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 Buggy - 2002 GMC Envoy
  By clancy - November 10 - 10:00 am

  Great drive, good looks, plenty of power, and all kinds of neat bells and whistles.

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  great first truck - 1992 GMC Sonoma
  By mike2003 - November 10 - 2:00 am

  If your looking for a small truck thats fun to drive and has lots of pep pick up a sonoma. Their solidly built and with the available vortec engine youll be layin rubber off every start

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  My GMC - 1999 GMC Sonoma
  By SonomaBuyer - November 10 - 2:00 am

  I just bought a 99 GMC Sonoma a little while ago and I love my truck so far no problems or major mechanical stuff so far. I have always loved trucks. How they handle, engine etc and having an american made truck is even better!!

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  My Sonoma - 2003 GMC Sonoma
  By f41driver - November 10 - 2:00 am

  I actually own a 2000 Sonoma SLS 3dr ZQ8 V6/automatic, but its the same exact truck as a 2003 sans the wheel style and radio. I bought this truck on a whim, and I regret it. I like the looks, and when it was new it was the sweetest thing I could find for $21K, so I got it. My truck seems to be the worst Sonoma ever built because everyone I know with one has never had a problem, but mine rattles, creeks, and is slow and gets 16mpg no matter how you drive it. The seats became a little uncomfortable after a year or so, but thats just me.

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  poor truck used - 1998 GMC Sonoma
  By chr - November 3 - 2:00 am

  after 90,000 km had to replace clutch,numerious sensors went and caused 4x4 to quit working while driving,front wheelbearing went and costs 3 times more than any other not a recomended truck. outside of comfort

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  1999 Jimmy - 1999 GMC Jimmy
  By jst100 - November 1 - 2:00 am

  Have had the vehicle for 4 months. Very satisfied overall.

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  Hire Power - 1997 GMC Yukon
  By Chris Collins - October 30 - 2:00 am

  I have the Yukon Sport Gt I have nothing but good things to say about it, Comfortible to drive, plenty of room to carry people and cargo..and a very POWERFUL motor. (we like that!) Sexy stylings ..very lean and mean look to it. I have installed a lift kit and larger off road tires. This truck is a keeper.

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  Love it but some issues - 2007 GMC Yukon XL
  By timber - October 27 - 5:13 pm

  This is a great family vehicle. Love its style and comfort. We got a good deal 10,000 off msrp. Only problem is a phantom rattle or vibration in front at low coasting speeds. Dealer cant seem to figure it out. Also we did not get leather so the seats are a terrible lint trap. They collect everything from lint to hair. Towing is great. The fake chrome interior door handles are bad, had to be replaced due to chipping. At that price you think it would be cheaper to do it right the first time.

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  final fix - 2002 GMC Envoy
  By ron jones - October 23 - 2:00 am

  The only thing we did not like about the vehicle was that the passengers seat belt would always lock up and not release. The dealer fixed this with a seat belt extension.

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  Great little truck - 1994 GMC Jimmy
  By Bill The Cat - October 19 - 2:00 am

  Bought truck in 1997 with 42K on it. Have made numerous trips to Ohio and Back 600 miles one way. Only major problem is well known EGR valve. Fixed and have had no problems since. Didnt have to replace water pump until 135K. Vortec 4.3L V6 is very powerful and strong motor, brakes are good. Interior has held up fairly. No leaks @ 135K impressive! Still running strong and plan to drive it until the wheels fall off.