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From trying its hands at EVs to building great performance cars, GM created several incredible models in the '90s.

The 1990s was a very busy decade for General Motors. Through its main automobile divisions, it was releasing new models and improving existing models throughout the decade. Despite suffering losses and having to cut output significantly in 1990, GM unveiled the General Motors EV1 (Impact) concept car. It was a zero-emission car that eventually entered production in the 1997 model year. Another model that debuted in 1990 was Pontiac's first minivan, the Trans Sport.

Other new arrivals in 1990 were the first Buick Reatta convertible and the Chevrolet Lumina. In 1991, Cadillac introduced the Northstar engine series which remained in production until 2011. These high-performance engines were used in '90s cars like the Oldsmobile Aurora, the Cadillac Allante, and the Eldorado. To wind down the decade, the Silverado was released in 1998 while the Escalade followed in 1999 as GM's response to the Lincoln Navigator. Here are 10 of GM's greatest cars from the 1990s.

The fourth generation of the Firebird came in 3 trims with 4-wheel ABS, power steering, and several non-rusting composite body panels. In 1996 the Trans Am got the WS6 performance package which added a functional dual-inlet "Ram Air" hood. Engine output was boosted from 285 hp to 305 hp while torque rose to 335 lb-ft.

Furthermore, it got oval dual tailpipe tips while Bilstein shocks were offered as options. It could hit 60 mph in around 5.8 seconds and max out at about 159 mph.

Following the 1990 release of the Impact electric concept car, the production EV1 arrived in the 1997 model year. The 2-seater coupe was powered by a 3-phase induction AC motor driven by a 16.3 kWh lead-acid battery. Output was 137 hp and 111 lb-ft of torque while the driving range was 79 miles.

On the regular 110-volt outlet, the EV1 took 15 hours to get fully charged. On the other hand, it took the 220-volt MagneCharge only three hours to get to full charging capacity. Weighing in at 2,970 pounds, the 1997 GM EV1 could hit 60 mph in less than 9 seconds. Despite positive customer reactions and protests, GM discontinued the EV1.

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Debuting with the 1997 model, the C5 Corvette featured a hydroformed box frame. By relocating the transmission to form an integrated rear-mounted transaxle, it got a perfect front-rear weight distribution which improved handling.

The all-new 5.7-liter LS1 V8 engine under the hood, hooked to the transaxle by a torque tube, cranked out 345 hp. Available only as a coupe, the 1997 Corvette was good for a top speed of 175 hp. Thanks to the improved structural platform, it was a stronger and quieter car than the C4 models.

Available from 1991 to 1994, the Z34 was the high-performance variant of the Chevrolet Lumina. Offered only on the coupe, the Z34 trim wore lower side skirts, a louvered hood, and a rear spoiler to show its sporting intent. Underneath, it got the FE3 sport suspension package and dual exhaust.

Hooked to the standard 5-speed manual transmission, the 3.4-liter V6 engine under the hood made 210 hp. It could run the quarter-mile in 15.5 seconds and tackle curves with confidence. Equipped with 4-wheel disc brakes, it also had strong stopping power.

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With its subdued looks and 4-door body, the 1996 Impala SS was a bonafide sleeper car in the '90s. Thanks to a beefed-up LT1 V8 engine with an OBD-II computer control system, it had plenty of passing power. The retuned 5.7-liter unit, sporting cast iron cylinder heads, produced 260 hp and 330 lb-ft of torque.

Hitched to a 4-speed automatic transmission, it sent the Impala SS to 60 mph in 7 seconds and a top speed of 142 hp. Despite the sports-oriented shocks, the big Chevy sedan delivers a comfortable ride quality.

The 1990 Chevrolet Silverado 454 SS was developed as the high-performance variant of the Chevrolet C1500. For better driving dynamics, it featured an upgraded suspension which included Bilstein gas shock absorbers and a stronger front stabilizer bar.

Under the hood, it sported a massive 7.4-liter V8 power plant that mated with a 3-speed automatic transmission to produce 230 hp. Although it doesn't sound like much by today's standards, back then, it was the bomb. Decked out in black, the 454 SS had body-colored bumpers/mirrors, a gloss black grille, and bucket seats.

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Available only in black, the 1991 GMC Syclone was jointly produced by GMC and Production Automotive Services (PAS). It was powered by a 4.3-liter turbocharged V6 engine that fed the 4 wheels through a 4-speed automatic transmission.

With 280 hp and 350 lb-ft of torque, it could hit 60 mph in 4.3 seconds and clear the quarter-mile in 13.4 seconds. Not only was it the quickest production truck in 1991, but it was also the first production truck to feature 4-wheel ABS. Anyone who lines up against the Syclone does so at his peril.

The Cadillac Seville entered the fourth generation in 1992 as a stunning new sedan. Offered in 2 trims, the new Seville was longer and wider than the 1991 model. Under the hood of both models, they had a 4.9-liter V8 engine that churned out 200 hp and 275 lb-ft of torque.

Paired with a 4-speed automatic transmission, it sent the STS model to 60 mph in 6.9 seconds. Although the Seville got even better in 1993, the 1992 model earned rave reviews from car magazines and enthusiasts.

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The GMC Typhoon is a 2-door high-performance SUV that was on sale in 1992 and 1993. Under the hood, it hid a 4.3-liter turbocharged V6 mill hitched to a 4-speed automatic transmission and a 4WD system. With 280 hp and 350 lb-ft on tap, the Typhoon could hit 60 mph in just 5.3 seconds.

Other features include a BorgWarner 4472 transfer case, upgraded brakes, and an air-operated self-leveling rear suspension. While it certainly looks aggressive on the driveway, it is downright frightening as it thunders along the blacktop.

Built on the F-body platform like the Pontiac Firebird, the fourth-generation Chevrolet Camaro Z28 debuted with a 275-hp engine and rectangular dual exhaust tips. With a facelift in 1998, the Z28 got an all-new 5.7-liter V8 power plant. Mated to a 6-speed manual or a 4-speed automatic transmission, the LS1 produced an output of 305 hp.

Zero-60 mph happened in 6.8 seconds. The 1998 Z28 also featured a working coolant temperature gauge while its stopping power came from 4-wheel ventilated disc brakes with ABS. Also on the menu were stability control, cruise control, traction control, and remote keyless entry.

Hillary Princewill is a Nigerian writer who grew up spending a lot of time in his Dad's garage. He loves sports car, F1 and military vehicles.