I think they started doing that in 96
For the most part (gm)
96 Marked the last year for the RWD B-Bodies, but the transition really started in 1988 when they dropped all the RWD G-Bodies for FWD versions. Of course enthusiasts prefer RWD, but the transition to FWD was a good business decision. In the mid 80s Japanese Import companies like Honda were beginning to take a fair market share away with their majority FWD based platforms and GM did what they could to compete. As much as people hate on FWD, they outsell RWD cars 10:1 and serve many benefits for the average car buyer. They provide more interior space, handle better in poor weather conditions and most people find under-steer less frightening and easier to control than over-steer found in RWD cars. Shoot... As much as people love the last gen B-Bodies, the FWD W Bodies that replaced them were faster and handled better.
I think GM's current lineup has it right. FWD for the pedestrian A-B cars (Malibu, Cruze), 1 RWD sedan (SS, Formerly G
, a variety of Camaros in various trim levels and of course the Corvette. Cadillac's gone back to a primarily RWD lineup, although they aren't selling as well as their older FWD cars. GM's always kept it's real performance oriented cars RWD, but there's no market in making your whole lineup RWD anymore. Even Mercedes and BMW are introducing FWD to their market in recent years.