Early rear wheel GM cars were excellent.

Based on frequent comments I received from Taxi drivers, who drive cars very hard and long, I would avoid 'em until 2005-2006 or so, . Failed automatic transmissions and front end problems were big $ issues. Some of the tranny problems resulted from over-heating in frequent and heavy use. I have been told that life can be extended, somewhat, by installing a transmission fluid cooler.

I never heard bad things about GM trucks-except that they were gas hungry critters. I suspect that has improved recently, as with other vehicles.