It’s a well-known fact that GMC always impresses, whether it’s with the brand’s legendary pickup trucks or its extravagant trim levels. Drivers just can’t seem to get enough, especially when they want high-class style and loads of desirable features. The brand has been around for over a century, building many iconic vehicles that have traversed roadways across America. Let’s take a deep dive into GMC history as we explore the six most fascinating vehicles the brand has ever produced. You may even find yourself wondering which of these vehicles can still be found on the used lot of your local GMC dealership, just waiting for its chance to be in the limelight once again.
#1 – GMC Syclone
Back in the early 1990s, the GMC Syclone was stealing the scene, especially when it came to racing. Although nowadays, we have vehicles that can jet from 0-60 mph in under two seconds, this wasn’t the case some 30 years ago. The Syclone pickup truck made quite a scene when it first blasted onto the track, with its ability to shoot from 0-60 mph in a cool 5.3 seconds, beating out sports car rivals like the Ferrari 348ts. The wow factor was that it was a truck pummeling over the competition, something that would still be jaw-dropping today. Powered by a turbocharged V6 engine, the Syclone was able to deliver a thrilling ride and was dubbed GMC’s fastest accelerating vehicle.
Although the Syclone was a wonder on the track, practical everyday tasks were not its forte, especially towing and hauling, which meant that it wasn’t a top pick for the job site. It also wasn’t built for off-roading, limiting its appeal to those with a need for speed. Perhaps this is why the truck was only in production for two years. However, if you look hard enough, you may just spot one on the used car lot of your local GMC dealership.
#2 – GMC Envoy
Making its way onto the scene in the late 1990s was the midsize GMC Envoy SUV, which emerged out of the growing need for more versatile vehicles. With enough space to accommodate passengers comfortably and a luxurious interior to make any ride more appealing, the Envoy quickly made a name for itself in the industry. It was a perfect blend of ruggedness and sophistication, with an easy driving demeanor resembling that of a car but in the form of an SUV. The Envoy was on the scene for about a decade before GMC pulled the plug on it, which means that more recent models have more advanced tech, like OnStar and a rear-seat DVD system.
The Envoy was known to be exceptionally reliable and capable, with a high ground clearance that helped it head off-road like an expert. It was perhaps this level of versatility that made it such a popular GMC staple, with the ability to cascade down muddy trails and seamlessly switch to an everyday luxury traveler in an instant. Being that this model was still in production up until the 2009 model year, chances are there are a few of them still lingering on lots at GMC dealerships across the nation.
#3 – GMC Chevette
You may not know this, but GMC made a sedan once. The GMC Chevette debuted in 1992 in the Argentinian market. You’ve probably heard of the American equivalent, the Chevy Chevette, which was not an uncommon vehicle in the 1970s and 1980s. However, GMC made its own version for foreign markets in the 1990s, making it GMC’s first and only sedan. It was small, agile, and able to zip through traffic like a pro, which was perfect for the crowded streets of Argentina. It was built on GMC’s famous T-platform, featuring rear-wheel drive and unibody construction, which made it easy to drive and appealing to those who desired a compact sedan. Although collectors will not have a hard time finding a Chevy Chevette on a used car lot, one with a GMC badge may prove more difficult to locate.
#4 – GMC Sonoma GT
GMC is no stranger to pickup trucks, especially those built for performance. Just take a look at the sporty GMC Sonoma GT, which made its first appearance on roadways in the early 1990s. Although it was slower than the Syclone, its 7.6 second 0-60 mph time was respectable for pickup trucks of that era. Chevy aficionados may recognize this truck as the Chevy S-10. However, the Sonoma GT focused more on performance and speed, making it a different, albeit very similar, model.
Only 806 examples were built, which makes the Sonoma GT a rare find on GMC dealership lots across the nation. It was compact, extremely fast, and ready to deliver a power-packed ride, making it an alluring addition to any GMC aficionado’s collection. There are still some Sonoma GT models in good condition lingering on lots and at auction, allowing this truck to live on and continue to deliver an awe-inspiring ride.
#5 – GMC Jimmy
There’s talk in the industry that GMC is reviving its famous Jimmy nameplate for a new off-road-ready adventurer. There’s a reason why the Jimmy name is so well known, despite the fact that it’s been off the market for years. In the 1980s and 1990s, GMC revitalized its SUV lineup with compact options like the Jimmy that appealed to those searching for more fuel-efficient vehicles. A trendsetter in the industry, the Jimmy was able to pave the way for other vehicles, like the Ford Bronco II and Jeep Cherokee, offering drivers rugged capabilities in a small and easy-to-handle package.
With a very functional and practical layout, the Jimmy and its cousin, the Chevy Blazer, were able to traverse tricky terrain, accommodate more passengers, and deliver an engaging ride. This made the Jimmy the perfect vehicle for drivers across the nation. You’ll still see a few Jimmys rolling around town due to their reliability and durability on the road and off.
#6 – GMC Terracross
In 2002, GMC unveiled an interesting concept SUV, the Terracross, which showcased a unique design and a futuristic feel. With a three-panel sliding glass roof, gliding rear doors, and a multifunction midgate, the Terracross was unlike anything seen in that era. Not only could its occupants enjoy the wind whipping through their hair with the glass panels open, but the panels could also be configured to provide an open cargo box at the rear of the vehicle to accommodate more cumbersome items. New-age tech filled its cabin with a configurable instrument cluster, OnStar, and even an integrated laptop on its dash to give off serious Matrix vibes. While the Terracross never made it into production, you can find some of its unique features in the GMC Envoy XUV.
Open the GMC Vault
Over the decades, GMC has revealed a slew of famous vehicles featuring exceptional comfort and refinement on the road. From its Sierra truck family to the luxurious Denali trims available throughout its lineup, and even its rugged AT4 options, the automaker knows how to wow a crowd and keep them coming back for more. Although these six vehicles are no longer in production, that doesn’t mean they can’t still be located at GMC dealerships across the nation. They may be lying in wait, just looking for the right owner to shine them up and get them running again. Whether it’s the ultra-fast Syclone or the fan-favorite Jimmy, when it comes to iconic vehicles, GMC has one of the most interesting histories around, marked by vehicles that have shaped the industry as we know it.
