The Pontiac Firebird Trans Am WS6 Was a Rockin' 1990s Muscle Car

TL;DR

The 2000 Trans Am WS6 delivers 325hp, iconic ram-air nostrils, and a rumbly V8 that still feels like a genuine muscle car despite its cheap interior.

Key Points

• 1.The WS6 was the top-tier Firebird, offering serious performance for its era. The 5.7L V8 produced 325 horsepower and 350 lb-ft of torque in later models, with the Ram Air hood forcing air directly into the engine for maximum output.
• 2.The iconic open-nostril Ram Air hood defined the WS6's aggressive identity. Early WS6 models (1996) had smaller nostrils and only 305hp; later cars got larger openings and the power bump to 325hp, with 'Ram Air' literally badged on the grille.
• 3.The fourth-gen Firebird's radical arrow-shaped design was polarizing but distinctive. Launched for 1993, it featured a low pointed nose rising to a high tail, pop-up headlights (among the last ever used through 2002), and no retro styling cues whatsoever.
• 4.The WS6 package added handling upgrades and unmistakable visual flair beyond just power. It included sport-tuned suspension, a massive multi-support rear wing, and unique wheels with center caps literally stamped 'WS6 Performance and Handling Package.'
• 5.The interior was universally criticized for its cheap plastics and poor fit and finish. Panel gaps, mismatched colors, a notorious passenger footwell hump, and an outdated multi-function stalk from the late 1980s all undermined the driving experience.
• 6.Bright interior spots included a Monsoon CD player, steering wheel audio controls, and T-tops. The removable T-top panels used a separate key and were painted rather than glass, while the single front cup holder was actually generous by late-1990s standards.
• 7.On the road, the WS6 exceeded Doug's expectations in nearly every area. Steering was heavier and more direct than anticipated, body roll was less than feared, the six-speed shifter felt tight, and the V8 rumble rivaled modern V8 Challengers and Camaros.
• 8.The Firebird ended production in 2002 and never returned, unlike the Camaro. Pontiac's brand death in the recession killed any revival, making this late-model WS6 the last and best expression of the nameplate; it scored 53 out of 100 on the Doug Score.