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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  Worst truck ever owned in 40 years - 2014 GMC Sierra 1500
  By mad1980 - May 12 - 6:41 pm

  6 month update. Gm has not fixed any thing since new. Radio GPS headlights are still awfull. 5 Recalls so far. New problems leather coming off seats,look like 50 year old bomber jacket. Dash settings constantly reset, rattles every where,seems dealer can not hear it. Was getting 16 mpg,after fire flash recall dropped to 13-14,dealer says that was expected. (not when I bought it), Tried to trade it in on new Toyota,they would not take it. $50k pos. Advertised as professional grade, the only thing I am getting professional at is taking it to the dealer

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  Unhappy driver - 2004 GMC Envoy
  By MARK - May 2 - 10:53 am

  Trasmission lost second gear @ 30,000, on a trip to Louisiana. Dealer repaired. At 33,000 transmission failed again vehicle out of warranty. Cabin very noisy at highway speed.

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  My Yukon is always in the shop! - 2008 GMC Yukon Hybrid
  By ahurley - April 28 - 4:30 pm

  The actuators that move the door locks keep burning out, one after the other. I am on my fifth replacement. I will be contacting a lawyer when the next one burns out.

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  worst car ever - 2010 GMC Terrain
  By Jocelyne - April 28 - 9:15 am

  Worst car I ever have bought this 2010 terrain in 2014 since I bought this car it being nothing but problem I greatly regretted put my money in this gmc terrain

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  BUYER BEWARE - 2002 GMC Yukon
  By Tara - April 2 - 11:14 pm

  Warning: the Yukon started making a rattling & knocking noise. The GMC dealership themselves sent a letter to me stating the problem is (cold start engine knock) and there is nothing they can do and it would cost too much for a recall. They said it happens in some GMC and Chevy models and it has nothing to do with the motor, so dont worry. What! People dont pay good money for this vehicle to hear clanking noises. I found other people that had similar experiences with this suv on yahoo autos. Go check out some of their reviews before you buy.

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  Worst buy - 2001 GMC Jimmy
  By Tom - March 19 - 6:06 am

  Worst purchase Ive ever made. Never better than 12 MPG on highway. Very little support from untrustworthy dealership. Required front ball joints at 60,000 miles because "southern hospital" mechanics failed to lubricate chassi properly and dealership refused to fix. No room in vehicle back seats. Have back seat belts for three, can only fit 2 people. Transmission gone at 140,000. NEVER ANOTHER GMC PRODUCT

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  Trash Truck or SUV? - 1999 GMC Jimmy
  By Alex - March 14 - 8:53 pm

  Not to say that every thing about it is bad, but i have never owned a worse vehicle. I average 9.5 mpg driving conservatively and find myself in a serious money pit constantly b/c if its not the 3rd time i have to put gas in it in one week, Im at the shop paying 500 dollars to replace the next thing that went wrong with it. I have replaced pretty much everything under the hood with the exception of the block itself, and that doesnt come cheap. All in all i would not recommend this car to anyone unless it was free and they only needed it because they are doing a demolition derby with it. Hopefully you wont have to make the same mistake as me and buy a jimmy.

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  Nice appearance but ownership cost disaster - 2013 GMC Acadia
  By TC Bode - March 10 - 1:33 am

  Expect to have a high cost repair while owning this vehicle. There is a reason other car manufacturers have better warranties, they are confident in their cars performance. GMC is confident in their cars having issues soon after the warranty expires. Update: I recently sold this car as I was disappointed in the rising cost associated with repairs. Purchased a QX60 Infiniti to replace vehicle.

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  worst truck i have ever owned. - 2008 GMC Sierra 1500
  By trucksucks1 - February 28 - 3:14 am

  Truck has 34000 miles on it. Main turn signal switch went out, Door lock switch out, Airbag sensor out, Master window switch out ($400) for a switch! Truck now will not engage the starter, so its in the shop again. Do not buy any GMC or Chevy truck! Going back to Dodge.

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  Sick Puppy - 2006 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Melvin Richardson - February 8 - 3:16 pm

  The dealer had installed 20" wheels and tires on this truck and it looked good. I ask if it had the same rear end I was trading and they said " I think so" so old trusting Melvin didnt check. It turns out I got a 3.23 rear end with a 5.3 engine and oversize wheels and it drops out of overdrive to go over interstate overpasses if your speed is less than 65 MPH. Driving less than 50 mph it drops a gear if you touch the gas pedal. My wifes Toyota 4 runner drives better, just no hauling or towing capacity.