1992 GMC Typhoon Overview, Reviews, Ratings & Specs
The 1992 GMC Typhoon was a high-performance SUV produced by GMC for only two model years (1992-1993). Based on the compact GMC Jimmy SUV, it was a limited-production, all-wheel-drive beast that blended SUV practicality with sports car acceleration. Its singular focus on performance, thanks to a turbocharged V6 engine, made it an instant cult classic and highly sought-after by enthusiasts for its exhilarating speed and unique status.
The Good
The Typhoon's blistering acceleration and powerful turbocharged engine deliver thrilling performance. Its distinctive, aggressive styling turns heads, appealing to emotion. Practically, its SUV body style offers utility, while AWD provides confidence. Although niche, its unique blend offers a surprising performance value for enthusiasts.
The Bad
Potential owners should watch out for aging turbocharger components, electrical gremlins, and the general wear and tear common in performance vehicles of this era. Rust can also be an issue, particularly around the wheel wells and frame. Limited parts availability can make repairs challenging and expensive.
1992 GMC Typhoon: Quick Overview
- Engine Options: Only one engine was offered in the 1992 GMC Typhoon: a 4.3L (262 cubic inch) turbocharged V6 engine.
- Horsepower: This powerplant produced 280 horsepower at 4,000 RPM.
- Torque: It generated an impressive 360 lb-ft of torque at 3,200 RPM.
- Fuel Economy: The official EPA estimates for the 1992 GMC Typhoon were around 15 MPG city and 17 MPG highway. Real-world mileage often varied and was generally lower, especially when driven aggressively.
- 0-60 Times: The Typhoon was renowned for its acceleration. Stock 0-60 mph times were typically in the low 5-second range, making it one of the fastest SUVs and even many sports cars of its era.
- Towing Capacity: While not its primary focus, the Typhoon could tow. The specified towing capacity was approximately 5,000 lbs, similar to other compact SUVs of the time, but its performance nature meant towing might not be its ideal use case.
- Trim-Level Features: The 1992 GMC Typhoon was offered in a single, well-equipped trim level. Standard features included:
- All-wheel drive (AWD)
- Anti-lock braking system (ABS)
- Leather interior with power-adjustable driver's seat
- Power windows, locks, and mirrors
- Air conditioning
- Cruise control
- AM/FM stereo with cassette player and premium sound system
- Front fog lights
- Sport-tuned suspension
- Unique body enhancements, including fender flares and a rear spoiler
- 16-inch alloy wheels
1992 GMC Typhoon Specifications
Vehicle Information
| Year | 1992 |
| Make | GMC |
| Model | Typhoon |
| Trim | - |
| Style | - |
| Type | Truck |
| Category | Standard Sport Utility Vehicle |
Manufacturing Details
| Made In | United States |
| Manufacturing City | PONTIAC |
Dimensions
| Doors | 2-Door |
| Curb Weight | - |
| Gross Vehicle Weight Rating | 5000 pounds |
| Overall Height | - |
| Overall Length | - |
| Overall Width | - |
| Wheelbase Length | - |
| Standard Seating | - |
Engine & Performance
| Engine | 5.7 8 |
| Engine Size | 5.7L |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 |
| Transmission | - |
| Transmission Type | - |
| Transmission Speeds | - |
| Drivetrain | Four-Wheel Drive |
Additional Features
| Anti-Brake System | - |
| Steering Type | - |
Pricing
| Manufacturer Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) | - |
| Invoice Price | - |
| Delivery Charges | - |
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What Problems Does the 1992 GMC Typhoon Have?
The 1992 GMC Typhoon, despite its performance prowess, is not without its potential issues, particularly given its age. One of the most frequently reported problems revolves around the turbocharger system. Turbo leaks, failing wastegates, and cracked intercooler pipes can lead to a loss of power and performance. Regular maintenance of the turbo is crucial, including oil changes with quality synthetic oil. Electrical gremlins are also a common complaint. This can manifest in various ways, from intermittent gauge failures to issues with power accessories and the complex engine control unit (ECU). Wiring harness degradation over time is a significant contributor. The transmission, while generally robust, can experience wear, especially if the vehicle has been subjected to hard driving or lacks regular fluid changes. Leaks from the transmission pan or cooler lines are also possible. Fuel system components, such as fuel pumps and injectors, can become clogged or fail, impacting performance and drivability. Given the Typhoon's age, rust is a significant concern. Areas prone to corrosion include the lower body panels, wheel wells, rocker panels, and the frame itself. Thorough inspection for rust is paramount before purchasing. Specific to the 1992 model year, there were no major inherent flaws that were drastically improved or introduced in the 1993 model, as the two years were very similar mechanically. However, as with any first-year production of a specialized vehicle, early 1992 models might have had more minor bugs ironed out in later production runs. Recalls for this era are typically related to safety or emissions, and specific recalls should be verified through VIN lookup, though significant widespread recalls impacting common issues are not widely highlighted for the Typhoon beyond general maintenance concerns of older vehicles.
How long will the 1992 GMC Typhoon last?
Estimating average mileage for a 1992 GMC Typhoon is challenging due to its enthusiast appeal and limited production. Many were kept as collector's items or weekend toys, thus accumulating lower mileage. However, those driven regularly could easily reach 150,000 to 200,000 miles if meticulously maintained. Long-term durability hinges heavily on regular, high-quality maintenance, especially for the turbocharged engine and all-wheel-drive system. Weaknesses tend to emerge with age, primarily in the form of aging rubber components (hoses, seals), electrical connectors, and the potential for turbocharger wear. However, with dedicated care, these vehicles can offer many years of service and remain a reliable performance option for dedicated owners. The core engine and drivetrain are robust if treated well.
What Technology & Safety Features are Included?
The 1992 GMC Typhoon was equipped with technology that was considered quite advanced for its time, especially for an SUV. The entertainment system typically included an AM/FM stereo with a cassette player. Many Typhoons came with a premium sound system featuring multiple speakers, offering a good audio experience for the era. While modern-day tech is non-existent, for 1992, it was competitive. Driver-assistance features were very limited. The most notable safety feature was the standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), which helped prevent wheel lock-up during hard braking, significantly improving control. Airbags were not standard in 1992 across all vehicles, and it's important to verify if the Typhoon offered them, as early implementations were not as sophisticated as today's. Standard safety equipment included seatbelts, crumple zones in the body structure, and side-impact door beams. Crash-test ratings for vehicles from this specific era are not as comprehensive or readily available in modern standardized formats as they are today. GMC, being part of GM, likely adhered to internal testing standards and government regulations of the time. However, specific NHTSA or IIHS ratings for the 1992 GMC Typhoon are not widely published in easily accessible databases. Optional features were scarce, reflecting its focus on performance and mechanicals. A popular option was a power-operated sunroof. The interior often featured leather upholstery, power-adjustable seats, power windows, power locks, and air conditioning, which were considered premium amenities for an SUV at the time. The technological focus was more on the powertrain and a comfortable, upscale cabin rather than electronic aids or advanced infotainment.
What Colors Options are Available?
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In the meantime, feel free to explore the other sections for more content.
In the meantime, feel free to explore the other sections for more content.
1992 GMC Typhoon Prices and Market Value
When new, the 1992 GMC Typhoon had an MSRP that ranged from approximately $30,000 to $35,000, a significant price for an SUV in the early 90s. This premium pricing reflected its specialized, high-performance nature. Due to its limited production and cult status, the Typhoon has defied typical depreciation curves. While many vehicles from this era have depreciated to very low values, Typhoons have held their value remarkably well, and well-maintained examples can even appreciate. Factors affecting resale value include mileage, overall condition, originality of parts, maintenance history, and rarity. Pristine, low-mileage examples are highly sought after and can command prices well over their original MSRP, often reaching $30,000 to $50,000 or more for exceptional specimens. Even average examples retain significant value compared to contemporary SUVs.
1992 GMC Typhoon Cost of Ownership
Owning a 1992 GMC Typhoon is generally not economical. Insurance premiums can be higher due to its performance and rarity, especially for comprehensive coverage. Fuel costs are significant, with its turbocharged V6 consuming premium unleaded gasoline at a relatively low MPG. Maintenance requires specialized knowledge, particularly for the turbo system, and parts can be expensive and difficult to source, leading to higher repair bills. Regular fluid changes, especially for the turbo and AWD system, are critical. While its unique appeal justifies the costs for enthusiasts, it is a costly vehicle to own and operate compared to a standard SUV of the era.
1992 GMC Typhoon Fuel Efficiency
Fuel Type
Gasoline
Fuel Capacity
-
City Mileage
-
Highway Mileage
-
1992 GMC Typhoon Insurance
Insurance for a 1992 GMC Typhoon is moderately priced, reflecting its status as a Truck with strong safety ratings and
reasonable repair costs.
reasonable repair costs.
How Does the 1992 GMC Typhoon Compare to Other Truck?
The 1992 GMC Typhoon occupied a unique niche, making direct comparisons challenging. Its primary rivals in terms of performance were often sports cars, not other SUVs. The Chevrolet Camaro Z28 or Ford Mustang GT of the same era offered similar 0-60 times but lacked the practicality and all-wheel-drive capability. In terms of SUV practicality, vehicles like the Jeep Grand Cherokee or Ford Explorer were more common but offered vastly inferior performance. These latter vehicles were also significantly cheaper to purchase and maintain. From a feature perspective, the Typhoon was relatively well-equipped for its time with leather and power amenities, comparable to premium versions of other SUVs, but lacked the advanced technology found in luxury sedans. Reliability is where the Typhoon faces its biggest challenge against mainstream SUVs. While its core V6 engine and AWD system are robust if maintained, the turbocharger adds complexity and potential for issues. Mainstream SUVs from brands like Toyota or Honda from the same period were generally considered more reliable and cheaper to repair. In terms of price, the Typhoon was considerably more expensive than its mainstream SUV counterparts, positioning it more as a performance vehicle that happened to be an SUV. Alternatives depend on priorities: For outright performance in an SUV package, there are few direct contemporaries from 1992. Later performance SUVs like the early Porsche Cayenne or BMW X5 emerged, but were much more expensive. For a more reliable, albeit slower, performance-oriented SUV, one might consider a late-model Ford Explorer Sport Trac (though much later) or certain AWD performance sedans like a Subaru WRX STI (if seeking AWD speed). If budget and reliability are paramount, a standard GMC Jimmy or Chevrolet Blazer would be a more practical, though far less exciting, choice.
Final Verdict: Is the 1992 GMC Typhoon a Good Truck?
The 1992 GMC Typhoon is ideal for the automotive enthusiast who appreciates unique performance machines and understands the commitment required to maintain a specialized vehicle. It is worth buying for those seeking an incredibly fast, all-wheel-drive SUV with a strong cult following and significant bragging rights. This is not a daily driver for the budget-conscious. It is best purchased as a used vehicle, ideally a low-mileage, well-documented example from a seller who understands its value. Given its limited production, there is only one true trim to consider. Thorough pre-purchase inspection by a mechanic familiar with turbocharged V6 engines and AWD systems is crucial. For the right buyer with the necessary resources, it offers an unparalleled experience.
Simon A
Simon is a contributor to VinCheck, where he provides articles and reviews on various automotive topics. His work focuses on delivering accurate and up-to-date information about used cars, helping readers make informed decisions.