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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  Not bad! - 2001 GMC Sierra 1500
  By xfarmboy - April 24 - 2:00 am

  Bought my Sierra new and still enjoy driving it. Only had a few warranty items to take care of in the first year (rear seatbelt retractor, clunking sound from front wheels when going over bumps & front wheel alignment problem). Other than that, have just had it in to the dealer for regular maintenance. It handles great on curves & turns and has plenty of power. However, it does drink lots of gas. I average about 13.5 mpg in the city & around 16 mpg on the highway. The factory tires were terrible (Firestone Wilderness AT) and I only got about 36,000 miles out of them. Have replaced them with Michelin LTX M/S and they have been great in giving the truck a much smoother ride.

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  Disappointment - 2004 GMC Envoy
  By JJF2 - April 24 - 2:00 am

  I really fell in love with this truck when I bought it. Its loaded. $40k sticker. But Ive had nothing put problems. 4-wheel drive sensor broke second day out, front-right sway bar ends broke at 5,000 miles, defective weather-stripping, driver-side window ratttles when cold, rear suspension compressor cycles on and off when car is off...can run down battery (dealer cant diagnose this!). Check Engine light came on and resulted in replacing gas cap. Owned for 11 months and been in dealership 6 times. Worst build quality of any car Ive ever owned. GM service worst of any company. Will never buy GM again.

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  Thumper - 2000 GMC Sierra 1500
  By tferrone - April 15 - 12:00 pm

  The only problem I have experienced so far is a clunking in the automatic transmission. This happens when starting up or turning from a slow speed. It sometimes makes the rear wheels chirp.

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  Cracked cylinder heads - 2004 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Stan - April 4 - 11:13 am

  This will be my last GMC vehicle. 2004 GMC Sierra with 60,000 miles developed 2 cracked cylinder heads and also need lifters replaced. $3600 repair bill. Called GMC to complain but they didnt care.

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  Denali 2003 - 2003 GMC Yukon XL
  By Denaliman - April 4 - 2:00 am

  Fun to drive. Interior finish should be of higher quality for a vehicle of this price point. Ride is a bit truck like compared to 2 wheel drive with auto ride suspension.

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  Nice Land Yacht - 2003 GMC Yukon XL
  By rnmyers - April 4 - 2:00 am

  If you must drive a big SUV, or just really want to, the XL Denali is a fine choice. The drive train is delightfully capable for a vehicle this size. The truck also feels more nimble when cornering than you might imagine -- again for a vehicle of this size. The seats are very comfortable and supportive, the new steering-wheel mounted radio controls are convenient, the XM radio is surprisingly enjoyable, and the interior space is just about unbeatable. Done up in onyx black, this truck is also a real head-turner across all age groups.

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  Love the Z71 but mileage is taking toll - 1999 GMC Sierra 1500
  By gmc2349 - March 31 - 2:50 pm

  Just hit 90k and the repairs are starting to come in fast. Rear end needed to be replaced, along with front diff to be resealed. Transfer case just had to cleaned up from factory flaw. Front wheel bearings went out too all in under 10 months. Thats about $3k in work done. Nothing else out there gets me excited as my Z71 SLT. Great truck, just reliability is becoming an issue at 100k.

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  Mostly electrical problems - 2005 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Dennis Brooks - March 24 - 4:40 pm

  I bought this truck new in 2005, have put 67k miles on it in 5 years. This is a very comfortable truck. I took it on many 300 mile trips without a rest stop, feeling like I had only driven to town. However the many electrical problems has me wondering about the quality of gmc. Less than 5k the instrument display showed "electrical malfunction". The dealership repaired and did not give me reason. Other problems are evap solenoid, power door lock, brake master cylinder, bumping in steering column, 4wd transfer case switch, speedometer would go to 0, seat heater shorted out, headlights and dash lights flicker anytime you hit brakes or use Windows. The dealer gave an extra 2 yr warr for free due to the issues

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  First time GMC owner - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By Jeff C. in San Diego - March 24 - 3:13 am

  After looking at every make and model of 7 passenger SUVs and Minivans my wife and I quickly narowed it down to the Acadia. This is our first "American" badged vehicle and have to say that we are both impressed. Ours was purchased in Nov 07 and with the exception of a leaky sunroof (fixed under warranty) we have had no problems during its first 7500 miles driven. The May 08 transmission reflash was done two months ago and did wonders for the everyday drivability of the car.

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  Two weeks Old - 2010 GMC Terrain
  By Fred - March 23 - 7:40 pm

  In the overall I am pleased with the vehicle. My last three were Explorers so it has taken a little while to adjust to the opposite positioning of wipers, lights, etc.