Editing Pontiac (automobile) (section)

=== 1982–1988 ===
[[File:Transam-wiki.jpg|right|thumb|1985 Firebird Trans Am]]
Introduced in 1982, the wedge-shaped [[Pontiac Firebird (third generation)|Firebird]] was introduced, marking the first major redesign of the pony car since 1970. Embedded marketing in the television series [[Knight Rider (1982 TV series)|Knight Rider]] was successful. Pontiac introduced more performance-oriented models over the next decade. The Trans Am also set a production aerodynamic mark of .32&nbsp;cd. A convertible body style was reintroduced after nine years. GM adapted the [[GM J platform|J-body]] cars and the all-new 1982 J2000 (later renamed [[Pontiac Sunbird|Sunbird]]) had a convertible as part of its line.
[[File:417096 94 full.jpg|thumb|1985 [[Pontiac Fiero|Fiero]] Sport Coupe]]

The 1984 [[Pontiac Fiero|Fiero]] was a major departure from anything Pontiac had produced in the past. A two-seat, mid-engined coupe. The Fiero was partially responsible for Pontiac seeing its first increase in sales in four years. Pontiac also began to focus on technology. In 1984, a Special Touring Edition (STE) was added to the [[Pontiac 6000|6000]] line as a competitor to European road cars such as the [[Mercedes-Benz W201|Mercedes 190]]. The STE sported digital instruments and other electronics as well as a more powerful V6 and retuned suspension. Later iterations would see some of the first introductions on Pontiacs of anti-lock brakes, steering wheel-mounted radio controls, and other features.

Pontiac imported the Canadian market [[Pontiac Parisienne]], which featured the Bonneville's deluxe trim. This car, although a Pontiac in name, was no more than a slightly re-trimmed [[Chevrolet Caprice|Caprice]]. The Parisienne sold in profitable numbers and this car continued in production until 1986 for the sedan, and 1989 for the Safari station wagon.

With the exception of the Parisienne Safari, the Firebird, and Fiero, beginning in 1988 all Pontiacs, with the exception of the Firebird, switched to front-wheel drive platforms. For the first time since 1970, Pontiac was the number three domestic car maker in America. The median age of Pontiac owners dropped from 46 in 1981 to 38 in 1988.