Sometimes a good car or truck just makes a bad fashion decision.  That seems to be the case with the 2000 GMC Jimmy Diamond Edition.  GMC’s loyal Jimmy compact sport-utility has been tarted up and decked out in an effort to make a style-intensive “special” edition.  It’s a good thing that they didn’t mess with the mechanical parts, if the crew responsible for the Diamond Edition’s style was in charge.

GMC’s Jimmy, along with its twin the Chevrolet Blazer, is one of the original sport-utility vehicles.  The nameplate was affixed to the first compact GMC sport-utes in the early 1980s.  Unlike many car-based sport-utes, the Jimmy’s basic architecture is shared with the S-10 pickup truck.  It’s more “truck” than most SUVs are these days, and GMC is proud of this fact.  The “Diamond Edition” is a special model for 2000, celebrating the Jimmy nameplate, which turned thirty in 1999.

We think they could have found a better way to honor the Jimmy  The Diamond Edition Jimmy is clad in what appears to be the latest, most stylish SUV armor available.  Upon closer inspection, those side kick panels and the aggressive front brush bar are plastic, however.  Any truly trucklike behavior is liable to smash them to bits.  The tube-style steps running down either side aren’t much better.  All of the add-ons clutter up the Jimmy’s basic, honest design.  Trust us, there’s a good-looking truck under all of the equipment.

Inside, the Diamond Edition moniker becomes clear; black leather seats are upholstered with a quilted diamond pattern, which carries onto the doors as well.  Disco fans and drivers of “Smokey and the Bandit”-era big rigs will love it.  For the rest of us, it looks a lot better in the dark.  The good news about the Jimmy’s tacky getup is that it’s actually a very nice truck under all of the meringue.  Those ugly seats are quite comfortable, and the simple, easy-to-learn controls are logically laid out.

It’s also easy to drive.  Phenomenally easy, in fact.  Compared to other mid-sized, mid-priced sport utilities like the Mitsubishi Montero Sport and Ford Explorer Limited, the Jimmy never felt tippy or sluggish.  It hides its height and weight well.  The 190-horsepower Vortec V6 provides plenty of power, without ever sounding labored.  GMC’s Vortec backs up its reputation as a strong, smooth engine in the Jimmy.  Four-wheel-drive is available.  All Diamond Editions are equipped with a four-speed automatic transmission and heavy-duty trailer towing package which allows the truck to pull up to 5900 pounds in two-wheel drive form.

The Jimmy is less clumsy than most truck-based SUVs.  Freeway lane changes and hard stops are no reason for sweaty palms.  Visibility is also good, so true four-wheeling shouldn’t be a problem either–just make sure you’ve ordered the optional skid plates, and are prepared to lose much of the style-oriented Diamond Edition trimmings.

The Diamond Edition is equipped with GMC’s Luxury Ride Suspension, which keeps much of the jounce out of rough roads.  Our test vehicle was a two-wheel-drive model, and we never noticed any instability, even in heavy rain.  It’s happy whether it’s bouncing down rutted roads, or crawling through traffic on the way to Blockbuster Video.  All in all, the Jimmy feels strong, confident, and capable, despite the fact that it rides on ordinary old truck-style leaf and coil springs underneath.  Who needs sophistication?

In the tradition of special editions, the Diamond Edition is packed near to bursting with equipment.  The options list stretches to include a BOSE sound system, heated seats, trip computer, CD changer, high-intensity-discharge (HID) headlamps (the blue and purple lights often seen on BMW and Lexus cars), and a sunrof.  The Diamond Edition starts at 29,995, a little bit more than the $28,295 you’d pay for the base 2WD Jimmy and less than the $34,000 you’d pay for the high-zoot Envoy.  Our test vehicle was a two-wheel-drive Diamond Edition, and featured a sunroof and a locking rear differential.  It stickered for $33,150.   In the end, we think you’d be better off buying a well-equipped standard Jimmy, and using the savings to choose your own accessories.

The Fact Box:
All specs are for the 2000 GMC Jimmy Diamond Edition 2wd, which we tested.

Length:    188.8 in.
Width:        647.8 in.
Height:        64.3 in.
Wheelbase:    107.0 in.
GVWR:    5350 lb
Cargo space:    37.3 sq.ft (seat up)
74.1 sq.ft (seat folded)
Towing capacity:    5900 lb.
Base price:        $29,570
Price as tested:     $33,150
Engine:     4.3 liter Vortec 4300 V6
Drivetrain:     four-speed automatic, rear-wheel drive
Horsepower:     190@4400 rpm
Torque:     250@2800 rpm
Fuel capacity:    18 gallons
Est. mileage:    16/22

6/2009 update: The GMC Jimmy/Chevy Blazer hasn’t aged well, in my opinion.  Ten years down the road, they look old.  They rattle.  Like many older American vehicles, the mechanical bits will run forever, but everything else ends up looking pretty sorry.  The Diamond Edition was somewhat tacky to begin with, so that doesn’t bode well either, should you manage to find one.