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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  Some problems with my Yukon - 2001 GMC Yukon
  By cboshdave - July 1 - 8:06 pm

  Overall, it has been an decent vehicle. Although, my transmission went out at 42,000 miles requiring a replacement. My biggest gripe is the emergency brake. We need it on boat ramps and it just doesnt work. It is a weird system with separate ebrake pads. I usually do this work myself. I guess I am going to have to break down and take it in.

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  Love my Safari - 1993 GMC Safari
  By Lanceoah - July 1 - 9:56 am

  Have driven all over the States and Canada never let me down. 450000 km so far. Rocker panels have rusted out. The back door handle has disentigrated. Spark plugs are hard to replace. But fun to drive and Ill drive it into the ground

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  Horrible Fuel Economy - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By Michelle - June 30 - 4:08 pm

  The car is very comfortable and I feel very safe - 2 of the reasons I purchased the vehicle. However, the main reason I purchased the vehicle was because of the advertised fuel mileage which has turned out to be a bold faced lie. It is supposed to get 16-24mpg and we are lucky to get 12- 18mpg! I have taken it in to a dealership and called GMC on 2 different occasions with no resolution. They basically just say they will "document my concern". A lot of help that is! My next car purchase will definately not be a GMC!

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  To many problems - 2017 GMC Yukon
  By chris - June 29 - 1:44 pm

  Raising the gas mileage up to 22 mpg has created major issues. The engine has yet to be refined, the 8 speed trans is also having issues. My son has a 2015 and the kids have broken 2 exterior door handles off, the engine has to be replaced, computer problems (Gremlins). Quality for the price is just not there. I own a 2003 Yukon since new and it has 275k no work has been done on the engine or trans, bottom line is that they are not built the way they used to be. For close to the same price as a Denali, we bought a Mercedes Benz GLS 450, tows what we need, better warranty, built like no other SUV, and much better resale value. Dealer customer service is also second to none. Drop it off once a year for oil change service and inspection, get a loaner with out even asking.

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  Check carefully before you buy - 2008 GMC Sierra 1500
  By txcwby - June 29 - 2:16 am

  Overall, i would not buy this truck again due to repair costs. At 104,000 miles (notice its just outside the warranty) engine heads both cracked - with the mileage and the reported issues about oil usage and AFM related issue, it makes more sense to replace with a GM crate engine than to solve part of the problem. Mileage on E85 is 14mpg in 2wd if you are an extremely light footed driver. With 87 octane, the average mpg (light foot) is 18mpg-19mpg in hilly terrain. As a cowboy and rancher, my vehicle is my lifeblood and cost of ownership and reliability is key. This truck just hasnt met the minimum expectations. Cost for new engine at GM dealer - $7,898.77

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  Not So Happy - 2007 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Tubbed67 - June 28 - 2:06 pm

  When I ordered this truck,it was my 3rd GMC.When it came off the truck,I was there and thought WOW,what a truck.And then after 7 visits to the dealer,and 20 different issues. My latest problem will be the end of my GM problems.It burns almost 2qts of oil in 1000 miles.And GM says there not sure why.Valvetrain noise,is also issue.They actualy asked me to do a oil consumtion test.And if that isnt strange enough,now they want my dealership to take it on a trip,to do there own test.

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  Great Crossover Vehicle - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By R Hansen - June 28 - 12:43 pm

  I switched from a Toyota Sequoia to the GMC Acadia. This Acadia give me 28 mpg at 65 mph. I added a Fitch Fuel Catalyst to gain 4 mpg. The quality is great, ride is comfortable, plenty of cargo room. A quiet engine, comfortable seats. OnStar is super. The instrumentation is excellent. Excellent vehicle stability. A great value. GMC has a winner with the Acadia.

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  Z71 GMC - 1999 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Gary Zimmerman - June 28 - 10:00 am

  My Z71 has been nothing short of the best vehicle I have ever owned. I have driven it very much on long trips and it is an awesome truck. It has never let me down in any task I have required it to perform. Im a firm believer in the fact I will be a GMC man forever.

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  Impressive ride - 2001 GMC Jimmy
  By Al - June 27 - 4:32 pm

  Excellent vehicle for an outdoors type of guy. Handles well for the most part, leans a bit at high speeds in curves. The vehicle at times had a raddle in the rear, although not annoying. Gas mileage is typical for a SUV, not a Geo metro. If you are buying a SUV, isnt for the hybrid driver. Go out and buy this vehicle, mine has close to 100,000 miles and will make it to 200,000 miles!

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  Heck of a truck - 2006 GMC Canyon
  By 2006 gmc crew cab - June 25 - 11:05 pm

  I picked this up in March of 06 and immeadiately took it on a trip, getting mid to high 20s in MPG. Other than regular maintenance, it has never had any work done on it. I previously had a 2001 GMC Sonoma 4x4. This truck is 2wd, saving gas. Since then, I have taken many trips with this vehicle, and the truck has performed extremely well! I plan to replace it with another one just like it when my lease is up. The Japanese makers can keep their trucks!