I've had my 98 Trans Am for about three years and have been very happy with it. Back in my younger days, I owned a 82 Camaro, which, while fun, was a constant source of repair and frustration. This car gives me all of the fun and very little of the frustration. GM seems to have come a long way in the reliability department.

What I love about the car:
-Tremendous power with a low throaty growl that will put a smile on your face. But it never gets annoying -- at highway speeds in 6th gear, you hardly hear the engine. At lower speeds, it's just obvious enough to remind you that you're driving a real sports car. Too many cars these days are watered-down curvy bits of fiberglass with engines that sound like souped up washing machines. For the price of entry, you get the real thing.
-Beautiful styling. Long gone are the days of the thunder chicken on the hood. (although the one embossed on the front plate is a bit annoying) Even my snobby design friends who drive Voltswagon Beatles appreciate this car. It looks like it's going 100 mph standing still.
-Monsoon / 12 CD changing pumps out hours of music and has more bass than you'll ever need.
-T-Tops -- the perfect compromise between a convertible (too easy to steal and prone to wear) and a moon roof (not enough real exposure to the world). And yes, you could get a hard top for your convertible, but could you store it in the trunk? Taking the tops off my car is a snap, and I love the wind blowing in my hair with the stereo turned up.
-Handling -- while not a Lotus, it takes the corners well and makes you feel in absolute control of all power under the hood.
-Safety -- 2 airbags and a 5 star crash rating. You could go so far as to say your are buying the car for safety (but none of your friends will believe you.)
-Stick shift -- 6 speeds to play with. The only downside to this is that darned 2nd gear lockout. But you can find out how to turn it off here:
http://home.nycap.rr.com/gbeard1/fourth-genFAQ/4_3.htm
(you'll also find some nice performance tweaks -- just watch out for the ones that void your warranty)
-More room to move things than you would expect. Just fold down the rear passenger seat, and many longer items fit inside. I've managed to fit 2 bikes back there and even a few things I picked up at Home Depot. It definitely beats what you could move around in a small 2-seater. Perfect for a road trip, if only 2 of your are heading out.
-Dealership has handled any complaints quickly and efficiently.


What needs work:

-Be sure and pick up the traction control option if you can. I didn't, and handling in inclement weather is tricky. Once you know the car, and understand how much torque hits the rear wheels, you can compensate for it and keep from sliding.
-What bonehead had the idea to put the cup holder where I hold my arm while I'm shifting! Fortunately, there is a second holder, hidden along the side of the console next to the passenger. I use it when I'm driving alone. There is also a large indenture in the door panel of the passenger side where they could put a large big-gulp sized drink. Rear seats cup holders are ok, but not good for bigger drinks. Too prone to tipping.
-You will want to pick up some of those stick on blind-spot mirrors for both sides of the car. The rear panels do obstruct your view, but once you bet accustomed to the mirrors, compensating is pretty easy.
-The tires that come with the car wear out very fast. I replaced the first ones within a year. I drive aggressively, but not so much so to need tires in a year. My second set have lasted longer (2 years now, though they will need to be replaced sometime soon). Unless you plan on racing, forego the ZR rated tires and get something a bit more sensible.
-The rear seat is not fun for normal sized people. But what were you expecting for a sports car? Fold down the rear seat and use the space for your bike or other things.
-This car does not have the spotless reliability of a Honda. But what did you expect?.. It's a high performance sports car. And aside from a couple of small warranty items, I've been impressed with how solid and worry free an investment it's been.

I fully recommend this car to anybody that wants a fun, fast, high end performance car.

Have fun!

Jerry



Amount Paid (US$): 27,000
Condition: New
Model Year: 1998
Model and Options: Trans Am