Fourth Generation 1993-2002

• New body design and chassis consisting of steeper sloped windshield, Engine setback under front of firewall, and tighter suspension
• Model lineup consisted of Firebird, Formula, or Trans Am
• New interior setup with standard leather seating on Trans Am
• Convertible or Hardtop coupe options (the convertible was available after 1993)
• Engine options consisted of 3.4L V6(1993-1995), 3.8L V6(1996-2002), 5.7L V8
• WS6 package which consisted of 5.7L V8 w/ram air induction, stiffer suspension, special hood, and badging
• 1994 Special Edition 25th Anniversary Trans Am; package consisted of white exterior w/single blue stripe, white leather interior with embroidered seats, and white painted 5-spoke wheels
• Firehawk option package available from 1993-2002 with 10th Anniversary package being offered in 2001
• 1999 Special Edition 30th Anniversary Trans Am; package consisted of white exterior w/twin blue stripes and decal package, white leather interior w/embroidered seats, bright blue painted wheels, WS6 option package
• 2002 Special Edition Collector Trans Am celebrating 35 years of the Firebird; package consists of yellow exterior w/dual black stripes and hood bird graphics, black leather interior w/embroidered seats, black painted wheels, and WS6 option package

The Firebird was substantially revised for 1993, the beginning of its fourth generation. The exterior styling was dramatically aerodynamic, and incorporated plastic front fenders, although much of the floorplan and rear suspension was carried over from the third generation. The front suspension was new, and incorporated a new short/long-arm design and incorporated rack-and-pinion steering for the first time. The Firebird lineup was reduced to three models, Base, Formula, and Trans Am, the convertible was eliminated and Engine choices were now just two. The base Engine was a new 3.4 liter V6, based on the previous 3.1, rated at a decent 160 bhp. But the big news was the new LT1 version of the classic 5.7 liter small-block V8 rated at a stout 275 bhp. Furthermore, the LT1 could be ordered with a six-speed manual transmission and was standard in both the Formula and Trans Am models. Production: Trans Am: 5,121

1994 saw the reintroduction of the convertible and a special blue and white 25th Anniversary Trans Am. Also new was a GT version of the Trans Am which added additional luxury features such as leather seats. Perhaps most annoying was a new "Skip Shift" feature on the six-speed manual which, depending on throttle position, would force an upshift from first to fourth gear for better fuel economy. This lead to an explosion in aftermarket skip shift eliminator kits.

The Firebird remains true to its roots as a boldly styled 2+2 sport coupe or convertible carrying options that make it a bona fide muscle car. The Trans Am model offers more muscle, with the Corvette's 5.7-liter V8, 6-speed manual transmission and upgraded suspension. The 4-speed is optional. Horsepower is up by 10 at 285 this year, thanks to a revised exhaust system. Optional traction control helps keep you on the straight and narrow in slippery conditions. The WS6 performance package, available on the Formula and Trans Am, reintroduces their fabled "Ram Air" cold air induction system for the 5.7 V8 coupes (not convertibles). Ordering the WS6 package added twin nostrils (air intakes) on the hood which boosted the Engine rating to a stellar 305 bhp.  Specific suspension tuning and 17-inch wheels round out the package. All Firebirds come with dual airbags and antilock brakes as standard equipment. Air conditioning is standard on all Trans Am cars. Steering-wheel-mounted controls for some of the five available sound systems are optional, as is a CD player.

The WS6 was now available on Formula and Trans Am convertibles. Also new was the option of a 500-watt Monsoon audio system.

One of the last remaining muscle cars, Pontiac Firebird enters 1998 with a new look, a more powerful V8 Engine and the same aggressive attitude. Pontiac replaced the LT-1 with the LS-1 V8 Engine, which had first appeared in the 1997 Chevrolet Corvette. The all-aluminum LS-1 was rated at 305 bhp in base trim and 320 bhp in WS6 "Ram Air" mode. The fresh look includes a reshaped front end, with new hood scoops, round foglights, pop-up headlights, turn signals and ducts. The gills on the front fenders behind the wheel wells are also new, as are the redesigned honeycomb taillights and V8 oval exhaust tips. Trans Am gets V8 power that makes it one of the fastest cars on the road.  If you have a greater need for speed, order a WS6 package. It adds huge tires, another 15 hp, racy 5-spoke polished aluminum wheels and high-polish exhaust tips. A special-order aftermarket Firehawk Edition is available with 327 hp. Traction control is optional. A rear defogger and A/C are standard.

One of the last remaining muscle cars, Pontiac Trans Am enters 1999 brimming with horsepower and attitude. Available as Coupe or as a Trans Am,  there's also a special-order aftermarket Firehawk Edition with 327 hp. The Trans Am (which celebrates its 30th anniversary this year) comes with a 305-hp V8 and a 6-speed manual gearbox that make it one of the fastest cars on the road.  If you have the need for some serious speed, the WS6 package, which is available on Formula and Trans Am, adds huge tires, ram-air induction, 15 hp and 17-in. aluminum wheels. Antilock brakes are standard on the Trans Am, with traction control as an optional on the Trans Am.  Dual airbags, daytime running lights and air conditioning are standard on the Trans Am. A few new options were available, including Additions for '99 include a Torsen limited-slip differential that improves traction on the Trans Am, a larger fuel tank, a Hurst shifter for the six-speed manual transmission and a power steering cooler on V8 models. New exterior colors and the addition of a second exhaust outlet on the Ram Air WS6 package are also available.

The Trans Am is for those who want to be noticed. Besides being one of the most outrageously styled machines on the road, the V8 Engine Pontiac Trans Am is one of the fastest cars in the world. Available as a Coupe or a Convertible Pontiac subscribes to the old hot rodder's adage, "How fast you want to go." The legendary Trans Am, which celebrated its 30th anniversary in '99, comes with a 305-hp V8 and a six-speed manual transmission that makes it one of the fastest cars on the road.  If you have the need for some serious speed, the WS6 package, which is available on the Trans Am, adds huge tires, ram-air induction, which is good for an extra 15 hp, 17-in. aluminum wheels and high-polished exhaust tips. ABS are standard on the Trans Am, with traction control being optional on the high-powered V8 model. Dual airbags, daytime running lights, four-wheel disc brakes, cruise control, a console with dual cupholders, an auxiliary power outlet and air conditioning are standard on all Trans Am cars. Additions for 2000 include a new exterior color called Maple Red Metallic, a new interior color called Ebony, child seat tether anchors in the rear seat and new-style 17-in. high polished aluminum wheels on the Ram Air WS6 cars.

2001 saw a small increase in Engine ratings, with the LS-1 increasing to 310 bhp and 325 with the WS6 option. The Ram Air Engine was now no longer available on the Formula trim.

2002 would prove to be the last year for the Firebird, and Pontiac decided to issue a special 35th anniversary Firebird (as opposed to Anniversary of the Trans Am). This special model was a Trans Am which featured yellow paint, black wheels, and special graphics.     Still exhilarating after all these years, the Pontiac Firebird entered the 2002 model year as the most exciting car in GM’s excitement division. Several once-optional features are now standard for 2002. The ultimate expression of Firebird muscle, Trans Am, was offered in both coupe and convertible editions. Standard equipment included removable roof panels with sunshades, leather seating surfaces and an uplevel rear spoiler for the coupe. The 5.7L LS1 introduced leading-edge technologies to the grand tradition of the GM small-block V8, including all-aluminum construction, a thermoplastic intake manifold. Measured by mass, package size, performance or cost to the customer, the 5.7L LS1 matches the world’s best overhead cam V8s. With this new small block, those who claimed cam-in-block engines could not meet the demands of a new decade—or increasingly stringent emissions standards—were proven patently wrong. Formula and Trans Am drivers get 310 horsepower and 461 Nm of torque, while Trans Am drivers opting for Ram Air will enjoy 325 horsepower and 475 Nm. Available transmissions for the LS1 include a six-speed manual or four-speed automatic.