16. Pontiac Firebird Trans Am
After 11 years of production of the second-generation GM F-body, the Pontiac Firebird got a much-needed redesign for the 1982 model year. The new model was much more advanced and aerodynamic with improvements in suspension and handling. The hottest version was the Trans Am, which had a 305 V8 producing 165 HP.
In most aspects, Firebirds were mechanically identical to the third-generation Camaro and shared almost all engines and drivetrain components. However, the design was improved with one of the signature design details of the decade: pop-up headlights. Arguably, ths Firebird looked better than the Camaro thanks to the more aggressive design and aerodynamic aspects.