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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  fuel pumps stink! - 2000 GMC Jimmy
  By cranky - May 23 - 8:10 am

  I have put more into the jimmy then I paid for it. Im surprised I didnt see the fuel pump mentioned more. It has cost me 1200 alone. The ball joints are also a problem but do to roads where I live. I replace them myself to cut cost. I also had electrical problems and replaced the mass air flow sensor 2x. Over all gas mileage good comp to 98 ply voyager mini van. I enjoy driving it when its running and it hasnt left me stranded w/ 3 kids. Also back seat too small for 2 kids w/ car seats.

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  You cant go wrong - 2003 GMC Sierra 1500
  By F. Gibbons - May 22 - 2:50 pm

  Purchased this truck with 48K and am very surprised of the quality of this truck. Being five years old I expected the suspension to maybe a tad loose or at the very least expected to hear cabin rattles and squeaks. Nothing; feels like a brand new truck. I have the SLT with the Bose and heated leather buckets. You never want to get out of it! Looked at all the other manufacturers and now know without question, I made the right choice.

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  So far so good - 2007 GMC Yukon XL
  By Taurces - May 21 - 1:23 pm

  We were actually looking to buy the Yukon XL 1500 with leather seats and rear dvd because we needed the extra room for our growing family. The dealer gave us a great deal on the Yukon XL Denali with most options except navigation and rear camera. We ended up paying $44K after taxes, title, & trade-in (00 montero sport w/ ~100K miles). We didnt think it was a bad deal. So far the truck has been exceptional.

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  Best Ride EVER - 2008 GMC Yukon
  By 2008 Denali - May 21 - 7:19 am

  I traded in my 2006 GMC Sierra 1500 Crew Cab b/c my family needed a more comfortable ride for long trips. We looked at the Avalanche but really no difference from the Sierra with cabin space and comfort. The Denali rides like a dream. My truck had the old 5.3L V8 and felt just a little under- powered. The Denali with the new 6.2L V8 has plenty of power from towing my boat to accelerating for passing on the interstate (or even accelerating on the interstate while pulling the boat!!) Average gas mileage for my driving style is the same as the Sierra but definitely sucks more gas in town. Very comfortable, quiet ride. I do miss having a "truck" but thats what utility trailers are for.

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  Great little truck - 2002 GMC Sonoma
  By dustin - May 20 - 3:08 pm

  I havent had this truck very long so i cant say about the reliability. But it seems really solid. I have the zr2 package. It rides really good for a 4x4. The gas mileage isnt horrible, it is a truck after all. It will get up and go, but my moms minivan will go faster. But her van cant go thru mud!!!

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  Fuel sucker & poor quality - 2008 GMC Savana
  By Bruno661 - May 18 - 11:23 pm

  Ive always been a GM guy, but this van has really been a disappointment. The first day off the lot the windshield was hit by two separate SMALL stones causing the windshield to CRACK. Very poor quality glass. AC also went bad within 6 months. We struggle to get 10mpg city or highway. I think ONE time I got 12mpg on the highway. Towing my trailer I was lucky to get 6mpg. Probably wouldnt buy again.

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  Great Vehicle, Fuel Economy Stinks - 2003 GMC Yukon XL
  By Drpcfix - May 18 - 10:00 am

  My 96 Diesel got 11-20mpg. Denali XL gets 8mpg city 14 hgy. Painted rear bumper scratches easily. NAV antenna is under dash and has poor signal. Onstar is on the roof.

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  Love the Acadia - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By love it - May 17 - 4:48 pm

  We absolutely love our 2 year Acadia. It is fun to drive and drives like a car-very smooth! The only complaint we have is the interior light of the digital clock/radio and odometer/exterior temp read-outs. (Hope fully, this has been changed with the future models) but, the lighting on these read-outs is so dim, that during the daytime hours it is very difficult, if not impossible, to see the readouts! Quite an oversight on GMC. The Enclave utilizes a green back light for these read outs, which is much easier to read/effective!

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  Only buy it if you like ongoing repairs - 2003 GMC Yukon
  By Rick - May 17 - 11:36 am

  One problem after another with this vehicle. Rear air shock ($800), cat converters ($1500), rear axle seal (? $). This is the second GM SUV we have owned and the previous one had issues as well. Never again! We were simply sick of wondering what the next repair bill would be for this truck. We recently dumped this vehicle for a 2006 Honda Pilot. It our Pilot lives up to the normal reliability Honda provides, our piece of mind is worth the loss we took when trading in the Yukon.

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  Speedometer Problems - 2005 GMC Sierra 2500HD
  By polonerw - May 16 - 7:10 pm

  I bought my Duramax Diesel 2500 Hd crew cab to pull a 36 foot fifth wheel. There is plenty of power; however, have had a few problems. The speedometer failed at about 60000 miles and had to be replaced. I have read that this is a common problem but there is a class action lawsuit and I plan to turn in my 478.00 receipt and hopefully get reimbutsed from GM. The engine light came on and paid to have the code read which was relatively meaningless but havent had any more problems with that. I added a Superchip which is amazing how much perfromance improvement. Have heard that some people have burned up transmission with Superchip but I always reset to towsafe prior to pulling anything.