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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  A Nice Upgrade - 2007 GMC Yukon XL
  By smokeyta - December 2 - 11:30 am

  After being a happy owner of an 03 5.3 Yukon XL, we upgraded to the Denali in 07. What a great vehicle it has been! The main reasons for this selection were the upgraded features, the towing ability, and generous cargo/people space. The burble of the 6.2 reminded me of the string of late 90s TransAms I did time in. Things that made the GMC the best choice over the Navigator were interior ergonomics, the discrete (if not slightly understated) luxury, the engine/6-speed with manual shift selections, and the interior decor (looks great in tan/brown) two tone). Almost two years later, we have not been disappointed. We have had no quality or warranty issues what-so-ever.

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  2004 extended cab 4x4 auto 4.8 auto - 2004 GMC Sierra 1500
  By spayce - December 2 - 10:00 am

  i said i would never buy another truck from gm since my 87 but there made a little better now and it helps with the frame being painted, you buy the vehicle new with a rusted frame and rear axel,an improvement.but overall i like the truck except for the sloppy drive-train and slow shifting tran-ny. anyone else notice the clunking in the drivetrain?

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  Great Mountain Truck - 1998 GMC Sonoma
  By BCRuby - December 1 - 2:00 am

  Bought the 2WD 4 cyl 5 spd truck new in 98 and put about 23.5k/year on it (now 128k). I live in Vail, CO and climb mountain passes and drive lots of snow. It does 60-65 MPH on the long grades (3rd gear, 5000 RPM) and 80-85 everywhere else. Performs impeccably with 4 studded snows (3rd set)--no need for 4WD, and I go everywhere. Has a fiberglass cap. Mileage never better than 23 MPG. Cruise, tilt, air, moon roof make for a nice low cost vehicle. Solid and very stable to drive.

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  Great Truck - 2000 GMC Sierra 1500
  By zman2x - November 30 - 10:00 am

  This is a great truck, fun to drive, rides good, can haul a load, and its quick. Gas Mileage isnt bad for a full size truck with a V8. It has som weaknesses, like too much plastic inside and out. Weak bumpers (front especalliy) , and the metal on the tailgate and bed sides is too thin. but this is a great truck otherwise, and the best new truck you can get, but they sure dont build them like they use to

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  Questionable quality - 1994 GMC Jimmy
  By Slim Jimmy - November 24 - 2:00 am

  I would like to say that in general, i am somewhat happy with my Jimmy. However, the EGR valve is quite troublesome. I also have a motor mount that slips and allows my fan to hit the housing. My Jimmy has 96,000 miles on it and it seems like every time I turn around it is in the shop.

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  lost some features - 2003 GMC Envoy
  By vinthegreat - November 23 - 2:00 am

  over all im happy with the truck but i owned a 99 jimmy that had more features like,power seat,mirrors and temp. gauge,pluss very little storage room you would think the newer car would have more not less

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  Great Ride - 2003 GMC Envoy
  By jj10 - November 17 - 2:00 am

  The 2003 Envoy SLT rides like a real dream. So far so good. I look for excuses to go on a drive. I traded in a 1999 GMC Jimmy on this vehicle. What a difference, and I liked the Jimmy. The Envoy beats it in every category, especially that it rides smoother. Gas mileage is pitiful.

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  Must have gotten the good one - 1997 GMC Jimmy
  By aarebe - November 15 - 2:00 am

  have had my Jimmy since 1996, Only problem was shim in the steeering coluum, fixed twice by dealer at no cost, everything runs great, But the mileage is lousy 16 in the city, the ive gotten on the Hwy is 21. Probably would not buy another one, but am retiring this february so ill keep it till it falls apart

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  CHEAP TO KEEP - 2001 GMC Safari
  By bam bam - November 13 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle will last you a lifetime and spend very little time in the repair shop.maintenance costs are super low if you stay away from the awd. i purchased an extended warranty but i know Ill rarely use it. as long as you understand its a dinosaur to drive around town pot holes. also note that it is a durable "truck" that can get to be a handful when the fuel tank gets close to one quarter full when the pavement is wet. adding weight during the winter with the correct truck type tires will keep you unstuck. the engine power could be stronger, but the smooth power band and not too stiff suspension makes it pretty effortless to drive.

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  hate to say Good-bye - 1996 GMC Yukon
  By jmgarza - November 12 - 2:00 am

  I may keep it for 10 years and spend no more than 2-4K$ and be very happy at that.