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54-560: The first-generation Trans Sport took on a "Dustbuster" nickname for its controversial front body styling (with a long front overhang); the second-generation version, much like several other model lines, marked an industry shift towards adopting a form factor similar to that used by the Chrysler minivans. Officially designated a U-platform vehicle, both generations of the Trans Sport share mechanical commonality and shared componentry with

108-480: A 1997 Pontiac Trans Sport among other minivans of the time. The minivan suffered extreme damage to the vehicle in the 40 mph (64 km/h) moderate overlap crash test, which has resulted in some criticism by contemporary reviewers. The minivan received a "Poor" rating and was ranked as the "Worst Performing Vehicle" by the institute as a result. This status was also applied to the Chevrolet Venture and

162-462: A 2-2-3 configuration. The GMT200 minivans adopted dual front airbags on the dashboard, with front-seat side airbags introduced in 1998 as a standard feature. As an option, the 1998 Trans Sport was the first minivan (alongside its divisional counterparts) to feature the OnStar telecommunications service (a modernized version of the system previewed in the 1986 concept car). The Pontiac Trans Sport

216-528: A Pontiac-badged version of the Oldsmobile Silhouette (retaining the previous hoodline and headlamps). Though the new Trans Sport retained its roofline styling, the model had lost nearly all its lower body cladding and its Pontiac grille (adopting an Oldsmobile-style split grille above the license plate). After the 1996 model year, the export Trans Sport moved to the GMT200 generation (shared with

270-482: A blacked-out B-pillar with a body-color A-pillar and roofline. The Trans Sport was fitted with a largely black roof, with a body-color B-pillar; the extensive lower body cladding was a feature adopted from the 1986 concept car (and as part of Pontiac model tradition). In following with its spaceframe construction, only the roof panel of the Trans Sport is made of steel, with all exterior vertical side body panels made from polymer plastic (similar to Saturns). In line with

324-490: A power-operated sliding door; originally slated for 1993 but was postponed until 1994 in order to fix quality-control issues related to the design. Coinciding with the addition of a driver-side airbag in the steering wheel (inherited from the Pontiac Grand Prix), the Trans Sport saw revisions to the dashboard; to make the forward edge of the windshield seem closer to the instrument panel, a ridged finishing panel

378-592: A specific GMT199 platform code. In contrast to the 1986 concept vehicle (which used a lengthened A-body chassis), the GMT199 architecture employed a galvanized steel space frame , similar in concept to the Pontiac Fiero and the Saturn SL/SW/SC . Anti-lock brakes (ABS) was added as a standard feature in 1992. For 1994, traction control was added as an option on 3.8 L vehicles. In contrast to

432-704: The Chrysler minivans , General Motors responded with the release of the Chevrolet Astro and GMC Safari for the 1985 model year. Though initially comparable to the Dodge Caravan and Plymouth Voyager in length and wheelbase, the Astro/Safari were heavier-duty vehicles, sharing components with compact pickup trucks and full-size cars. Though the GM minivans were widely accepted in the marketplace (alongside

486-688: The Opel/Vauxhall Sintra ) and was rebranded as a Chevrolet. The export Trans Sport was initially offered with a 2.3L Quad 4 (LD2) I4 engine paired with a 5-speed manual transmission (a combination never offered in North America); from 1992, the 3800 3.8L V6 and 4T60 4-speed automatic transmission was offered as an option. The GMT200 generation of the Pontiac Trans Sport was introduced in Europe for 1997, branded as

540-754: The Pontiac Montana for 1999 (2000 in Canada). Following the closure of the North Tarrytown Assembly plant in late June 1996, assembly of the model line was shifted to the Doraville Assembly plant in Georgia; the facility closed on September 26, 2008. Considered a U-body vehicle by its VIN designation, the second-generation Trans Sport used the official GMT200 platform designation. The innovative chassis construction from

594-423: The W platform Pontiac Grand Prix. The Trans Sport was initially assembled at North Tarrytown Assembly ( Tarrytown/Sleepy Hollow, New York ), shifting production to Doraville Assembly ( Doraville, Georgia ) for its second generation. For the 1998 model year, Pontiac renamed the Trans Sport the Pontiac Montana , after an exterior trim package introduced in 1997. Following the 1984 model-year release of

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648-649: The W3 Platform used a 110.5 in, full-size wheelbase in sedan and coupe configurations, including for the Pontiac Grand Prix (2004-2008), Buick LaCrosse/Allure (2005-2009), Chevrolet Impala/Impala Limited (2005-2016) and Chevrolet Monte Carlo (2000-2007) — each with high performance V8 variants. The platform cost $ 7 billion to develop, with engineering executed by the Chevrolet-Pontiac-Canada (CPC) group; also known as

702-416: The 1990s integration of technology into GM vehicles (including multiple Pontiacs), featuring a windshield heads-up display, a multifunction steering wheel, and a primitive form of what later would become OnStar ; along with a digital rearview mirror and electronic transmission shifter, and a Nintendo Entertainment System was integrated for the rear passenger compartment. Though deriving its chassis from

756-437: The 1997 model year the second generation W-body was released with a MacPherson strut coil spring design. A revised and updated W3 platform was introduced in 2004, rather than a stretched Epsilon platform , as had been planned. Parma Metal Fabricating Division of Parma, Ohio was responsible for metal fabrication and final assembly took place at GM's Oshawa Car Assembly . The transverse use of GM's LS small-block engine in

810-541: The 1997 model year, Pontiac released the second-generation Trans Sport. In response to the controversial reception of the previous generation, GM redesigned its front-wheel drive minivans with a form factor closely matching the third-generation Chrysler minivans (released a year before), with the Trans Sport matched against the Dodge (Grand) Caravan. In contrast to the Ford Windstar , the second-generation Trans Sport

864-442: The 235 hp (175 kW) turbocharged 2.9 L V6 engine of the 1986 Trans Sport concept, the production Trans Sport was fitted with a naturally-aspirated 3.1 L V6 producing 120 hp (89 kW), shared with the 6000 and Grand Prix; a three-speed automatic was the sole transmission offered. For 1992, a 170 hp (127 kW) 3.8 L 3800 V6 with a 4-speed Hydra-Matic 4T60 transmission (adding an overdrive gear)

918-411: The 6000 sedan/wagon, the Trans Sport concept car was fitted with a 235hp turbocharged 2.9L V6 (intended for a stillborn version of the Pontiac Fiero ), paired with a 3-speed automatic. 17-inch wheels (the same diameter as the later Corvette ZR-1 ) were used, much larger than any other non-Firebird Pontiac vehicle of the time. Introduced for the 1990 model year, the Pontiac Trans Sport was introduced as

972-615: The APV minivans, with the Trans Sport (loosely deriving its name from the Trans Am Firebird) targeting sport- and style-oriented buyers, while the Chevrolet Lumina APV serving as the value-based offering, and the Oldsmobile Silhouette targeting premium markets. At the 1986 Chicago Auto show , General Motors released the Pontiac Trans Sport concept vehicle. Derived from the chassis of the mid-size Pontiac 6000 ,

1026-580: The Chevrolet Trans Sport was particularly successful in Sweden where it was the best selling minivan for a while. GM W platform The W-platform (also known as the W-body ) was a General Motors automotive platform underpinning both mid size and full-size front-wheel drive cars — across the platform's three generations from 1987-2016. Code named GM10 ,

1080-597: The Chevrolet Trans Sport. With the exception of badging and wheels (from the Chevrolet Venture), the Chevrolet Trans Sport was trimmed identically to its Pontiac namesake. As with the previous generation, the export model line differed from its American-market counterpart primarily in changes related to compliance with ECE regulations, requiring different front headlamps, turn signal repeaters, amber turn signals, and rear foglamps; different seat belts are required, along with multiple other safety-related items. On

1134-684: The GMT200 platform, both the Chevrolet and Pontiac Trans Sport (later Pontiac Montana) were designed alongside the Opel/Vauxhall Sintra (the first/only Opels built in the United States). Following the 1999 discontinuation of the Sintra in Europe, the Trans Sport largely served as its replacement. After GMT200 production ended after 2005, sales of European dealer stock continued through 2007. Despite limited sales in most of Europe,

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1188-462: The Grand Prix (itself redesigned for 1997), with the minivan having its own instrument cluster. Though the seats were completely redesigned, the modular seating feature of the previous generation made its return in two different configurations: eight passengers (2-3-3) and seven passengers (2-2-3, 2-3-2). In addition, the Trans Sport was available with rear bench seats (split or full-length) in

1242-632: The Montana was specified with "sport" suspension tuning, and load-leveling suspension (adding a rear-mounted air inflator). The Montana trim level quickly became the most popular version of the Trans Sport line, accounting for over 80% of total Trans Sport sales. In 1998, Pontiac renamed its minivan as the Pontiac Montana in the United States (1999 in Canada). In 1996, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) crash tested

1296-582: The Oldsmobile Silhouette as they both use the same chassis and body design, including the later first-generation Pontiac Montana. Some comments made by the IIHS after the first test in 1996 were: In a semi-related event, the Trans Sport/Montana's European equivalent, the Opel/Vauxhall Sintra , also fared badly in Euro NCAP 's frontal impact crash test on a 1998 model year minivan, made worse by

1350-487: The Trans Sport concept was nearly 6 inches lower than the Plymouth Voyager of the time. To give the vehicle a far more contemporary exterior, the Trans Sport was styled with blacked-out A-pillars and upswept B-pillars (giving the front row the look of a wraparound windshield). In place of a traditional curbside sliding door, the concept car was designed with a right-side gull-wing door (the driver-side window line

1404-659: The Trans Sport nameplate. The GMT199 Trans Sport was based on its American-market namesake (and the Oldsmobile Silhouette) and the GMT200 Trans Sport was a Chevrolet-brand vehicle based on the Pontiac Trans Sport (though adopting the body of the later Pontiac Montana, the nameplate was not used in Europe). For European export, the Pontiac Trans Sport was the sole GMT199 minivan, sold primarily through Opel dealers. Several modifications were made to

1458-654: The W-bodies was a major addition for 2005. The GM W Platform was phased out with the production of the new long-wheelbase Epsilon II platform . The last car produced on the W platform was the ninth generation of the Chevrolet Impala , which was replaced by the Epsilon-based tenth-generation Impala, beginning in model year 2014. GM continued to produce the W-body Impala to fleet customers only under

1512-556: The clear turn signal lenses. For 1992, the American-style composite headlamp housing were introduced (with glass lenses), with the turn signal repeaters moved behind the front wheels. The export version also was fitted with four bumper-mounted headlamp washers (for both high and low beams), replaced by two for 1994. With the mid-cycle revision of the model line for 1994, the European Trans Sport largely became

1566-493: The competitive Ford Aerostar, both passenger and cargo van variants were marketed), the Astro/Safari did not secure as wide of market share as the initial Chrysler model lines. To compete more closely against the Caravan/Voyager, General Motors began development of a front-wheel drive minivan for the 1990s. Prior to the 1986 debut of the concept car (see below), General Motors approved the design of what would become

1620-460: The concept car saw a different set of taillamps, moving to a vertically-oriented design integrated in the D-pillars. For 1991, a sunroof became a new option; a year later, the external radio antenna was deleted (replaced by a design integrated between the roof and headliner). For 1992, the sideview mirrors were redesigned; along with growing in size, the units now were able to fold inward. Though

1674-426: The concept car, the production Trans Sport has a large amount of slotted body cladding (to protect the body from dents). Though toned down extensively from its 1986 namesake concept, the production vehicle retained an upswept B-pillars, widely curved glass (used on all windows) with blacked-out window pillars. Along with the adoption of a full-width metal roof and the use of a sliding door, the largest styling change from

Pontiac Trans Sport - Misplaced Pages Continue

1728-463: The dashboard was revised slightly, as non-reflective carpeted cloth was placed on the portion below the windshield (to reduce glare). In 1992, the Trans Sport adopted an interior feature from its namesake concept car, with steering-wheel radio controls becoming an option. For 1994, all three GMT199 minivans underwent a mid-cycle revision, largely in response towards the negative critical response towards their exterior design. To further visually shorten

1782-486: The design to bring the model line in compliance with European lighting regulations, with the rear lighting clusters receiving amber turn signals; the liftgate was fitted with rear foglamps and enlarged reverse lights, along with mounting for wider European license plates. For 1990 and 1991, the European Trans Sport was fitted with exposed quad headlamps (from the R/V Suburban), with amber turn signal repeaters housed in

1836-488: The exterior from the three inches removed from the body length, designers installed a new hood (sharing headlights with the Pontiac Bonneville ), restyled lower body cladding, and a new front bumper (with a larger, vertical front grille). The rear side glass received a darker tint (visually lengthening the vehicle from the side). As a market first, the Trans Sport (alongside its APV minivan counterparts) introduced

1890-480: The first Pontiac minivan; alongside the newly introduced Grand Prix four-door, the Trans Sport was phased in to replace the mid-size 6000 . Similar to the Ford Aerostar and Toyota Previa , the Trans Sport used a "single-box" body design, with the hood blending into the slope of the windshield. The long front overhang (resulting from the front-wheel drive chassis) of the body was poorly received, leading to

1944-574: The generation (with body-color badging); the SE was offered with any content from the GT as an option. As a stand-alone exterior option, a gold-color exterior trim package was offered; with certain colors, gold wheels, badging, and lower body cladding was paired with a body-color upper roof. During 1995, the black-color roof that was standard (body-color was a no-cost option) was discontinued, bringing it closer in line with its GM counterparts and other minivans. For

1998-500: The headlamps (a change made for all GMT200 vehicles). The Trans Sport adopted a blacked-out B-pillar (shared with the Chevrolet Venture) for a blacked-out window line. Reflecting the closer-coupled windshield angle (with a conventional A-pillar taking the place of fixed quarter glass), the interior featured a more conservative dashboard layout, with reduced surface area between the instrument panel and windshield edge. The Trans Sport shared its steering wheel and various switchgear from

2052-588: The last of the original GM10's were launched. The next iteration of the platform was known as the MS2000 or simply the W2 platform. Early versions used a transversely installed, fiberglass mono-leaf spring combined with struts in the rear. The "generation 1.5" W-body models had updated rear suspensions that used coil springs instead of the transverse leaf spring design inspired by the Chevrolet Corvette . For

2106-437: The minivan being referred to as the "Dustbuster" (after the handheld vacuum cleaner ). This status was carried over to two other minivans manufactured by different brands. The last Trans Sport of this generation rolled off the assembly line on June 27, 1996, coinciding with the closure of the North Tarrytown Assembly plant shortly afterwards. The first-generation Trans Sport is a GM U platform vehicle, with GM moving to

2160-485: The moderate overlap crash test. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration gave the van 4 stars for driver protection and 3 stars for passenger protection in the 35 mph (56 km/h) frontal impact test. In the side impact test, it received 5 stars for front passenger protection, and 5 stars rear passenger protection. This applies to all other second-generation U-body minivans. From 1990 to 2007, GM Europe imported two generations of US-produced minivans under

2214-698: The previous generation was abandoned, largely benchmarking the NS-generation Caravan/Voyager, moving to a more conventional steel unibody with steel body panels. Growing significantly in size, the Trans Sport was now offered in a standard 112-inch wheelbase (2.2 inches longer) and a 120-inch extended-wheelbase chassis (between the Ford Aerostar and the Ford Windstar as the longest-wheelbase minivan). The suspension used front MacPherson struts along with rear coil springs. As with

Pontiac Trans Sport - Misplaced Pages Continue

2268-424: The previous generation, the Trans Sport was fitted with front disc brakes and rear drum brakes. The second-generation Trans Sport carried over the 180 hp (134 kW) 3.4 L V6 engine from the previous-generation 1996 Trans Sport, with a 4-speed automatic transmission as standard equipment. Moving away from the controversial "Dustbuster" profile of the previous generation, the second-generation Trans Sport

2322-502: The production Trans Sport interior did not adopt many of the high-technology features of the 1986 concept car, the model line debuted a modular set of rear seats. In place of the typical two full-length rear bench seats, the rear interior of Trans Sport could be configured in multiple ways to accommodate passengers and cargo, as the rear was fitted with five individual rear bucket seats. Three configurations were offered: five seats (2-3), six seats (2-2-2), and seven seats (2-3-2). For 1991,

2376-403: The program began development in 1982 under Chairman Roger B. Smith and debuted in 1987 with the Pontiac Grand Prix , Buick Regal , and Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme coupés — with the four-door sedan body style introduced for 1990. The 1997–2005 2nd Generation, or W2 Platform, used both a 110.5 in full-size wheelbase as well as a 109 in mid-size wheelbase. From 2005-2016,

2430-561: The small car division. The original program was intended to replace all midsize cars produced by Chevrolet , Pontiac , Oldsmobile , and Buick on the G and A platforms . This ultimately did not happen; while the A-platform Chevrolet Celebrity and Pontiac 6000 were quickly discontinued, the A-body Buick Century and Oldsmobile Cutlass Ciera remained in production until 1996. The plan

2484-469: The steering wheel (and airbag) breaking off from the dashboard (a phenomenon that was not present in the IIHS test). Despite performing well in the side impact test, it rated 2.5 stars as a result. The safety issues of the Trans Sport/Montana and its U-body siblings were later addressed with the Montana SV6 (and the related Uplander ), which earned the highest rating of "Good" given by the institute in

2538-479: Was added. The rear seats were revised, with second-row seats receiving integrated child safety seats as an option. Air conditioning was made as standard equipment in 1996. At its 1990 launch, the Pontiac Trans Sport was introduced in base Trans Sport trim (distinguished by silver lower body cladding) and the Trans Sport SE trim (body-color lower trim). For 1992, the trims were revised, as the base Trans Sport

2592-404: Was designed with a two-box form factor similar (if not more conservative) than the Dodge Caravan it competed most closely against. As with the previous generation, the Trans Sport was distinguished from its divisional counterparts by Pontiac lower body cladding (dependent on trim, either in a contrasting or matching color). The traditional Pontiac split grille was enlarged and relocated between

2646-468: Was discontinued and the sportier Trans Sport GT was introduced (with the 3.8L V6 standard); as part of the change, all Trans Sports became monochromatic. The GT also became the second APV minivan (besides the Oldsmobile Silhouette) available with leather seating (as an option). In 1993, the Trans Sport GT was dropped after a single year, with all examples becoming Trans Sport SEs for the rest of

2700-476: Was fitted with wraparound glass from the B-pillar to the liftgate). Much of the roof was glass; at its widest point, the headliner was only 36 inches wide. Though highly unlikely for production, the Trans Sport was designed with multifunction taillamps; in addition to traditional red brake lamps and white/clear reverse lamps, the units added amber for deceleration. The interior of the Trans Sport previewed

2754-412: Was for seven GM plants that would each assemble 250,000 of the cars, or 21% of the total U.S. car market. It was badly executed from the start, but GM's 1984 reorganization, combined with changing market dynamics, wrought havoc with the program and it never recovered. In 2008, prominent shareholder activist Robert A. G. Monks noted that GM had lost $ 2000 on every car it produced in 1989, the year before

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2808-520: Was initially offered in short wheelbase and long wheelbase versions and either one or two sliding doors; in 1998, two sliding doors became standard on all extended-wheelbase versions. The standard trim was simply named as the Pontiac Trans Sport, distinguished primarily by monochrome exteriors (or light-color body cladding). The Pontiac Trans Sport Montana was the flagship trim, styled for a more rugged look. In addition to using exclusive gray/tan body cladding and standard alloy wheels (with white-letter tires),

2862-412: Was introduced. For 1996, Both the 3.1 L and 3.8 L V6 engines were replaced by a 180 hp (134 kW) 3.4 L V6; the 3-speed transmission was retired. Though sharing nearly all exterior body panels, each GMT199 minivan was distinguished by its roofline styling. The Chevrolet Lumina APV debuted with a black roof forward of the B-pillar and a body-color rear roof; the Oldsmobile Silhouette,

2916-537: Was offered with two wheelbases, with single or dual sliding doors, and was offered through multiple brands. Again serving as the mid-range GM minivan, the Trans Sport was slotted between the Chevrolet Venture (replacing the Lumina APV) and the Oldsmobile Silhouette. The model line introduced a Trans Sport Montana appearance package (see below); its popularity led Pontiac to rename its minivan line as

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