Fourth Generation Pontiac Firebirds

The Pontiac Firebird has seen the emergence of four generations of high performance cars. For 35 years, from 1967 to 2002, the Firebird shared a platform with other models from Pontiac, and the Cougar and the Ford Mustang. Powered by variants of the V8 engine 1982, the Firebird was then powered by various engines from GM's stable. The fourth generation Pontiac Firebirds continued with the F-body and improved aerodynamics with its famous pop-up units. The overall styling was more than a facelift from the third generation Firebirds, and was more on the lines of the Banshee IV concept car. The fast and powerful Firebirds, to say the least, went out on top after a decline in the sports coupe market.

The 1993 Firebird marked the beginning of its fourth generation. More attention was paid to exterior styling, aerodynamics, and new front suspension. Plastic front fenders were incorporated into the three models, Base, Formula, and Trans Am. A new short/long-arm design and rack -and-pinion steering was part of the new front suspension design. Choice of engines were a 3.4 liter V6 with 160 horsepower and the new 5.7 liter LT1 version with 275 horsepower. The LT1 was standard in the Formula and Trans Am models with an optional six-speed manual transmission.

The 25th Anniversary edition of the Trans Am was released in 1994 with a touch of the 1970 Trans Am with a special blue and white stripe down the center of the vehicle, a real sports car look. A GT version of the Trans Am with luxury leather seating was added. The new 'Skip-shift' feature was introduced, which forced a shift from first to fourth gear for better fuel efficiency, heralding a flood of skip-shift eliminator kits in the market.

Traction control was introduced in the 1995 models along with a new steering wheel, similar to the Grand Prix. The Trans Am GT trim was discontinued, and a 3.8 liter V6 engine was optional to the 3.4 V6. Polyurethane bushings, an upgrade in suspension, were added to the 1995 Firebirds.

The 3.8 V6 engine was dropped for the more powerful 5.7 liter V8 with 285 horsepower. Added features were dual exhaust, four-wheel disc brakes, 17-inch alloy wheels, and a limited slip differential. The reintroduction of 'Ram Air' cold air induction system offered a choice of engines on the Formula and Trans Am coupes. The WS6 added twin air intakes on the hood to boost engine rating up to 305 horsepower, thanks to the new dual catalytic converter exhaust system. 30,937 Firebirds were manufactured in 1996. Air conditioning was standard on all V8 models.

WS6 continued in 1997 and was available with the Formula and Trans Am convertibles. All F-body models were fitted with Daytime Running Lamps (DRL). The 1997 Firehawk LT4 manufactured from SLP performance parts were sold through Pontiac dealerships.

The 1998 Pontiac Firebird received a new styling with a new front fascia and was fitted with the LS1, the latest Corvette small block V8 engine. The LS1 was rated with 305 bhp in the base model and 320 bhp in WS6 'Ram Air' mode. A Sport Appearance Package that gave the Firebird an aggressive look, was offered as an option. Pop-up quad headlights and fog lights, and honeycomb taillights were introduced in the Firebird Coupe and Formula. The Firebird GT was dropped while the Firehawk was cancelled due to problems with safety certification.

Few minor changes were made in 1999 Firebird with the inclusion of a Torsen limited-slip differential for V8 models. The 30th Anniversary of the Trans Am with a special White with Blue trim color scheme was manufactured during the year. 2000 - 2002 saw similar models being introduced with upgraded exhaust systems, and the end of its run in the sports coupe segment.