In 1989 an option became available on base model Firebirds called the "Sport Appearance Package". This package was basically nothing more than the Trans Am front and rear bumpers with the Trans Am side gfx to make the car look more sporty. Early in 1989 when the package was first released some CA cars were called Firebird SSA's and Firebird XS's. The idea was to market these models in specific regions and they started out with CA. The model for the Sacramento area of CA was given the designation "SSA" while the model for the Los Angeles area of CA was called the "XS".

            The package consisted of noting more than an appearance treatment that included SSA or XS emblems on the front fenders and rear bumper. The Firebird SSA and XS designations were later dropped toward the end of the 1989 model year.