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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  Problems - 1995 GMC Jimmy
  By usmcjoeg - September 12 - 2:00 am

  Fuel injector poppets $600 repair at 60K miles, Fuel Pump, A/C compressor x2, power door locks, $200 EGR valve x2, Transmission dump at 110k, never towed anything, perfect oil change schedule, good regular maintenance schedule. This vehicle has inherent problems not due to owner abuse! BUYER BEWARE!

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  So far, so good - 2002 GMC Envoy
  By bigtalllefty - September 12 - 2:00 am

  After 11 months of ownership, complaints are minor. Top of seat back is too low for 65" driver. With tilt steering wheel in comfortable position, cant read speedometer (blocked by top of steering wheel). Initially, fuel economy was horrid improved to reasonably close to EPA ratings after a few thousand miles. CD/cassette stereo and limited slip only options on our Envoy. No mechanical problems. Dont break a fancy headlight: cost a fortune to replace! Oil changes are expensive: SEVEN quarts of oil!

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  A nice Truck - 1999 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Sierra152 - September 10 - 2:00 am

  I just got this a few day s ago and here are my first reactions: I have the 5.3 V-8 and it preforms well. Although it doesnt have the power of my Z-28, it can move fast enough. The ride is better then the fords I looked at. The Auto 4WD is good, but you may want to turn it off for parking. It is very comfortable and fun to drive, it is a truck that you can do stuff with like moving and off road driving but it can be driven every day. I will try and write an update after i have drivin it for a while.

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  Lots of Fun - 1999 GMC Jimmy
  By Happyrider - September 9 - 2:00 am

  I love my Jimmy. It has been reliable transportation and stylish as well. Its simply great fun to drive!

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  Just keeps on ticking - 1994 GMC Suburban
  By mike - September 8 - 2:00 am

  I bought this truck with 192,000 miles on it and it was clean as a whistle. I now have 233,000 miles on it and it just keeps going. It doesnt use any oil and its dry as a bone underneith. Im looking at buying a 96 model and its the same clean as a pin and it has 161,000 miles on it. I hope its as good as the other one. These are both GMC vehicles.

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  GMC Yukon XL Denali - 2006 GMC Yukon XL
  By mascot - September 5 - 2:06 am

  The only thing that seems to be missing is the "back-up warning system". Why GMC and Chevrolet have not included this feature (especially for such large vehicles) is beyond me.

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  Great family vehicle - 1999 GMC Suburban
  By annieb - September 5 - 2:00 am

  This is my first Suburban, and I am very impressed with the ride and handling. This is a great vehicle for long drives or short drives. The brakes could be better and need to be adjusted regularly, but other than that this has been a fairly reliable vehicle. We have plenty of room to spread out, so that each child has his own space. MPG isnt good, but we knew this before we purchased.

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  Generally a good truck - 2010 GMC Sierra 1500
  By tyrex - September 3 - 4:44 pm

  Factory ordered my 2010 SLT 4x4 after my 2007 SLT 4x4 lease expired. Surprisingly, I had a lot of driver seat discomfort with the new truck which I resolved after several months by finding a shop that knew GM seats and showed me how to add foam in the seat and back cushions for extra support. (The 2007 had better seats.) The 6 speed transmission is fine but sometimes is a bit sticky, wanting to stay in a lower gear too long. This truck has been back to the dealer 3 times for minor electronic components problems which were covered by warranty. Fuel mileage is good and better than the 2007. Overall, Im happy with the truck after 16 months and 33,000 km.

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  Not luxury, but serves a purpose - 2012 GMC Yukon XL
  By rob_k - August 28 - 5:51 am

  Traded in Toyota Sienna Limited to better accomodate our family - my wife and I plus four young kids. We have 7,500 miles on our 2012 Yukon XL Denali. Price was $60K even before trade, with the additional screen for the third row. Since we bought the car a few months ago, the DVD player has broken (only used it once) and now the back up camera is broken. Suprisingly little knee room for the second row, and less, as expected, for the third row. You cant move the 2nd or 3rd row seat back and forth, like you could in the mini-van. You can turn the Heat/AC for the rear on and off from the front of the car, but you cant control the temperature. Bad idea Regretting this purchase

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  Disappointed Owner - 1996 GMC Yukon
  By John Green - August 27 - 2:00 am

  The GMC was wonderful before it hit 100000 miles. However, once the Yukon reached 100,000 miles the trouble started. Ill probably trade in the coming months.