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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  GM Truck Division Winner! - 2003 GMC Envoy
  By AZ TR - July 21 - 10:00 am

  Ride is terrific with more than enough power on hand. The brakes are disc all around and excellent. Solid feel, quality switch gear and excellent displays.

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  Update review - cold feet - 2004 GMC Sierra 1500
  By schodack bassman - July 19 - 9:36 am

  Overall I have been very happy with the truck. My feet get cold though from a draft. Couldnt figure out why until I noticed recently that the material over the fire while kind of melted away so the yellow insulation is now showing. May be why there is a draft in the cabin. Have almost 44K on truck and no major problems. Drive train noisy/clunky but very reliable. Only work is oil changes, just changed air filter, tighten emergency brake once a year and thats it. Next year might get a new one. MPG is not bad. For history of truck about 16.5. Around 18-19 on highway when keep 70 or under. Not bad. Truck still turns heads.

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  Bad Experience! - 2004 GMC Sierra 1500
  By vargalu - July 17 - 10:00 am

  Nothing but problems with vehicle. Bad towing capability. Noisy (valve clatter) on cold mornings, sounds like a diesel. Transmision went out at 50000 miles. Front axle bearing went out at 20,000 miles. Enough problems. Im trading in for anything but a GM product!

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  Great purchase - 2008 GMC Yukon
  By FL Buyer - July 15 - 8:50 pm

  This truck rides and looks great! Its been nothing but a pleasure since I purchased it 2 mos ago and I would go back tomorrow and do it all over again. I have three friends that own Escalades and they love my truck especially for $10K less because it drives and looks identical. My other cars are a BMW 750 LI and a BMW 545, but we like driving the truck. Gas mileage is averaging about 14 MPG, but my 7 Series gets only about 20 MPG and the 5 Series gets 18 MPG (both premium) and this truck runs on mid- grade! Go get a good deal on one today!

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  Good and Bad - 2004 GMC Envoy
  By Ray - July 14 - 9:39 pm

  I have enjoyed a lot about this car. I got it Jan of 2007 and it has been in the shop 2 or 3 times totaling about $2000. Its fun to drive and looks great but has broken down on me enough that I am now shopping for something else. The first repair was $1000 to reprogram the computer something or other. Then the battery died. The rubber around the doors has almost all fallen off, the power seat control panel just fell of the other day, and the cd player does not work. All sorts of check lights go on and off in the dash all the time and I still cant figure out how to work all the lighting! Like I said, pretty car and fun to have! And not all bad but personally not worth the monthly note!

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  Very good SUV - 1997 GMC Yukon
  By robb - July 14 - 8:08 pm

  I have found that after owning this SUV that I am very impressed. Yes it is huge but I bought it to do a big job. I have 3 children and a wife that love to travel so therefore we have a 30 foot Jayco. It pulls great, it works great. If I had to buy another SUV I would get a GMC Yukon. Just love it

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  Multiple mechanical problems - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By ddoan - July 14 - 1:30 pm

  I researched this vehicle for several months before making the purchase. In the 1 yr that I have owned the vehicle it has been in the shop multiple times for various reasons. The first 3 times was because the passenger side floor board was flooded because the drain from the sunroof was not installed and when my dealer did install it it was done incorrectly. Then carpet had to be replaced. Transmission in the vehicle is not what it should be. I had the software update, but car continues to shift up and down with little regard to terrain Now it is in the shop related to what they say are body seam cracks. I love this car, the way it rides, the looks, and the interior comfort.

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  My Acadia - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By siamese133 - July 14 - 10:43 am

  I absolutely love this car. I dont feel that its a big vehicle, even though it is quite large. I recommend this car to everyone that has a minivan and hates them.

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  2007 GMC Denali - 2007 GMC Envoy
  By carlapappy - July 13 - 8:53 am

  I have to say, I went from a VW New Beetle to this beautiful GMC vehicle. Ive only owned Chevys in the past (excluding my short stint with the Bug), and I am so pleased that I purchased this SUV. No, the gas mileage isnt the greatest, but the satisfaction and pure enjoyment that I get out of driving everyday makes up for it. I hope to have this car well over the 100k mileage mark as I travel from duty station to duty station across the U.S. I am a proud owner of this GMC!

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  Great little truck for 11 years - 1995 GMC Sonoma
  By Jeff A. - July 12 - 4:32 pm

  Ive enjoyed my 11 years with this truck. Its still going strong with only 61k on it, but Im going to sell it to an employee who needs vehicle and so I can upgrade. Pros: Smooth ride, good handling, nice cab design, lots of room in the ext cab, decent bed room. Cons: The 4 banger could use a bit more power for hiway conditions. Side mirrors are known to fall off by breathing on them (2 times for me). Stock sound system is pretty bad, but easy to upgrade. Repairs: Easy to work on. In 11 years Ive replaced 2 batteries, the a/c compressor, EGR sensor, fan clutch, plus normal wear items like brake pads, drive belt, etc.