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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  Great in a number of ways. - 2002 GMC Savana
  By latitude38 - August 5 - 2:00 am

  Air-con, excellent, when in SE US. Rear air-con is 3 rows of vents, Dodge and Ford is less. Leg room better than Ford. Noise is low. 155 inch wheel base is nice on the extended 15 passenger van. When not heavily loaded less pressure in rear the rear tires makes passengers more comfortable. Tires that come with the van are very stable for side movements. Break in period before towing is 9,000 or 11,000 miles. Service is low, one change of the rear- end oil, and at oil change the grease points/zerks. The undercarriage is super for this 1-ton vehicle which is one reason I chose this vehicle. The standard engine is a 350 and power wise is great.

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  Best Truck -- needs a few improvements - 2008 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Pete1954 - August 4 - 10:03 pm

  I love everything about this truck, except for the upholstery. The charcoal colored cloth picks up lint, dog hair, everything and its quite visible. But whats worse, the nap on the upholstery is starting to flake off with only 14K miles! Quite honestly, if I had realized what a tremendous vehicle this was in every other way, I would have gone with the SLT or Denali trim, had leather and not have the upholstery issue. This is a keeper -- guess I will be looking for an upholstery shop.

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  Last Time to Purchase a GMC Envoy XL SLT - 2003 GMC Envoy
  By S Livingston - August 4 - 2:00 am

  luv my Envoy, but w/all the problems, Im ready to disown. Liftgate panel broke in wk. Brake knock & let go on roads under construction or uneven. SVS says OK. Feel uneasy when braking, might hit something/someone. Sensor in driver panel had buzzing noise. Took 2X for repair. Rotten mildew odor in the AC. SVS says to turn off recycling however been doing their way & still smells. Looking for another dealership. Lining around the windows are starting to sound like the windows are open, so when driving at 65 mph sound like an open window and you hear that annoying wind sound. I should be picky for the kind of money spent on this vehicle.

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  Sad to see it grow old - 1996 GMC Jimmy
  By mikeametz - August 3 - 2:00 am

  My Jimmy tows an aluminum boat with precision. Lately, however, I have had to fix engine parts too frequently.

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  Fun Car - 2002 GMC Envoy
  By Direct52 - July 30 - 10:00 am

  Purchased in October 2001. Have decent fuel mileage of 19mpg. Mirrors never return to the preset position and seats frequently do not. Cup holders are poorly placed and there is just not enough front seat storage. Compressor failed with 10000 miles on car. Having said all this negative stuff, the car has outstanding styling and is fun to drive. The extras (Note taking, homelink, bose stereo, etc) make it a lot of fun. All in all a good car.

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  Great Family SUV - 2016 GMC Acadia
  By Tim - July 26 - 4:17 pm

  The key for me purchasing this car is that there is a true 3rd row that teenage/adult passengers can sit comfortably.

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  Great small truck - 2000 GMC Sonoma
  By Sonoma w/ 20s - July 25 - 2:00 am

  This was my first new car, and I hope Im has happy with all my future new car purchases as I have been with this one. Fun to drive, been extremely reliable, despite all the customizing Ive done. I recommend it ot anyone

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  Second Time Around - 1995 GMC Safari
  By Southern Moon Again - July 24 - 2:00 am

  If youll look, I wrote a review 07/12/02 on this same vehicle. Now passing into the 260K mileage range, I just wanted to again say that GMC makes one reliable ride. In fact, since then weve added to (not replaced) our GMC family with a Suburban that after the first 25K seems to be as solid as the Safari that I still drive every single day. 260K: no oil usage, no loss of power, good looking. I cant say enough good things about the GMC Safari.

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  gmc - 2001 GMC Sonoma
  By Marjie - July 21 - 2:00 am

  this is a great vehicle but looking forward to the release of the GMC Canyon.

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  reliability? - 2002 GMC Envoy
  By robdale/dlandry29 - July 21 - 2:00 am

  I have owned my Envoy since April 2002 and have loved the way it handled and its reliablity. My transmission began making noises a month ago and went totally out the other day leaving me stranded. It was towed to the dealership and they replaced the valve body. I have always felt safe and depended on my Envoy. Now I am considering trading it in on another type SUV all together. My dream SUV has become a potential nightmare!