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 Reliabilty Poor Interior - 2006 GMC Sierra 2500HD
  By GMC2500HD - June 2 - 5:33 am

  Better fuel mileage, reliability and smoother suspension than the comparable Ford. However, position of side view mirrors creates dangerous blind spots. Cup holders in front difficult to access. Front middle seat very uncomfortable. Front passenger seat lack of foot/leg room r/t air box, this lack of space is even worse when there are passengers in back seat and you have to move front seat forward to allow more space for them. Lack of leg space for back row and you have to turn your foot sideways to get in/out of vehicle due to the lack of space between the seat and exterior section of vehicle where door attaches. Theres more. Overall this is NOT a vehicle for a crew. This is no CrewCab.

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  The burban I got on E-bay - 1996 GMC Suburban
  By koko - May 30 - 2:00 am

  Been a Volvo, SAAB, Audi family for years. Kids are in their teens and want to bring buddies on camping trips and short vacations. 4 seat luxo Euro cars cant handle those kids, CD players, Bikes, snowboards, and backpacks. Never owned a GM product in my life, landed a great E-bay deal on a "truck" 2000 miles away. 1996 GMC Burban w/70K on the odometer. After running that bad boy cross country from the mid west, the Dakotas, WY, MT and onto the coast, I found out Im the one who has been missing something...A comfy Luxo Barge at 70 mph all day, sips "regular" gas at 18.2 MPG over hill and over dale ( only 2 pax).

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  Great Truck! - 2006 GMC Sierra 2500HD
  By Moose - May 28 - 2:56 pm

  Purchased new. Plain Jane with manual windows, stick, vinyl interior. Just what I wanted. Have experienced no problems that have required a dealer visit. I have over 30K and it runs fine. Wish I could have gotten 3.73 vice the 4.10 axles. Still get 15 mpg on the highway.

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  Vibration? Vibration!? We dont need... - 2002 GMC Sonoma
  By N. J. - May 27 - 2:00 am

  I took it in at 400 miles for a vibration coming from the rear. A month later GM says its inherent to the two- piece driveshaft in extended models and "unrepairable". The dealer has tried hard to correct the problem to no avail. If the Corp. Service Rep. wont authorize re-purchase, Ill have to take refuge in the Lemon Law here in GA.

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  2002 - 2002 GMC Yukon XL
  By Yukon xl freak - May 26 - 3:30 pm

  I like to drive it. The power is not enough because when I want to pass people sometimes I have trouble passing them when they hit the pedal. Overall, Im very satisfied.

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  Give and take - 1999 GMC Safari
  By Rowe - May 22 - 2:00 am

  Major Safety concern - no door ajar light/ alarm for doors other than driver side door and even then, door has to be completely open. We have driven with door ajar several times. Have had many water leakage problems with all doors. Not much room for taller drivers. Rattle at slow speed but service department can not fix.

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  Poor defroster , could use better cup ho - 2004 GMC Envoy
  By Allen Witmer - May 18 - 2:00 am

  The overall performance is not bad, but I feel GM still has room to improve. The foreign auto industry is making a much better SUV overall. The defroster system is poorly designed, during a recent snow storm and cold weather I could not keep my windshield clear of icying up. The defroster vents are only positioned in the center of the windshied, poor design. The cup holders are poor also, this is the second GM product I purchased in the last 4 years where the cup holders were of a poor design and not enough of them. Would I buy another GMC Envoy again, probably not. I will look at other auto makers.

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  great suv - 2004 GMC Envoy
  By scwood16 - May 18 - 2:00 am

  Just purchased a 03 envoy..great ride...great suv

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  Leaks and squeeks - 1999 GMC Jimmy
  By Brucetheman - May 15 - 2:00 am

  Only 40K miles and its leaking all over. Transmission cooler lines replace at 38K. Brakes make noises and noises when turning. Low quality vehicle.

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  Love my Jimmy - 1994 GMC Jimmy
  By Captain Terror - May 11 - 2:00 am

  I purchased a used Jimmy for use by my family. Family has grow so we need a bigger car. This has been one of the best cars I have ever owned!