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:

• 

  Road Trip - 2003 GMC Yukon XL
  By tdt - November 11 - 10:00 am

  Excellent large SUV, a much better value than the comparably equipped ESV, rides much better than expected. Loaded with lots of features. My wife absolutely loves it.

• 

  rugged practicality - 2003 GMC Yukon
  By xcel - November 7 - 2:00 am

  great truck. looks great, loads of fun and really powerful. styling is nicer than the escalade and less flashy as well. nothing is off limits in this truck.

• 

  Excellent for the long haul - 2004 GMC Safari
  By Jackjrp - November 1 - 2:00 am

  No its not sexy or sporty but this is a great vehicle for anyone that plans to put a lot of miles on it. The ride on rough roads is a little truck-like - not punishing, mind you, but not as good as car based minivans. Highway ride is very good though. My wife shows dogs and a standard mini-van was too small and she didnt want a full size van. She has found the Safari to be just right. Have over 150,000 miles on our first one with virtually no problems - most reliable vehicle weve ever had (yes, we had a Toyota and a Nissan...not bad vehicles but not Nirvana either). One additional note, the Safari gets surprisingly good mileage.

• 

  good car if taken care of - 2000 GMC Jimmy
  By Rich Howerton - October 29 - 2:00 am

  The car has had a few small prob. so far Nothing major. Do not like the range of the keyless entry syst. very short appx 25 feet. Had a small coolent leak but dealership took care of it fast. (bad cap) **If you buy one have all the fittings cleaned a greesed each year or ( read the other reviews )

• 

  Great all around vehicle - 2016 GMC Terrain
  By Kista T - October 28 - 4:55 pm

  you will not be disappointed with the performance or appointments of the GMC Terrain. We drove a Tahoe for many years with children and pets, and looking for a downsize without the small car feel. THIS TERRAIN FITS THE BILL. I do not feel like I am driving in a small SUV, I feel comfort and space I did not notice in many competitors while test driving and comparison shopping. Again, I have been extremely pleased with our selection and looking forward to years of service out of our GMC.

• 

  36,000 miles...Running Great - 2011 GMC Sierra 1500
  By jaximports - October 27 - 6:10 pm

  I bought mine 6 months ago and have put 5,000 miles on it. I needed a truck for our start-up business and this one had everything I needed with a camper shell and spray on bedliner. This is my first GMC/Chevy. Im in FL. The truck is originally from MI, so it has a bit of surface rust on the frame, from the salt up north. I plan to get it blasted and coated this year to prevent further corrosion. Other than that I average 16.5mpg with a fairly heavy foot and mixed driving. Its comfortable and I love the looks. Paint also has small corrosion spots from up north. Overall happy with the purchase...fingers crossed.

• 

  Clunks/Knocks - 2002 GMC Yukon
  By jmo/mpls - October 22 - 2:00 am

  The Yukon has alot of good qualities, Handeling ride,power(5.3), appearance. It does however, need serious attention in some areas, Drive train "Clunks" shifting 2/3(see GMC tech Memo), Engine "Knocks" on cold starts (see GMC Tech Memo). Sadly GMC proudly considered these NORMAL. Customer Service is really Non- Existent (Although Polite)

• 

  new envoy 2004 - 2003 GMC Envoy
  By bceledon - October 19 - 2:00 am

  Good exterior looks, interior space, and accessibility. Loose steering and feels top heavy in turns. Poor gas mileage and loud, unrefined engine.

• 

  2003 Sonoma - 2003 GMC Sonoma
  By Betty711 - October 17 - 2:00 am

  Only have 1000 miles on it so far, and it is running very well. This may be why the fuel economy is not up to standard yet. American models seem to be a la carte. In other words, every little thing is extra $$$. The vehicle is peppy on grades, and seems to take weight, in the bed, with ease.

• 

  love it - 2003 GMC Envoy
  By mattyd - October 17 - 2:00 am

  I have always owned cars, this is my first SUV. I have always liked the look of the envoy, and like the GMC brand. This truck is smooth, has lots of pep, and is very comfortable. Also built very well. I love how it handles. Sure, its not the handling like Im used to (Dodge Avenger my most recent car) but for an SUV it is excellent.