Overview & Reviews

GMC is a division of General Motors that focuses on producing SUVs, trucks and vans. Though GMC's vehicles are mechanically similar to related Chevrolet products, they are typically differentiated by unique features, trim levels and minor styling tweaks. The automaker's full-size pickups and SUVs are the most compelling offerings in its lineup; in many cases, its products in these categories are class-leading.

The marque's roots lie in the Rapid Motor Vehicle Company, a truck manufacturer that was founded by Max Grabowski in 1902. The outfit was purchased by General Motors in 1909 with the intention of having it serve as a division dedicated to building tough and capable trucks. The brand came to be known as GMC Truck; early models include the T16 and T20. Most of the manufacturer's trucks were very utilitarian in nature and functioned as dump trucks, fire trucks and military vehicles. GMC Truck's 3/4-ton Model 16 saw duty in World War I, serving mostly as a battlefield ambulance.

Sales continued to climb in the 1920s. After switching to a six-cylinder Buick-built motor, GMC Truck's 1- and 2-ton trucks earned the distinction of being the fastest in their classes. By the '30s, the line had grown to include everything from half-ton pickups to 10-ton trucks and buses. New models included the popular 1936 Suburban, which was essentially a truck-based station wagon that paired a truck's utility with a car's creature comforts.

World War II was a time of expansion for GMC Truck, thanks to its acquisition of Yellow Truck & Coach. Once again, the automaker's vehicles were tapped for wartime duty. New models like the Jimmy and the DUKW (nicknamed the Duck) were widely used by American troops.

Postwar, GMC Truck models became more consumer-oriented, and many were revamped to offer styling that more closely resembled passenger cars. The 1950s and '60s witnessed an upswing in sales, thanks to the popularity of recreational vehicles like GMC-based motor homes and pickup campers. The Jimmy name was revived and assigned to the brand's first ever sport-utility vehicle in 1970. That decade and the next saw a continued rise in the brand's popularity. The early '90s saw the brief appearance of the Syclone and Typhoon. The former was a small street pickup that burned up the asphalt with its turbocharged V6 and all-wheel drive. The latter was essentially a two-door SUV based on the same platform. Either one of these oddball speedsters could rip through a quarter-mile in around 14 seconds flat, making them among the quickest vehicles ever offered by General Motors. Also, by this time, GMC Truck had trimmed its moniker; the brand is now known simply as GMC.

In the past few decades, GM has consolidated its products and GMC's trucks have become less individualistic as a result. Today, most of GMC's vehicles are virtually identical to those sold by Chevrolet. The main differences lie in minor features and design tweaks that give GMC's offerings a more upscale image.

User Reviews:

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  Locking gas cap for this model - 2022 GMC Sierra 1500 Limited
  By Fred lommori - March 6 - 8:47 pm

  We have this 2022 Sierra 1500. It is a very nice pu. Just wondering why it doesn’t have a locking gas cap or locking door for the gas ?

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  Fantastic first vehicle!! - 2001 GMC Jimmy
  By Alexia Miller - April 28 - 1:20 pm

  I bought my Jimmy second hand as any first vehicle, and it’s an awesome learning experience. I’ve had my fair share of issues with it, but they’re issues that came with the previous owner not taking care of it. I’ve had to have the break line redone, the steering, the tie rods, and so on, but after all that, this thing is a powerhouse! For an older SUV, this thing means business. It runs smooth, it isn’t super loud, and it’s fairly comfortable inside. The back seats can be dropped down, and the trunk is spacious. The back seats can get a little cramped, but that’s a small price to pay. The front is super comfortable, the seats have lumbar support which is awesome after a long day. The steering wheel has a lot of up and down movement, so you can adjust it as you please! I absolutely love my Jimmy. Maybe it’s because it’s my first car, but she’s reliable. Starts up everyday, and has taken me far. She has about 170,000, and doesn’t show any signs of stopping!

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  Excellent little truck - 2000 GMC Sonoma
  By JR - July 9 - 2:41 pm

  Love my truck...power when you need it, great for winter icy roads. Religious oil changes and maintenance, new rad and ball joints. Almost 400.000 Kms...body is starting to fade, but keeps on ticking...!!!

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  I love it - 2003 GMC Sonoma
  By Russell Simballa - April 26 - 7:17 am

  My aunt bought my NFC Sonoma new in 2003 and put over 160 thousand miles on it with no major maintenance. My sister then bought it and put over thirty thousand miles on it and now I own it. It had almost 200 thousand miles on it now but it is still running excellent. Body is rough around fenders and rocker panels but it has spent the past six years outside. Overall I love this truck and would not hesitate to buy another one

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  Great van - 1999 GMC Savana
  By Terry Derian - December 15 - 5:53 pm

  bought this van new in 2005. The only repairs beside the normal (oil, tires, brakes, fluids) was a water pump at 185000 miles. Put 191,000 on this and was still going strong until i t was in a wreck. This was one of the most dependable vehicles i have ever owned.

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  2005 Envoy is a Keeper - 2005 GMC Envoy
  By Bruce Strickland - December 5 - 6:04 pm

  I bought this SUV, certified pre-owned, in 2008, preparing for a move to rural New Mexico. This Envoys reliability has been flawless. Its gotten us through miles of extremely muddy roads with no problem. Last summer I had an Alpine car stereo installed for the USB and Bluetooth capability. My criticisms are rattling door panels and a poorly placed cupholder on the console. We had a painter do our interior last summer. He drives an older Envoy. 243,000 miles on the odometer, which tells me I can drive this one for quite a while.

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  Jimmy #4 & I will buy more! - 2000 GMC Envoy
  By George - December 2 - 12:02 pm

  When buying one or the Blazer Trannys & Ball Joints can be an issue around the 160k mark on the 4x4 models. Other then that pretty much good oil changes and turn key. When I get around the 300k mile mark I usually give them to my bro and he puts another 100k.

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  looks good too - 2006 GMC Envoy
  By mulholly@att.net - November 16 - 9:48 pm

  great s u v

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  Very good vehicle - most of the time - 2015 GMC Terrain
  By Rick - November 10 - 2:36 pm

  We basically picked this vehicle based on cost after our GMC Envoy XL had major problems, but we very happy with the choice after the fact. We wanted an Acadia, but the $10K+ price difference was too much. The Terrain rides great, its easy to drive, is comfortable and pretty spacious for a "compact" SUV. It has way more room in the back seat than the Envoy did and I know it has better front passenger area than the Envoy. We fit 5 of us (kids 16, 8 & 3) but its a little tight (my 8 yr old cant us his booster seat with 3 in the back seat). Its easy and comfortable to drive (even when loaded down) and its mostly quiet. There is a lot of tire noise (not sure if its the car or the tires though) which can get really loud on the highway. The cargo area is a little small considering this isnt really a small vehicle, but the back seat can be adjusted to make more space (but not by much without sacrificing all the leg room). We recently took a 2500+ mile trip with all of us. Even loaded with all 5 of us and all the luggage (including a roof cargo box) the ride and handling were very good. I was surprised the back end didnt lower much once everything/everyone was loaded up either. You noticed the weight when driving, but it didnt make it much harder to drive and I quickly got used to it. Even after 12+ hours in the car we didnt feel really stiff or sore and we survived with 3 in the back seat. This is where I wished we got the 6 cyl motor though. The 4 cyl is good 90% of the time for us, so it probably is the better overall choice. It really struggled at higher speeds (70 MP+) with all of us and the luggage although understandably so considering it was probably about 1000 lbs of people & gear. We only got about 23 MPG for the trip so I was disappointed in that (I expected about 25 MPG with the cargo box). It downshifts on almost any kind of hill trying to maintain speed. The constant shifting gets annoying especially when it kicks down a couple of gears. Its kind of like 2 different vehicles when it comes to the mileage (even without the cargo box). If you stay between 60 - 65 MPH it easily gets 28 - 30 MPG. Once you start going 70 or more it really drops off to low to mid 20s. I guess because the squared off styling. Overall = Likes: styling, comfort (although the seat material with the holes can be a little itchy & collects crumbs/dirt), ride, stereo is very good, gas mileage (most of the time) and safety ratings. Good amount of storage places, cup holders and charging ports. The center console is quite large which can make it a little hard to find things with too much stuff in it. I think the headlights and fog lights work great good brightness and distance so you dont have to use high beams all the time. Dislikes: 4 cyl when the vehicle is loaded up, no rear A/C vents and the front ones are low (glad we got a light colored one), cargo area is a little small. My 8 yr old says the center seat in the back is too hard. The transmission downshifts a lot because it always tries to get to the highest gear. It can be difficult to try to accelerate a little bit without it downshifting (and sometimes it goes down 2 gears).

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  Good little truck. - 2002 GMC Sonoma
  By Matt - October 28 - 10:24 pm

  Bought the truck used with 120k miles for a steal, its pushing 180k now and Ive done nothing to this truck other than basic maintenance. The only issues Ive had with it are a crap radio (which is a common GM problem) and the typical rust on these little trucks. As far as the rust goes, the fender wells on the bed are for the most part completely gone, but the stepside trucks seem to be plagued with this issue. Slight rust on the cab corners and rockers, and the spare tire cable rusted and the tire fell off. As far as reliability, its been among the best Ive owned. Its not a powerhouse, but the little 2.2 does well when mated to the 5 speed. It doesnt seem to like interstate travel, as its runs about 3k rpms at 75 mph, but it cruises right along. The engine is noisy, it has that trademark 2.2 timing chain noise, but it has no effect on performance. Replacing with oem parts will cure it, but I just havent gotten around to it yet. Overall I love my little truck, and wouldnt hesitate to buy another. May go for a 4.3 next time for more power.