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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  Nice SUV - 2004 GMC Yukon
  By JakeBenny - March 26 - 2:00 am

  We enoy driving long distance with it. Love the pick up when getting on a major highway. Packing for camping is easy and the dogs love it. You dont feel the bumps and that helps with back problems. We dont like the gas millage in town. Would I buy another no due to price. I will get just the Yukon.

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  Great little SUV! - 1994 GMC Jimmy
  By C-FU - March 23 - 2:00 am

  Wife and I just inherited a 94 SLT 4WD, 4 Door. So far this thing has been great. Thing only had 55,700 miles on it when we got it 3/2003!!! EGR valve will need replacing soon, but a $10 bottle of fuel system cleaner seems to have remedied all the problems for now. The leather is very comfy, and theres lots of room for our 3 year old and 1 month old! Also, tip on the EGR, using a 10% off coupon you can find thru google, you can get the valve and gasket for about $185 from carparts.com. Its about a 30 min job to do it yourself. SO DONT PAY A SHOP $400+ LIKE THEY WANTED ME TO DO!!!

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  2000 Yukon Denali - 2000 GMC Yukon Denali
  By DS - March 17 - 1:56 am

  It stops like a dump truck, and the inadequate 255/330 BHP/TQ 5.7 liter engine moves this 3 ton SUV slowly (10+ seconds 0-60) and inefficiently (14 miles per gallon - mostly highway). However, its a very comfortable vehicle with good ergonomics and comfortable seats.

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  Smoke & Mirrors - 2003 GMC Yukon
  By Delta - March 14 - 2:00 am

  Overall its just an average ride. I wonder why it cost $46,000? It certainly has all the whistle & bells, but nothing unique. The stereo is ok but not great, maybe one step above the radio that was in my 1967 Chevy. A lot of road noise.

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  Something good, something bad - 2000 GMC Jimmy
  By The Milbers - March 10 - 2:00 am

  Problems have included a squeaky clutch, leaking rear wiper hose, small hole in body, heat is always on, frozen emergency brake line, poor gas mileage. All probems fixed except the heat always on and the poor gas mileage. Ive owned 2 other Jimmy/Blazer types, 1986 and 1994. Both older ones were better on fuel, 26 to 28 mpg, and no problems with heat. The 2000 gets 22 to 24 mpg with the 5 speed (clunky shifting)standard transmission. Make the centre drivers side spark plug easier to change and angle the grease nipples for easier access on the tie rods. An average vehicle with an average price. You get what you pay for.

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  Stands the test of time - 2001 GMC Jimmy
  By JJMSpartan - March 5 - 2:00 am

  Ive owned this vehicle for a little over 2 years, and its still a great family vehicle. It has all the features youd ever want, and the build quality is excellent. It rides well and handles well in all weather conditions. In all, an excellent vehicle.

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  Good so far! - 2003 GMC Envoy
  By Hartfordguy - March 5 - 2:00 am

  Priced well among same size competitors. Engine is very reactive which is always nice. Fuel capacity is poor as usual. Never understood why they make a car that gets poor gas milage with a 16 gallon gas tank! Interior: Good, only one mistake. For such a roomy interior, they cheaped out on the technology for cup holders. There are 2 cup holders, one undersized jammed in between the console and the shifter, the other behind the shirfter....in the way of the arm rest. other than that, good!

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  2017 Acadia Denali - 2017 GMC Acadia
  By 2017 Acadia Danali - March 4 - 5:10 pm

  had the car for a week and fell in love with it but cant stand the stop start feature. You cant turn it off either, what a shame! Wondering when the car gets older and exhibits extended cranking, what it likes to be sitting at the traffic lights waiting for your car to get started? Itll be embarrassing.

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  GMC Yukon - 2003 GMC Yukon
  By lcb - March 1 - 2:00 am

  overall a fabulous vehicle. a true highway cruiser. love the climate control. AC somewhat noisy. High- pitched engine noise with acceleration but can put up with that (told that was par for the course with this vehicle). incredible looks. well worth the price - $10,000 cheaper than the sequoia. 3rd row seet is a little cramped.

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  Economical/reliable but dull - 1994 GMC Sonoma
  By tuffteach - February 24 - 2:00 am

  Having owned this truck since it was new, I was impressed with the pep (for a four banger) and economy. Still gets 22-26 mpg with more than 110K on the odometer. GM still needs work on their use of plastic parts. Both outside mirrors have fallen off the truck while driving. Replacement parts are inexpensive, widely available. Big picture reliability has been good. Only big part to go out has been A/C system at 50K. Not the most exciting, but dead reliable.