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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  Good Family Truck - 1993 GMC Sonoma
  By Coach H - April 20 - 2:00 am

  My work truck and family of 4(Plus 2 dogs inside before the cap)ride in this. Have 110000 now and replaced the alternator, fan belt, tires, two set of pads, muffler,inside control switch for a/c-heat etc., and the pass. window moter only goes half way up-down. All have been minor compared to other cars Ive had. Exterior has been great and I would buy another again. I have the V6 which is great on power, but I would like to see the MPG be higher(20-22hwy) now.

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  GMC Yukon is solid as they come - 2004 GMC Yukon
  By Jon J - April 18 - 10:00 am

  This was my first GMC vehicle and certainly not my last. The quality which was put in to the design and building of the vehicle is extraordinary. Everything fits, nothing rattles or wobbles, or makes noise, unless its supposed to and you can just tell that the quality is there. My only complaint was that I couldnt get 17" wheels and tires...only on the Denalli which was not worth the difference in price (about $10,000). All in all, I am very happy with this one.

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  2005 Sierra Denali - 2005 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Dave034 - April 17 - 10:20 pm

  The power and acceleration are unbelievable. Handling is very good for a pickup. I only have 1000 miles on it so far, but very satisfied overall. I previously had an 01 Tahoe with the 5.3 engine, and the Sierra Denali with the 6.0 is getting slightly better mileage (if I keep a light foot on the gas). For some reason I could never average better than 13.5 with the Tahoe around town, and am getting just under 14 with the Sierra. I think the ethanol fuels around here are partly to blame for lower mileage. The tonneau cover that came with the truck is OK, but I think an Access brand cover would be better - easier to roll up than the GMC model. The all wheel drive is very smooth.

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  Great all around truck - 2001 GMC Sierra 1500
  By TAZ427 - April 11 - 2:00 am

  This is a great all around truck. Its comfortable and makes a good daily driver, while rugged enough to do the odd jobs such as hauling lumber, dirt, gravel, and the family. One of the things that impressed me the most is the ride comfort, while still be able to haul a big load.

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  UNHAPPY Yukon XL SLT OWNER - 2000 GMC Yukon XL
  By unhappy owner - April 4 - 10:00 am

  This truck has MAJOR electricial problems!!! It has left me stranded 5 times. Thank GOD for cell phones. (I am over my warrenty 49,000)The dealer even said when a truck starts blowing fuses left and right and leaving you on the side of the road like mine it is time to trade. They said it could take tons of money to figure out what the cause of that would be. I to have had my rear windows either refuse to roll up or down. It has a loud whine in the engine most of the time as well. I am looking to upgrade to the 2003 asap! I will buy the highest millage warenty though!!! I love the room but I two bought A LEMON!!!!

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  Great car despite a few minor issues - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By jgibb311 - April 3 - 4:56 pm

  The car performed wonderfully for the first 4K miles, but since then has been nothing but trouble. As many others have stated, the car began to leak from underneath the glove box due to a faulty hose leading from the sunroof. The car was in the shop 3 times for a total of 27 days before the leak was fixed. The emergency brake also malfunctioned due to a faulty switch, which was replaced and works fine now. Overall, most problems were minor, but have been quite a headache to deal with. Besides those issues, the car has been a blast to drive. It performed wonderfully on a trip to Florida recently, with an average highway mileage of 24.5mpg, and comfortably seated 5 adults plus luggage.

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  good - 2002 GMC Safari
  By greene - March 23 - 2:00 am

  nice van

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  Daves Sonoma - 1998 GMC Sonoma
  By DaveKoegel - March 16 - 5:19 pm

  The small 2200cc engine has moderate pep. Seats are comfortable but have little room to move back. Really no mechanical problems

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  Denali - 1999 GMC Yukon
  By duck mallard - March 11 - 12:26 am

  This truck is a great big tub of goo. The only reason to have one is for towing. For that, it is much better than the Expedition, as the steering and ride is far superior. "Hey - where did all my gas go?"

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  Transmission Failure. - 1998 GMC Jimmy
  By HoustonMad - March 10 - 12:39 am

  My transmission went out at 47,000 miles, shortly before it was due for its 50,000 transmission service. Vehicle never used to pull or haul, wife simply drives it to and from her school teacher job. A GMC dealer wanted $2400 to repair it. Last Jimmy I will own.