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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  gmc items - 2002 GMC Sonoma
  By hoss II - October 13 - 2:00 am

  Vehicle needs aproximately 50 more horse power to be a good work truck. It suffers from a blind spot over the right rear corner due to the location and size of the c pillar and rear seat headrests. The fit and finish of the sheet metal (out of Linden NJ) was less than stellar. Warranty repairs to AC compressor, transfer case electric shift solenoid and air distribution system vacuum motors required

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  Yukon XL experience - 2002 GMC Yukon XL
  By Keith - October 10 - 4:30 pm

  We have been driving this SUV for three years. Relaibility has been the big issue. Weve had to replace the fuel system, air conditioning system, knock sensors and have ther front end re-built because it wouldnt maintain alinement. Now we are having transmission problems at 90,000. In fairness, I have a friend with the same vehicle and similar mileage who has had no problems. Aside from the many mechanical problems we have enjoyed the SUV and find it comfortable to travel in with a large family. Im disappointed that it has proved much less relaible than my 1996 Suburban.

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  Interior Suggestions - 2002 GMC Yukon XL
  By DavidK - October 7 - 2:00 am

  This SUV has been great and the braking system is much improved over our 99 Suburban. The one major flaw we have found is that the front seats DO NOT fully recline. This SUV is used on long trips and we find this to be highly annoying. We dislike this flaw so much that we will not buy another Yukon XL if this has not been changed when we buy another SUV in a couple of years.

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  85 SLE with 5 cylinder Extended Cab. - 2004 GMC Canyon
  By matoby - October 1 - 2:00 am

  Sold my Dakota, got a Canyon. The Canyon is not the truck my Dakota was. Do like the engine/trans combination. 4 doors great. Canyon is smaller and sound more tinnie. Bucket seat were replaced with 60/40 split and no reduction in price. Right side (passenger side) has no key entry on the door handle, this is unsafe if you transport children. No way to enter truck if it is locked without breaking glass if for some reason the drivers door is damaged or obstructed.

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  not a ford - 2003 GMC Sierra 1500
  By mattao harrison - September 29 - 10:00 am

  My husband always liked Fords. I talked him into test driving a GMC truck, his experience went well. We were both impressed with the way it handled. I have two babys and we feel we have plenty of room and and a good truck. Were excited. Not to mention we looked at a dozen Fords and we found them to be bubbley and tacky. When we saw the GMC on the Ford lot it was the only one and it was an easy decisionafter seeing.

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  Great car, expensive maintenance - 1994 GMC Jimmy
  By Chances End - September 26 - 2:00 am

  I purchased this car because I consistantly need to haul a truckload of music equipment to gigs. So though the cars less-than-stellar MPG rating is a downfall, it comes with the territory (I get between 17-20 mpg). The one major gripe I have is that at 75k miles, the ball joints needed to be replaced - not something to cough at. Evidently, this is common on GMC/Chevy SUVs of this vintage. But besides the high maintenance bill last month, its definitely one of the most comfortable and fun cars to drive.

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  Could like the car - 2017 GMC Acadia
  By R.W. - September 25 - 7:01 pm

  Coming from a 2007 Envoy, the front seats come up short on the 2017 Acadia. The Envoy had very comfortable front row seats for all day driving. The front row seat bottom on the new Acadia is much shorter and only comes mid thigh. It would not be very uncomfortable for all day driving. Only other negative complaint I have about the new Acadia, is that in order to have the bodyside moldings painted to match the vehicle you have to upgrade to a Denali. Thats a lot of extra money for a nice paint job. The car handles nicely and the 3.6 L has power to spare.

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  2004 GMC Envoy - 2004 GMC Envoy
  By mschmehl - September 20 - 2:00 am

  Nice truck with great standard features. Slightly disappointed in the noise level inside of the cabin at highway speeds. Truck looks good and has a very strong engine in this mid- size SUV class.

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  Like it...... but - 2002 GMC Sonoma
  By B-man - September 15 - 2:00 am

  I like my truck and plan on keeping it for a long time. The 4.3 has plenty of power for me although it is a bit thirsty. I havent had any reliability issues at all. My complaints come from GMs classic little things like, Im on my 3rd radio and this one is messing up. (out of warranty now) Wind noise from drivers door weather stripping. (that the dealer couldnt hear when it was under warranty) Intermittent wiper switch slowly faded and is now on a mood basis. Noise from the front right wheel well when I turn left and accelerate hard. Scared to go to the dealer on this one!! Only other complaint is gas milage. Tows plenty, but hauls nothing!

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  Cool Church Van - 2003 GMC Yukon XL
  By behemoth - September 12 - 10:00 am

  If Exped, Tahoe/Yukon, Navig, Seq is too small, this is it-If you cant carry people in third seat with their stuff, why even look at these vehicles. Has all basic luxury items (incl Bose), rides well, and gives sense of security. Great deals possib, take adv of www.gmbuypower.com b/c you can locate veh at specific dealers.