Positioned in the middle of the minivan market, the front-wheel-drive Pontiac Trans Sport appealed to buyers looking for a versatile people-carrier with strong styling. Key competitors included its siblings, Chevy Lumina and Oldsmobile Silhouette, as well as the Dodge Caravan, Nissan Quest, Mercury Villager, Mazda MPV and Toyota Previa.
Year-to-year changes[]
1993[]
The Trans Sport was now available in one trim level only, the SE. However, Pontiac offered four option packages, which would give the ability to equip the Trans Sport as plain or with as many fancy accessories as desired.
The base drivetrain was a 120-hp 3.1-liter V6 mated to a 3-speed automatic transmission. The optional 170-hp 3.8-liter, which was re-tuned for quieter operation, was mated to a 4-speed automatic.
Other major options for the Trans Sport included air conditioning, cruise control, remote keyless entry, 6-way power driver's seat, the popular power sliding side door and an automatic electronic leveling system.
1995[]
The 1995 Pontiac Trans Sport benefited from a number of refinements designed to enhance the safety and functionality of the minivan. A standard brake-transmission interlock feature would prevent shifting the transmission out of Park unless the brake pedal was depressed. Options included a traction-control system (with 3.8-liter V6 only) and a built-in child safety seat.
Other changes for 1995 included a full overhead console, new 4-spoke steering wheel and, later in the model year, a new under-dash lockable storage compartment.
For two model years in a row (1995 and 1996), the Trans Sport was the last of Pontiac's cars to start selling for those model years.
1997[]
A new Trans Sport minivan was introduced in 1996 as a 1997 model.
Retail prices[]
As of December 17, 1993:
- $17,469 (1994 Pontiac Trans Sport)
As of late 1994:
- $17,889 (1995 Pontiac Trans Sport)
As of October 9, 1995:
- $19,394 (1996 Pontiac Trans Sport)
Shipping prices[]
- $530 (1994 models)
- $540 (1995 models)
- $545 (1996 models)
Gallery[]
