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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  Underrated American SUV - 2001 GMC Jimmy
  By Steve Sherrod - May 10 - 2:00 am

  Four wheel drive with the touch of a button. Comfortable cloth power seats, great moonroof, Bose stereo, and gas milage is good-- I average 18 mpg in city traffic and much better on highway. Complete instruments on dash are eash to read. Cruise control is straightforward. Dealer service was quick (overnight) with free rental car for minor recall and one leaking seal.

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  Once the problems were fixed... - 2002 GMC Sonoma
  By bigwarranty - May 8 - 2:00 am

  The first 5 month of ownership were hell. The truck had water leaks like you would not believe. They fixed 5 different leaks 4 times, and replaced the rug and jute 3 times because mold from the water getting under the rug made the interior unhealthy to even sit in. LSS, the Division Manager met with me and gave me options. I wanted them to buy back the truck, but they wanted to charge me for miles. No way! In the end, I let them fix this truck "one last time" and I would agree to keep it if they gave me a 7 yr./100,000 mile bumper to bumper warranty. Once everything was fixed, I fell in love with my truck... and it smells like a new truck should.

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  Not Bad - 1999 GMC Jimmy
  By jonic911 - May 6 - 2:00 am

  Have had no mechanical problems. Purchased with 40K now have 103K. Fun to drive 4wd works great.

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  After 2 Expeditions - 2003 GMC Yukon
  By GMC Convert - May 5 - 2:00 am

  we were converted. Went to look at the latest Eddie Bauer Expedition and felt there was something missing, very plain. However The GMC to load up is more expensive but what a car and far more comfortable. Shame you have to get the 1SD package to get memory seats, which also bumps it up to a 5.3 when the 4.8 was way powerful enough. Get the 2nd row captains chairs they are awesome.

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  Great vehicle ! - 2002 GMC Envoy
  By dbriggs - May 4 - 2:00 am

  I love everything about this vehicle I have owned it for a year now bought it brand new and I have had no problems with the vehicle its a beautiful suv and I have no complaints other than the gas tank is to small the gas tank is a minor inconvienience but I can live with it !

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  Beautiful, a real looker - 2003 GMC Envoy
  By Brenda Barr - May 2 - 2:00 am

  I have been driving my new Envoy for about 4 weeks, shes a white beauty, comfortable,speedy,and has excellent manuevering abilty. Im 50, look 35, plays sports of all kinds and shop like hell. This is my kind of beefy ride..

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  great drive train, rough to ride - 2004 GMC Sierra 2500
  By payne600 - May 1 - 2:00 am

  The drive train is very good at this point. The ride is a major disappointment. I dont know why they come with such small tires for this size truck.

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  Luxury and Comfort - 2003 GMC Yukon
  By sandpit - May 1 - 2:00 am

  Just traded 2002 for 2003. More goodies - XM satellite, nav system, dual climate controls, 2nd row buckets (as comfy as front row), aux rear climate controls (now available WITH sunroof). Great ride, excellent performance - not quite as much immediate acceleration from 40 - 50 mph as a 2 wheel drive (due to the AWD). GM should improve the interior in terms of making it look more luxurious. Also should do something to separate it more from the Tahoe. Biggest complaint (and about the only one) is gas mileage - 12/16 is BAD. GM should figure out a way to get the DVD/TV included WITH the sunroof instead of either/or.

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  Very Comfortable SUV, car like ride - 2002 GMC Envoy
  By Jenvoy03 - April 29 - 2:00 am

  Its a big vehicle but drives like a car. I have had Ford Explorers a 94. and 97 and they were very truck like. GM always have seats that I feel are very comfortable and this SUV is no exception. I have the SLT 2 wheel drive, with running boards, sun roof, side air bags, Bose system. Big roomy vehicle. I came out of a 2003 Acura TL type S, I figured out I wasnt the sports car type plus I found the TL lacking in quality contrary to their reputation. The GMC seems to have built very well. My only problems so far was chattering wiper blades, dealer replaced under warranty, and a defective switch in A/C that caused it to work intermittenly. Dealer fixed.

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  Why me - 2002 GMC Sonoma
  By wacky! - April 19 - 2:00 am

  I had a 94 Chevy S-10 before and I loved it. So, I bought the truck I always wanted, a Sonoma 4x4 ZR2. Overall a good and nice looking truck with a nice ride. Nothing but problems with the transmission. Shifting problems, transmission leaks, trans fluid coming up the transmissin dip stick and driping on the exhaust manifold. Dealer has no clue what is the matter and GMC is giving me the run around! Too late for Lemon Law...Argh!! Do not know what to do!