If you can get one you’ll know what I’m talking about? 🥃👍✌🏼
I'm the 2nd owner of my 1997 WS6 Trans Am, only drive it summer and pretty much stock....what a ride...great torque and get looks all the time and thumbs up from people....bought it it in 2008 with 12,000 miles and in 2021 it's at 62...still running great
In 1966, John DeLorean was a chief engineer at Pontiac Motor Division. He wanted Pontiac to have a Corvette-based sports car, named Banshee. General Motors executives refused to allow Pontiac to have one because it would affect the sales of the Corvette. So instead, GM executives had Chevrolet Motor Division offered the Camaro F-Body to Pontiac, and the Firebird was created.
Had a 2000 TA. 6sp, and T-tops of course. Added a Borla adjustable exhaust, SLP airbox, and SLP MAF. Loved that car.
My first job was for a Chevy dealer during this era and I loved seeing these new and getting to drive them with less than a mile on them. Would pick this 02' over any Camaro ever, if I had the chance.
I'm going to miss 2002. So many sporty sports cars and other childhood technological memories that will just be forever rocking wild in the past. Now onward to the future.
Pony cars are no longer cheap these days... Just look at the prices!
Neither are ponies!
Uh brand new Mustang GTs go for about 28k at most dealers and the higher trims with leather and other goodies go for 33-34k. That's pretty cheap especially when accounting for inflation.
@@erikw792 but for a nice and not ran down Firebird or 02 camaro you're looking close to 13-25k range ..
@thevally
Thank the people with FWD shitboxes who decided not to buy an F-Body back then, today there's less of them left and therefore most owners are not willing to sell them cheaply, including myself.
I got an SLP SS 6sp M/T in 2013 for $13200 with 43028miles.
In 2023 their prices will be only going up as the car will be just years away from becoming a 25year old classic exempt from inspections and with special plates, at that point a low mile model will be touching $40k+.
@@erikw792 where i live the dealer still has 2018's on the lot he cant sell em. Offered me 2k trade in on my 01 cobra and wanted 36k for a 6 speed 2019 in 2019 lol.
The firebird looks miles better man that was a beauty of a car!
I bought a 01 v6 firebird with a drop top. I had that for years as my daily driver. I had to trade it in for a new daily driver however I bought a low mileage CETA that isn't a daily driver. It's an automatic but beggars can't be choosers. There were only so many made and I was happy to get one. It's very fast and awesome car! I was surprised that its easier to change the oil on the v8 than the v6. They actually designed a spot for the oil filter with nothing under it and made it simple and clean to do on the TA.. It's a wonderful car!
I'm on my 2nd Fbody now.
First one was an 02 white Trans Am 6 speed. Had it for 9 years and missed it so much I had to pick up this 02 Z28 6 speed I'm currently daily driving.
Really gotta drive these to appreciate them. Just a few upgrades bring them up to par with the handling and acceleration of newer cars if you're into that kind of thing :)
No doubt 💪
I honestly believe that I was lucky enough to grow up with three generations of f-body cars. From the IROC to the fourth generations cars. Kids today missed out on some very cools cars. As we approach the electric age it only makes me love these cars more and really appreciate them.
As much as I love the current camaro ,this generation was the last designed not to inspire retro feeling of the 60s but built to grab your attention through innovation ,power & handling .
Shit, they're still highly sought after today, as I'm sure you're aware.
Fantastic that the Anniversary Editions only leave the owner stranded half-as-often. Great work.
two of my favorite cars , i love them still to this day.
Same here and glad to say I own one
I'm a Trans Am guy all the way. The firebird has always looked better than the Camaro. I love the 4th gen TAs, I had a 1996, ...but the 98 - 02 are the cream of the crop. I've lusted over the 98 - 02 ever since I saw them on the dealer lots when I was a teen. I couldn't stop talking about TAs through high school that I drove some friends nuts 😆
I'll never forget the day I walked up to a Pontiac dealer, probably 2002 or 2003, asked them if I could drive one of their 2000 WS.6 Trans Ams. The guy smiles and says, "you sure can!" He hands me the keys and says with a smile, "just don't drive to Chicago."
That WS.6 was badass and handled those county roads like a dream! A few years later, 2005, I bought a 1996 bright red, t-top Trans Am with black leather interior. It's crazy how many people would stop and stare at my car when I would drive it around. Ughhhh I miss it!!
I will never buy a Camaro, it just doesn't do anything for me at all.
I will soon be obtaining a 98 - 02 Trans Am. My dream TA is a 30th anniversary, but those can pull in a ton of money. The 02 collectors edition Trans Am has grown on me a lot. But I'd be just as happy with a bright red TA again 😁
Ahhh...I started with a 1994 25th Anniversary Trans-Am in 1996 and got my 2002 Firehawk Trans-Am in 2002. I was and always will be a huge fan of these cars. They were the stuff of legends in the 1990's and early 2000's.
Camaro and Trans am are timeless
Yes!
The 35th anniversary still a sick asf 🔥🔥
No doubt! Mine is 35th as well check it out on my channel sometime
Had a 69 ss vert, 76 LT, 98 ss, 2000 TA and now a 01 ss... Cant imagine life WITHOUT ONE! Its about The handling man...
That hood scoop made the Camaro look awesome. I wanted one so badly, but I was still in high school at the time, so a brand new 4th gen would have been impossible. I found a 91 z28 for a much more reasonable 4 grand instead.
I still kick myself to this day by not getting the 35th anniversary Camaro SS. I was graduating college in Engineering, had a job lined up and sights were set on that car. My dad persuaded me to be responsible and play it safe and buy my Aunt's basically brand new Buick Park Avenue until I really get on my 2 feet. So I listened, but wish I just went for it.
Would ur life had changed at all if you got the Camaro?
I was 12 years old in 02 and remember them anniversary SS and ws6 my brother had a 01 ws6 and this is all we would talk about them anniversary cars good ol days miss that ws6
Both of these where my favorite body styles
Had a ‘95 T/A, CAI, flowmaster catback, 2800 stall, tuned, 3.73 gear, 6 psi PD blower, on a drag radial. That car hurt a lot of feelings back then.
Love the 4th Gen Firebirds! I have a 2002 V6 with 5-speed stick and I love it! Nearly 20 years old but I don't care. I'd rather have one than any new car. Just keep up maintenance and replace worn parts. A great driver!
BAD ASS!!! Thank you for the upload.
These trans am were such head turners and still are.
old motorweek brings a tear to my eyes
I remember servicing these cars when they were brand new.... Makes me feel old..
I have 99 z28 complete stock no mods with 93000 miles good car still get looks best of all no payments and still pretty quick for the age of it
These cars were discontinued because they were competing too well with the Corvette. The performance gains between a Corvette and a trans am were mediocre and the price difference was significantly higher for the Corvette. GM wanted to raise the price of the corvette but they would not sell many because the Camaro and trans am were almost as good for 10k-20k less. So they discontinued them and within a few years the corvette prices skyrocketed.
It's not a coincidence that the price hike came so soon after the f-body was dropped.
Proud to say I daily drive a immaculate 2002 Z28 with a old school smog legal vortech supercharger what an amazing car it is
Is it good on gas
Pontiac built excitement that GM is now sadly missing! Bring back the hardlines the aggressive spoilers/aero package all wrapped up in a eye catching bold design & it'll be just like the late 80' early 90's era but with more tech & refinement!
I had a 98 ws6 t56 car sebring silver with only 29xxxkm. Awesome car.
I used to work at a Detail shop and got to drive a Ws6 Formula Ram air 6 speed. That car was pretty fast and a nice driver. I had a big block Dodge Challenger at the time to campair it to.
Still love that gen F body. I had a 97 Z28 new, it was great I loved it, wish I would have hung onto it. My wife thinks they are WT lol
There was a saying on the forums a while back , a camaro can kick your ass if it wanted to but the trans am looks like it’s coming over to do it .
Back when the earth was still round.
Great vid love it I have a 73 TA
Crazy how much smaller the cars were compared to modern. Also the stats are insane when he goes over the even older cars and he says "back then" lol
I still love these cars dearly. They are an absolute blast to drive. When GM stopped making them, they stopped becoming GM, and became something else: a corporation entirely run on greed and self centered views. They havent gave a damn about Pontiac fans in over a decade. And the camaro continues to be a disappointment year after year.
I agree, but I can't call the Camaro a disappointment. The 1LE and the Z28 are both amazing to drive. 650hp and 650tq never disappoints In my book.
F*****A right brother!! You said it.
On a racetrack it isn't as much of a disappointment. Off it, it's a prison sentence to drive
Camaro was NEVER more refined and badass then it is today, now the styling end of it is up for debate.
@@g00dl00kinb0i refined and nearly useless as a real car
I had a 2002 firebird it was red with ground effects kit and chrome wheels
man those Firebirds looked so good.
Love these 2 cars
Sat in a ws6 at a auto show back in 99. 22 years later I bought my dream car. 02 convertible ws6 w 86,000 on it. I love the car more than life itself. Ferris Bullers day off.
One of my friends back in 2005 got to drive the anniversary camaro in this video. His mom picked it up a few days prior and he got the keys for a fews days. That car was a rocket! He was loving it. Then someone at the dealer found out they had sold it to a woman so they took back the car. Returned her money. No joke. Thats what happened
🤔
Always loved the ws6 more (why I own one) but love them both.
Always loved the 35th Camaro SS in Gran Turismo 4!
That's probably why I own one. I played that game nonstop owned every Camaro in the game haha
I have a 99 firebird v6, it's got 158,000 miles on it. I'm planning on ls swapping it soon.
I had a 94 and a new 96 the 96 was a rocket when it was new. Loved that car.
Amazing channel!!!
I had a 95 Firehawk it was bad ass pretty underrated tbh
love my 94. will never get rid of it
Let's be honest now. Some of us were alive and racing when this was first aired. GM did relatively nothing this car needed. The Mustang ruled the only place any buyers cared about. And the media played along obediently. GM did the very least required to keep sales going. And every single damn year this car got it's ass kicked in the sales department. Even when Ford threatened a 351 if that's what it took they discovered they didn't need a stinking 351. The 5 liter kept right on going.
Back then there was no internet, and e-mail was some kind of dream. TV shows and magazines were how you stayed ahead of the game. The media wizards were going nuts this damn Camaro couldn't keep up, and cost several grand more. Every article that wasn't a damn ad was crying over the dismal performance of the Camaro.
Braking and skid pad numbers? NO ONE GAVE A DAMN!!
The 2000's TransAm with the V8 in the royal blue color is one of my dream cars