Pontiac Trans Sport (GMT199). 1990–6 (prod. n/a). 4-door MPV. F/F, 2261 cm³ (I4 DOHC), 3135, 3350, 3791 cm³ (V6 OHV). Pontiac show car with gull-wing doors makes it into production with more sanitized, but still futuristic, styling, a far sleeker alternative to the established Chrysler minivans. Gull-wing doors replaced by conventional, sliding right-side door. Changes mirrored that of the Chevrolet Lumina APV, its twin, although a 2·3-litre four was installed for European exports (which featured the Oldsmobile Silhouette (1990–6) front end). Composite body panels over a steel spaceframe, with weak 3·1 to begin with, 3·8 option in 1992, when bigger wheels were installed and remote keyless entry became standard. Facelift in 1994, with more upright grille, which buyers liked, as the Trans Sport looked less like a door stop or a Dust Buster; power sliding door optional, while traction control becomes standard mid-year for 3·8. The 3·4 unit replaces both engines in 1996.

Manufacturing location: Tarrytown, New York, USA

Marque: Pontiac | Model: Pontiac Trans Sport | Predecessor: Pontiac Safari (1987–9) | Successor: Pontiac Trans Sport (1997–8)