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1Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesThe 1989 Pontiac Trans Am 20th Anniversary, known as the Turbo Trans Am or TTA, was a period-leading performer: Car and Driver recorded 0–60 mph in 4.6 seconds and a quarter-mile in 13.4 seconds at 101 mph. Those results support its reputation as one of the quickest Trans Ams, but the available evidence does not establish that it was the fastest across every generation and every measure.
Here’s what the contemporary test says about its acceleration, engine, equipment, and trade-offs—and what it can and cannot prove about the “fastest Trans Am of all time” claim.
How fast was the 1989 Turbo Trans Am?
In its June 1989 road test, Car and Driver measured the magazine’s test car at 4.6 seconds from 0–60 mph and 13.4 seconds for the quarter-mile at 101 mph. The magazine also reported a 153 mph top speed. These are results for that tested car, not guarantees for every example or a same-method comparison with every other Trans Am.
| Measure | Car and Driver’s June 1989 test | What the figure represents |
|---|---|---|
| 0–60 mph | 4.6 seconds | Measured acceleration of the test car |
| Quarter-mile | 13.4 seconds at 101 mph | Elapsed time and trap speed in the test |
| Top speed | 153 mph | Reported test result |
Car and Driver called the car the quickest 0–60-mph vehicle in U.S. showrooms at the time. That is a period-specific assessment, not proof that the TTA outruns every later Trans Am in all conditions. The magazine also described a particular launch technique: holding the automatic with the brake while bringing engine speed to 2,100 rpm, then releasing the brake and applying throttle. Test procedure matters when comparing acceleration figures.
#1 Best Overall
- Material and Color: This item features our 801-Black Plush Cut Pile carpet. Please note that while the main product image may show a different color, the swatch image accurately reflects the correct color.Because we offer a wide variety of colors, please double-check your selection before ordering. Please request free samples if you are unsure of the color
- Vehicle Compatibility: This carpet will fit just like original carpet when installed correctly. This carpet is formed to fit a 1976-1981 Pontiac Trans Am Automatic With Console
- Installation Notes: This automotive carpet is custom-formed but may require trimming and cutting holes to install. Please review the complete instructions provided in the description before starting. Unless specified otherwise, the jute insulation padding is heat-bonded to the underside, and the protective heel pad is pre-welded into its factory-correct position.
- Custom Manufacturing: This carpet features a standard, flexible polyethylene backing. If you prefer an upgrade to premium Massbacking, please contact us before ordering. Using a form that was cast directly from the original floor pan, each carpet is precision heat and pressure formed. When properly installed following the provided instructions, it will fit the contours of your original floor pan.
- Carpet Quality: All automotive carpets are Made in USA with Top Quality auto carpet materials. This carpet has a 1 year manufacturer warranty.
Engine and factory horsepower rating
The TTA used a modified Buick 3.8-liter turbocharged V6. Pontiac’s claimed output, as reported by Car and Driver, was 250 hp at 4,400 rpm and 340 lb-ft of torque at 2,800 rpm. Keep that factory rating distinct from estimates: Car and Driver estimated output closer to 300 hp from its performance measurements, while MotorTrend later reported a 301-hp PAS engine-dyno result. Neither estimate changes the advertised rating.
Car and Driver described revised cylinder heads, matching pistons that maintained 8.0:1 compression, equal-length headers, an AiResearch T3 turbocharger, a front-mounted intercooler, tuned sequential fuel injection, and knock control. The period test indicated 16.5 psi of boost. Pontiac recommended premium fuel to reduce interventions by the control system that could cut power.
Rank #2
- Fitment:This front bumper grill is only fit for Pontiac Firebird；Trans Am1979 1980 1981.Please confirm the car model before ordering.
- OEM number:The original equipment part numbers are: 10010503; 10010504. .Perfect match with your old or damaged munper grill. As good as the original front bunper grill. Decorate your Pontiac Firebird as new as before.
- Durable Material: AMSPRAC's front bumper grill cover insert set is made of high quality material with long lifetime.Every product has strict quality inspection.，ensure that every product is of good quality.
- Package included:1 Pair of Front Bumper Grille Cover. (Left and Right Side). Hardware tools are included. Very easy installation.
- Color:It is black.
| Item | Figure or detail | Source and qualification |
|---|---|---|
| Factory-rated output | 250 hp at 4,400 rpm; 340 lb-ft at 2,800 rpm | Pontiac rating reported by Car and Driver |
| Estimated output | Closer to 300 hp | Car and Driver estimate based on test performance |
| Engine-dyno result | 301 hp | PAS result reported retrospectively by MotorTrend; not the factory rating |
| Transmission | Four-speed automatic | Described in the Car and Driver test |
What the road test said about handling and braking
The TTA’s reputation is not just a set of acceleration figures. Car and Driver measured 0.88 g of grip and praised its grip and stability on smooth surfaces. The same test criticized rough-road composure and squeaks and rattles, and found weak brake balance: the test car took 217 feet to stop from 70 mph after the rear discs locked prematurely.
These are observations and measurements from one magazine test car. They add useful context, but should not be treated as findings about every TTA or every driving condition.
Rank #3
- Pair of great fit grilles with the correct fasteners, Compatible with 1979-1981 Pontiac Firebird/Trans Am.
- Color: Black; Replace Part#: 10010504 & 10010503; Placement on Vehicle: Left, Right.
- Comes with red tools to attach the grille on your vehicle and also includes screws with U-clips for easy installation. Direct replacement, easy to install.
- Enhance the overall visual appeal of your vehicle, making your vehicle more attractive.
- HEAVY DUTY: High quality replacement parts for long lasting usage.
How many 20th Anniversary Trans Ams were built?
Pontiac planned a 1,500-car run, according to Car and Driver’s 1989 article. MotorTrend’s retrospective reports 1,555 built, counting 1,550 production cars and five pilot cars. The planned run and later reported total use different counts, rather than necessarily contradicting one another. The model was also selected as the 1989 Indianapolis 500 pace car.
Production breakdowns require care: sources differ in how they count body styles and pilot cars, and some trim subtotals are estimates. Hagerty’s February 2026 report discusses the broader 1989 Firebird market and identifies hardtop and convertible variants as especially rare; it is not a precise standalone TTA valuation.
Rank #4
- This item is made in 830-Buckskin Plush Cut Pile carpet. The item image may be a different color, but the SWATCH image is the correct color. Carpet Fits Passenger Area, With Console. Unless otherwise noted, the jute padding is heat bonded to the backside of the carpet and a heel pad is welded to the correct location.
- Holes may not be cut in automotive carpet and carpet may require trimming to install.
- Automotive carpet compatible with Pontiac Trans Am will be Heat and Pressure formed using a form that was created from the original floor pan. Carpet is guaranteed to fit to the floor when installed correctly.
- All automotive carpets are Made in USA with Top Quality auto carpet materials. IF YOU ARE NOT 100% SURE OF THE COLOR/MATERIAL YOU NEED, PLEASE CONTACT US BEFORE ORDERING.
- Automotive carpet will fit just like original carpet when installed correctly and is Guaranteed against Defects. This item fits the years: 85 86 87 88 89 90 91 92
So, was it the fastest Trans Am of all time?
The evidence supports a strong, narrower claim: the 1989 Turbo Trans Am delivered exceptional measured acceleration for its time, and Car and Driver called it the quickest 0–60-mph vehicle in U.S. showrooms in its 1989 test. The dossier does not provide a full, same-method dataset covering every Trans Am generation, so it cannot verify an all-time ranking across 0–60, quarter-mile, and top speed.
For a fair comparison, identify the metric, test date, publication, and whether the figure is a factory rating, instrumented test, or retrospective estimate. On the available period evidence, the TTA’s 4.6-second 0–60 and 13.4-second quarter-mile are the clearest basis for its performance reputation—not proof that no later Trans Am was faster.
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FAQ
What was the 1989 20th Anniversary Trans Am’s 0–60 time?
Car and Driver measured 4.6 seconds from 0–60 mph in its June 1989 test. That result applies to the magazine’s test car.
What was the Turbo Trans Am’s quarter-mile time?
Car and Driver recorded 13.4 seconds at 101 mph in the quarter-mile. It is a period road-test result, not a universal result for every car.
How much horsepower did the 20th Anniversary Trans Am have?
Pontiac’s claimed rating was 250 hp at 4,400 rpm, with 340 lb-ft of torque at 2,800 rpm, as reported by Car and Driver. The magazine estimated output closer to 300 hp, and MotorTrend later reported a 301-hp PAS engine-dyno result; those are estimates or reported dyno figures, not the factory rating.
How many 1989 Turbo Trans Ams were built?
Car and Driver reported Pontiac’s planned run of 1,500. MotorTrend later reported 1,555 total, consisting of 1,550 production cars plus five pilot cars.
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Is the 1989 Turbo Trans Am proven to be the fastest Trans Am ever?
It is well supported as a period-leading acceleration car, but the available sources do not establish a complete, comparable all-generation ranking. “Fastest” depends on the measure and the cars’ test conditions.
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