Back in 1991, the best Pontiac Firebird you could buy was the Trans Am GTA. All 240 hp and 340 lb-ft of torque of it. Welcome to V8-powered pony cars of the early 1990s. Of course the Firebird, let alone Pontiac, is no longer with us, but its GM corporate cousin, the Chevy Camaro, is still very much around. We're sure this causes some heartache for Firebird fans. Your disappointment is justified. However, looking back at that 1991 Firebird Trans AM GTA and you'll see that, aside from its only so-so output, the rest of the car was nothing remarkable.

Welcome to the height of GM badge engineering. Under its long hood lies a 5.7-liter naturally aspirated V8 with the aforementioned output ratings. When paired to the four-speed automatic (not a typo), guaranteed you'd have been wishing for a manual.

This engine-transmission combo returned an even bad for 1991 16/24 mpg. Honestly, what would you expect from a car that weighs 3,500 pounds, literally one and a half first generation Mazda MX-5 Miatas. And then there was the Firebird Trans AM GTA's price tag. Motor Week rightly noted its $24,000 all-in figure is too much considering what GM was selling.