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:

• 

  Great overall family truck - 2002 GMC Sierra 2500HD
  By Mark Danley - July 6 - 2:00 am

  This has been an exceptional truck, plenty of power and quiet for a diesel. much quieter than either the Dodge or Ford. A very comfortable truck to drive. We pull a 10,000 lb 5th wheel and it pulls with little effort.

• 

  behind the mask - 2002 GMC Envoy
  By Zorro - July 4 - 2:00 am

  I assume you are looking here because you are considering an Envoy..well I snuck in here as I own the Envoy twin, the Olds Bravada..5700 carefree miles and the 60,000 mile warrranty is the Big difference over the Envoy, not to mention the Olds dealers are selling them at invoice since they arent as popular nameplate as GMC "suv of the year"..Youll love the ride and quietness over the Explorer!

• 

  It is OK but sometimes you will hate it. - 1997 GMC Yukon
  By Phatts - June 29 - 2:00 am

  I really wanted one of these when they came out. I got mine in March 1997. I did not have any problems at all until July 1999. The transmission went out on a road trip. Since then it has 3 more transmission. Other than one little fact, this really has been a good vehicle to have. I am about to buy another vehicle but this time it will be a Tahoe insted of a Yukon. Peace Chris

• 

  2008 Gold Mist SLT2 - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By mike - June 27 - 8:03 am

  At 6000 miles I am delighted with this vehicle. Loaded with just about all options. Room for all my wordly possessions! very comfortable to travel in. Mileage is as good as I expected; certainly good for a vehicle of this size and power. As noted by others, trans is sometimes a little "busy" but power is more than adequate.

• 

  Duramax Dually 2004 - 2004 GMC Sierra 3500
  By Gilles - June 25 - 11:26 pm

  I purchased the Sierra dually Duramax (LLY - 310hp & 605flbs) to pull a heavy fifth wheel and so far my experience has been trouble free. So far I am fully satisfied although I only have 30,000 km and time will provide more information on reliability of the Duramax. I find it fun to drive and fuel efficiency is good compared to the other diesel (Ford & Chrysler). It provide plenty of performance compare to a gas engine. The interior is perhaps blend as per the critics but it provides a price advantage compare to the Fords King Ranch. It does not take away from the performance.

• 

  GMC 2000 JIMMY - 2001 GMC Jimmy
  By JETSKI - June 25 - 2:00 am

  VERY DISAPPOINTED IN RELIABILITY OF PARTS ON THIS VEHICLE. AFTER WARRANTEE IS UP DEALER NOW TELLS YOU THIS SHOULD BE DONE, THAT SHOULD BE DONE, AND OH BY THE WAY ALL THE WHEEL BEARINGS NOW NEED TO BE REPLACED. AFTER 45,000 MILES THIS VEHICLE IS FALLING APART. THIS IS AFTER IS HAS BEEN FAITHFULLY SERVICED AT AT GMC DEALERSHIP SINCE BOUGHT THERE AND HAS BEEN DRIVEN BY A FEMALE THAT DOES NOT ABUSE VEHICLES.

• 

  Great Vehicle!!! - 2001 GMC Yukon
  By walt - June 20 - 2:00 am

  Love it....Recomend it to whoever wants to purchase an SUV....On four wheel drive it does squeak a bit on turns.,..but has great pick up, wonderful handling, and not bad to look at either....

• 

  Love Our Van - 1994 GMC Safari
  By Steve W. - June 18 - 2:00 am

  What a great vehicle! Bigger than a minivan but not as big and lumbering as a fullsize. Ours now has right at 150,000 miles and weve had very few problems. Had to replace the AC compressor at 62K miles, and other than that, have just performed regular maintenance. This is the second Safari weve owned and both have been trouble- free. When the time comes to replace ours, I know well be buying another Safari.

• 

  GMC Jimmy Envoy 2000 - 2000 GMC Envoy
  By Ladystrdst - June 18 - 2:00 am

  Exellent vehicle, handles well, quiet smooth ride. This is my third Jimmy, previously owned a 95. The 2000 has come a long way compared to the 95.

• 

  Vibration buy-back - 2002 GMC Sonoma
  By N. J. - June 15 - 2:00 am

  This is a follow-up to my earlier rating. The truck IS unrepairable. It has taken GMC TWO MONTHS to admit this and authorize a buy back. They started to charge me useage for the 400 miserable miles I drove it. Unmitigated gall! Now Im told they dont want to re-imburse me for the sales tax. Im out of patience and looking at other brands, GM card be damned.