The Generation 3, introduced in 1990 and culminated with the Ultimate G Diamonds (G7), represented the greatest product change in Kirby’s history. It was redesigned from the ground up. New die casting methods, lightweight aluminum design and the use of strengthening rims reduced weight. The addition of TechDrive Variable Power Assist makes cleaning almost effortless applying up to 90% of the effort required to operate the unit.
Generation 3
The Kirby Generation 3, produced from 1990 to 1993, marked a fresh era for Kirby vacuums and was promoted as the “Dawn of a New Generation.” It introduced over 60 improvements, most notably the TechDrive Power Assist system—an automatic transmission that adjusted to the user’s movement, making operation effortless. Other refinements included toe-touch control, an adjustable brush roll, and a redesigned belt lifter, giving the machine versatility as an upright, straight-suction, or portable cleaner.
Its outer bag featured a stiffer material and a sturdy, non-removable bag topper with a spring-supported clip, enhancing both durability and appearance. Early units had gray-painted brush rolls and sleeve-type bearings, with “GENERATION 3” embossed on the extension tubes. The model also introduced a more powerful 700-watt motor, a clear improvement over the G4’s 635-watt version.
While some early units suffered from fragile surface nozzles and switch failures, the Generation 3 remained a solid and popular performer. It came with a two-year warranty, a unique handle tilt latch, and a Mini Em-Tor with a clear bottom. Retailing at $1,366, it delivered impressive power and premium build quality for its time.
A separate Floor Care Kit was reintroduced as a standalone polisher, and a new instructional VHS accompanied the model. The belt lifter design dropped the traditional Kirby logo, now proudly featuring the text “Tech Drive.”
This exceptionally rare Generation 3 prototype tester unit offers a fascinating glimpse into the earliest stage of Kirby’s Generation series development. Far removed from the familiar alabaster white model that would later reach production, this pre-release version featured a Heritage II-style outer bag and a striking black-and-red color scheme—a visual bridge between the late-1980s Heritage line and the modernized Generation design.
The unit pictured was likely a later test model (“TEST015″ hence the alabaster white trim) issued to a Kirby company volunteer, tasked with logging detailed notes in a company record book after each use. During these trials, engineers experimented with two distinct air intake guard designs and even included a unique dusting brush—an accessory that never appeared in the final release. Notably, the “Generation 3” logo appeared on the extension tube and small brush, details that vanished once mass production began.
What makes this prototype especially remarkable is the branding of its drive system. Before “Tech Drive” became the marketing term Kirby fans know today, it was labeled “Power Drive.” The accompanying instruction manual shared strong visual similarities with the Heritage II documentation, before being redesigned to suit the styling trends of the upcoming 1990s. Based on available evidence, this particular test unit was likely in evaluation around 1988 or 1989, preceding the public release of the production model in 1990.
For collectors and enthusiasts alike, this prototype stands as a true gem—a tangible snapshot of the transition between Kirby’s Heritage and Generation eras, and a testament to the company’s methodical innovation process.
Special thanks to fellow collector Thomas Stepien of Ohio, who owns and documented this remarkable piece of Kirby history.
Generation 4 (g4)
80th Anniversary edition
The Kirby Generation 4 (G4), introduced in 1993, carried forward much of the power and performance of the Generation 3 but introduced a series of subtle yet important updates that made it stand out in the Kirby line. Mechanically, it featured the same Tech Drive self-propelled system but added a handle centering spring and a refined tilt latch, making maneuvering smoother. The G4 also marked the debut of Micron Magic disposable bags, a major improvement in filtration compared to the older paper bags used in the G3. Its outer bag was redesigned with a vinyl top instead of the reinforced style of the G3, and the machine itself shifted into a lighter “stone gray” color scheme, setting it apart cosmetically.
Early production G4s from 1993 and early 1994 are especially prized by collectors for their unique details. The very first examples had a plain topper with no lettering, a white zipper, and even a G3 bag strap tucked inside. They also featured a small instructional picture on the bottom of the handle fork showing how to use the tilt latch, a white trim piece under the headlight hood, and a white attachment caddy. At this stage, G4s still used the G3-style power switch pedal and arrow stickers on the toe-touch pedals. When the 80th Anniversary Edition was released, Kirby updated the design with the newer style power switch pedal, bare metal toe-touch pedals, and a topper proudly labeled with “Micron Magic.”
By 1995–96, The 80th Anniversary decal was removed and replaced with the earlier version, another small cosmetic change appeared: the Emtor’s directional arrow, which originally was a small colored arrow, was changed to a larger, uncolored version. While these tweaks didn’t alter the core performance, they gave the G4 a distinctive evolution over its production years. Altogether, the G4 is remembered as the machine that introduced Kirby’s signature Micron Magic filtration.
A fun video, “Mister We Shrunk Our Mom” was released to promote the g4 and the new Micron magic filtration”
Kirby launches their website!
Generation 5 (G5)
Generation 6 (GSix)
GSix 2000 and 2001 special edition
Kirby GSix, released in 1999, carried forward the polished aluminum construction that defined the brand but introduced a bold black-and-yellow color scheme that distinguished it sharply from the maroon G5. Its design blended tradition with a more modern look, making it instantly recognizable to owners and collectors alike.
The most significant advancement on the GSix was the debut of Micron Magic HEPA Filtration, proudly advertised on the outer bag with a large badge reading “Micron Magic HEPA Filtration.” This marked a major step forward in Kirby’s commitment to cleaner indoor air, capturing finer particles and allergens than previous filtration systems.
Another important update was the redesigned Sani-Emtor system. This new emtor slightly increased the vacuum’s noise level, but it also delivered stronger airflow and greater cleaning power, which many owners considered a worthwhile tradeoff. The improved airflow gave the GSix a reputation for being one of the harder-hitting performers of the Generation line.
Other Improvements Include:
Subtle refinements appeared during the production run. Toward the end of 2001, Kirby switched to a thinner outer bag material, a change that carried over into the following Ultimate G. Around this same time, the company began substituting some metal parts in the transmission with plastic components, signaling a gradual shift in manufacturing practices without compromising the machine’s overall durability.
The GSix also saw two special editions releases: the “Limited Edition 2000” and “Limited Edition 2001.” Mechanically identical to the standard model, these editions’ only distinguishing feature was a handle decal marked “Limited Edition 2000/2001,” giving them collectible appeal tied to the millennium year.
Kirby Ultimate G (G7)
The Ultimate G, released in 2002, was the seventh Generation model, though Kirby never marketed it as “G7.” That label appeared only on the bottom plate; all branding read Ultimate G.
Released in 2002, the Kirby Ultimate G introduced a refined era for the Generation series. Its new Sunburst and Twilight Gray color scheme offered a softer, more modern look designed to “blend into any home décor,” said Frank Venditti Jr., President of North American Field Sales, when unveiling the model at the April 27, 2002 distributors’ meeting in Dallas. Two months later in Marbella, Spain, Allan Heron, President of International Sales, called it “the Ultimate ‘G’ — with the emphasis on greatness.”
Beneath its polished exterior, the Ultimate G gained meaningful engineering upgrades. A redesigned brush roll with denser tufts and a new bristle pattern improved cleanability by 15 percent, spinning at 3,000 RPM for greater pickup. A modified fan increased airflow by about 5 percent, providing stronger suction with every pass. The polymer shampoo-system nozzle debuted on this model, reducing weight and improving handling while maintaining durability. The belt lifter was re-engineered to open from the top for smoother operation when switching to straight-suction mode.
Ease of Use and Refinements
Kirby’s user-friendly updates included a C-shaped outer-bag zipper for easier access and an S-shaped disposable-bag opening that released less dust when changed. Combined with Micron Magic HEPA filtration, the system reflected Kirby’s ongoing commitment to cleaner indoor air.
Supporting materials were modernized too: the Owner Care Manual adopted an upright format, the instructional video was indexed by topic, and even shampoo-system packaging featured illustrated tabs for simpler setup.
Kirby Ultimate G Diamond Edition (G7 Diamond) — 2003–2006
The Diamond Edition, released in 2003, was Kirby’s official 90th Anniversary model. It built on the Ultimate G’s design and became the fully refined version of the G7 platform.
The machine featured the polished aluminum body with gray-and-yellow trim and a gray diamond-patterned bag. Like the Ultimate G, it used the curved zipper on the back, but its styling was sharper and tied to the diamond theme. The handle decal carried the “Diamond Edition” name with matching graphics.
Its biggest innovation was a two-speed motor switch, the only one in the Generation line. This let users toggle between high power and a lower “delicate” mode, though prolonged use on low could stress the motor. The Diamond also added a sturdier belt lifter arm and continued with the polymer shampoo nozzle first introduced on the Ultimate G.
The Diamond Edition was also the last Kirby to feature the built-in coin holder on the back of the handle. Produced until 2006, it is remembered as one of the most iconic Kirby vacuums — combining the curved-zipper design, anniversary styling, stronger components, and unique two-speed switch.
*Instructional video was now available as a DVD
Kirby Home Care Products Through the Generations
While Kirby had offered a small selection of cleaning supplies in earlier decades, it was during the Generation series era (1990s–2000s) that the company truly expanded its home care line. Kirby introduced an extensive range of cleaning and maintenance products designed to complement its vacuum systems — transforming from a vacuum manufacturer into a complete home care brand. The lineup grew to include carpet shampoos, foam upholstery cleaners, surface and floor sprays, pet stain removers, fragrance products, and specialized accessories such as stretch hoses, mini-attachments, and ceiling fan brushes. Products like HomeFresh Carpet & Room Deodorizer and Odorific II became household staples for many Kirby owners. This period marked a turning point where Kirby’s accessory and chemical divisions flourished, offering customers not just a cleaner home — but a coordinated system of professional-grade cleaning solutions that remains part of the Kirby tradition today.