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:

• 

  Ehhhh - 2000 GMC Jimmy
  By jl10 - January 24 - 2:00 am

  Great power and utility, fair gas mileage, comfortable seats, bumpy ride. I loved this vehicle at first until the problems started. By the time 35000 miles hit I bought an extended warranty which paid for itself. MANY transmission problems. One of which would toss vehicle occupants around when switching gears, intermittant, dealer could not duplicate on 10 seperate visits.

• 

  Enjoyable Truck - 1998 GMC Sonoma
  By Ryezenne - January 24 - 2:00 am

  The sonoma originally caught my eye with the great looking sportside cab. The truck has less than 50,000 miles on it and hasnt needed anything major. Overall, I feel the truck is very economical and gets great gas mileage. I get more compliments than anything. I am happy with my purchase.

• 

  The joy ride - 2005 GMC Yukon XL
  By Michelle - January 21 - 6:16 pm

  I love having this car. My father purchaed the vehicle because he does a lot of traveling and he needs a comfortable car to spend the long 8-9 hour drives in. I take the car when ever I can. I love the room and the space that it provides. The heated seats are a luxury that I wish we had so many years ago when were younger and traveled as a family. I like the idea that I can see out of the back with an unobstructed view. The only down side is that gas right now so high and it tanks on gas but I love it to much to go any other way. Ride on!

• 

  Sonoma 4DR ZR2 - 2003 GMC Sonoma
  By sboyer - January 17 - 2:00 am

  Clean value priced family truck, my third GM truck

• 

  Good Start - 2002 GMC Envoy
  By a name - January 17 - 2:00 am

  The Envoy was my choice because of comfort and ride. I owned a 1993 Ford Exporer but the 2002 Explorers had hard seats and a rough ride. Also I didnt like the 3 bucket rear seat the came out with. I was very happy with my 1993 Explorer but Ford needs to address comfort with the new Explores. My disapointments with the Envoy are, When you put the back seat down you cant but the front seat back the way I like to ride. Had rattles, and I dont like the rain sensitive windshild wipers. I also dont like the auto dimming rear view mirror. The cargo space is also smaller than the explorer was. Sound proofing is also disapointing

• 

  I Love My Yukon SLT 1500 2wd!!!! - 2001 GMC Yukon XL
  By gmcyukonc1500 2wd - January 16 - 2:00 am

  Even though i cant get over the bad transmission problems i have had in the past,i love my truck. This is the best car i have ever bought!!! It is the best looking suv on the road. It is so smooth over bumps. The interior is well laid out and functional except i need more room for my cds. The seats are comfy and supportive!!!! The designers need to use better plastic however! I hate my cargo doors because they block my view when i am trying to get over into the next lane. Build Quality ZIP!!!! I have had more problems with this truck than anything i have ever driven. If GMC keeps up i will have to get and Expedition! The dealer is the best in New Bern.

• 

  Great for a Big SUV, Still Prefer a Minivan - 2011 GMC Yukon XL
  By undy6 - January 15 - 12:22 pm

  I buy new cars fairly often (every 1-2 yrs) and Ive been flipping back and forth between SUVs and Minivans for about 7 yrs now. Its because I cant get all the features I love in one or the other. As far as this SUV goes its my usual love/hate relationship. Ive had this vehicle for about 4 months now and highly doubt Ill keep it past 6 - 9 months bc I just hate big SUVs. If youre a big SUV or truck person I think its probably fantastic. I prefer more of a mid-size SUV or Minivan height myself. Yes, minivans are super goober and I swore I wouldnt be caught dead driving one ever. Four kids later and the practicality of minivans just turns me on!

• 

  It could have been a nice car - 1999 GMC Jimmy
  By AlexV - January 15 - 2:00 am

  Handles well, comfy, pleasant to drive, reasonable footprint when parking or for city driving, however .... The oil cooler lines had to be replaced three times (the Jimmy is 3 1/2 years old, and has 100,000 kms (70,000 miles). Add to that a head gasket that cracked (at 100,000 kms), a rear main seal that had to be replaced (in warranty) .. not the most pleasant experience. GMC is not acknowledging that they have a problem with the oil cooler lines, even though Ive been told by mechanics at three GMC dealerships that this is a known weakness.

• 

  CDBs Yukon - 1999 GMC Yukon
  By ChBobII - January 14 - 2:00 am

  Has 64,000 miles & no problems except 2 battery replacements. Ride on the open road excellent. Back seats comfortable in long trip. Clam shell doors would be better for some uses.

• 

  Good SUV - 1996 GMC Jimmy
  By firex - January 13 - 2:00 am

  I have had my Jimmy for 5 years and bought it used. Overall it is a very dependable vehicle. A downfall of the Jimmy is that the spare fullsize tire is mounted inside the rear cargo area. I have had to remove the tre to make room for hauling some bigger items.