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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  Last of the Sonoma pickups - 2003 GMC Sonoma
  By tjr - October 16 - 2:00 am

  Recently replaced my 96 Sonoma (130K miles) with a new one. Its the last chance, as next year Sonomas will only come in 4dr/tiny box hybrid models. The larger, higher, worse mileage Canyon will replace the pickup models. The 2003 model is very similar to the last 7 or 8 years worth, still a durable, cheap, relatively small truck. Main differences: Better seats, slightly peppier due to higher axle ratio, elimination of some fun electrical features like lighted vanity mirrors, underhood light, glovebox light.

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  problematic - 2001 GMC Yukon
  By dnewman - October 14 - 2:00 am

  all three vehicles i have owned have been gmc. i love the product but this time im skeptical. i love my yukon but have had a few problems since i bought it used in feb. Already had to replace fan belts, catalytic converter, O^2 sensor on exhaust, a/c compressor and that took four different trips to dealership. still have a popping noise when turning and random times during acceleration and stopping there are one or two clicking noises. but i love gmc none the less and will keep going with them

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  Lovin My Yukon! - 2003 GMC Yukon
  By JBaum - October 14 - 2:00 am

  I previously owned an 02 Envoy, this is much bigger, took a little longer to get used to. I absolutely love it! As a stay-at-home mom, I dont mind the lower gas milage.

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  2003 Envoy - Family of 3 - 2003 GMC Envoy
  By tgwheat - October 13 - 2:00 am

  Our family loves our Envoy. It gets great gas mileage - around 22-23 MPG. It is perfect for our 3 member family - however the backseat has its issues. The seats are too straight - cant get comfortable. The front seat is a little tight as far as arm space but over all the vehicle is a pleasure to own. The outside appearance is very sporty and impressive looking. We will always own GM products.

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  Lemon? - 2008 GMC Yukon XL
  By Mom of Many - October 7 - 4:43 am

  After a month, we had to replace the alternator and water pump. Within the first year, we had several electrical problems, including navigation, faulty fuel sensor gauge, turn signal didnt make noise, we were driving the car but it registered to be in Park, we put the car in Park but it kept rolling forward, power seats shuttered as we moved them, power folding 2nd row didnt always work. Additionally, windows shook excessively, brakes made noise after a few thousand miles, the power liftgate made strange loud noises. We got rid of this piece of junk after only 11 months of owning it.

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  So Far, So Good - 2000 GMC Yukon XL
  By - October 6 - 2:00 am

  So far it has been a good vehicle....had it in the shop once for a exhaust problem...was covered under warranty...there is a noise in the steering column, but not enough to drive you mad...overall very pleased with the truck...only wished it got better gas mileage, if I get rid of it, that will be the only reason.

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  GMC builds the best trucks! - 2003 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Evan - October 4 - 3:56 pm

  My first automobile was a 1966 Pontiac LeMans which I still have to this day, but I was in need of a truck to haul more around but still have decent power. The body styling on the GMCs does not jump out at you like the Chevys or Fords etc. I have been extremely pleased with my truck especially in the performance category. After adding a Hypertech power programmer to the truck, the engine output has been amazing. Gas mileage has dropped a bit to about 16/20 but my I dont mind that when I enjoy the performance.

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  Mixed Feelings - 2001 GMC Sonoma
  By rreed2000 - September 28 - 2:00 am

  Fan clutch had to be replaced and hood had to be repainted due to loss of glossy finish immediately after purchase, valves are noisy at 1,700 rpm - but dealer says "yeah, theyre noisy but thats normal." Other than the items listed above, poor over build quality and less-than-stellar gas mileage, Id have to admit that the truck has been reliable. But I will probably never buy another GM product because of my experiences with this one.

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  Love it! - 2016 GMC Acadia
  By Maria G - September 25 - 4:45 am

  Love my car!

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  Hectors Denali Review - 1999 GMC Yukon
  By savage84ss - September 20 - 2:00 am

  A great vehicle for the city and country,especially if you live in northern California. The fuel economy isnt so great.