General Information:
Release Year: 1985
Version Reviewed: Original
Accessories: None
With the success of the Minibots in 1984, the line was expanded to include new molds that added quite a bit of variety to the Minibot team. One of these was the happy go lucky character of Powerglide. Released in a time when the Autobots had very little in the way of air vehicles, Powerglide was a welcome addition to most Autobot toy collections.
Vehicle Mode:
Powerglide's vehicle mode is a A10 Thunderbolt airplane. His primary color is red with grey for (what appear to be) pontoons on the wings. A sticker runs along the top of the plane choc full of mechanical details. Althought his never even occurred to me when I was younger, looking at this toy now I wish that the cockpit had been painted. However, it should be noted that most Minibot generally were solid colors with little to no paint detailing. An Autobot heat sensitive "rub symbol" graces the rear of the airplane between the two engines. Catalogue pictures have shown this area to have a regular Autobot symbol instead. However, I have never seen a Powerglide with the regular symbol in that position in person.
The sculpt of the plane is simple, but effective. Lines are etched into most of the plane to give the feel of panels having been assembled. The cockpit has cockpit window detailing, but is colored entirely red. Mounted under the nosecone is a small gun. In lieu of actual working landing gear, the toy simply has three rounded extensions on the underside of the jet for it to rest on.
Transformation to Robot Mode:
Begin by turning the nosecone around so the robot face is visible. Now extend the rear of the airplane to form the robot legs. Fold the wings up, and then swing them back. Extend the pontoons so they form arms. This completes his transformation.
Robot Mode:
Powerglide's robot mode is mostly red with grey used for the arms, robot face and upper legs. I have always found Powerglide to be a rather unique looking Autobot. Few other Transformers who are airplanes/jets etc. look quite like him. Due to the way he transforms he has above average posability for a Minibot. His head can turn and his arms each have three points of articulation.
Powerglide is a fun toy, and being the only airplane amongst the Minibots doesn't hurt either. Although not very detailed and amazing by today's standards, as a classic toy it holds up well and can offer hours of imaginative play. B+
Updated Thoughts (May 1, 2026):
Looking at my thoughts from twenty plus years ago, I have to say not much has changed. I do find as I get older, my affection for the Mini-Bots has grown over time. His toy illustration on the G1 packaging was really wild looking with his wings angled and arms up like he is ready for a fight and it fired my imagination back before he made his impression on me as a cartoon character. Sure this figure does not hold up in terms of modern day articulation and features, but he doesn't need to. I remember having hours and hours of adventures with Powerglide being aerial support for my Autobots and for any G1 fan I think he is a worthy addition to your collection!
