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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  Worst reliable truck I ever owned - 2001 GMC Jimmy
  By jim - August 1 - 9:16 pm

  The truck was great looking. But broke down on a regular basis. Electronics and engine problems. Even the dealer was tired of fixing it! Finally traded it in for a more reliable truck .

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  Very Disappointed - 2009 GMC Acadia
  By Disappointed - July 26 - 5:35 pm

  I bought 2009 Acadia in March 2009 and have had nothing but problems. The dealership has tried to fix the air conditioning and pick up with no resolve of problem. LV is very hot and w/o good air, it is impossible. Freeway driving is terrible when a Prius passes you up with no acceleration. Car has been in shop several times with no fix. I would not recommend this car if they all drive the same way. No one wants to actually fix the problem. It may be a LEMON. GMC does not seem to care. So GM cars with all their problems may best be avoided to buy until they resolve to take care of customer problems or replace their LEMONS. Milage has averaged less than 17 miles to gallon more like 15 even HWY

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  Not a favorite - 2000 GMC Jimmy
  By HEIDI - July 24 - 1:49 pm

  Bought this used. Had a 1995 Villager that need some money be put into it so figured would be better off with a newer vehicle. Well I was wrong. In the year since I have purchased this I have spent more money in repairs then I would have had to do to the Villager. Plus now a monthly payment. Fuel pump, hubs both sides, passenger needs it done again. Ball joints, brakes done right before I bought, needs COMPLETE brake job again. Its nice looking and good in the snow but thats about it. Dont buy. They are horrible.

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  GMC wanna be - 2005 GMC Envoy
  By Marty - July 23 - 3:32 pm

  After year 3 an oil pressure sensor went out, idling issue, not sure why. Dealer could never tell me why either. Since there is no fuel filter, i am wondering if there could have been something restricting the fuel flow!!!. Year 4, tensioner pulley bearing went out, Year 4.5 traded the Envoy in for a Jeep Wrangler Unlimited. Probably never buy this model again, it was transportation and cheap. Sticker was $29,500, after discounts and rebates i paid $19,500. it was a good price on a SUV to haul my kids around.

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  EXHAUSTED - 2003 GMC Sierra 2500HD
  By Frustrated Rancher - July 23 - 10:00 am

  Disappointed in the power. Tried to pull a 16 stock trailer with two bulls. It was all it could do to get over a small hill. Constant air conditioning problems. Unscrupulous dealership tells me it has been repaired. Lies. Electric window problems. Needs larger fuel tanks for a truck that gets 13mph. Wears front tires knobby. Stress cracks in the windshield. Brakes squeel. Tapping in the engine. Would I buy again. No Chance. Off to the dealership for engine noise;AC repairs again. Watch out Ford/Dodge, here I come.

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  2008 envoy - 2008 GMC Envoy
  By alc13 - July 22 - 10:03 am

  Not sure if I have the SLE or SLT. I rated the gas milage poor because it is extremely inconsistant. I travel 6 hrs interstate/highway time per week and I go the same speed every time. Some trips I go through a little over a 1/4 and sometimes I go through a whole tank. Thats a huge difference! Also, it should get better milage than a truck 17mpg just doesnt cut it for its size. I rated the interior design poorly also because there is only one cup holder, back seats dont really fold down, console is tiny, and the computer system randomly turns on and off the change oil light. As far as build quality stuff I had to have the powertrain completely replaced when I first bought it.

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  Not a Happy Owner - 2008 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Luke - July 16 - 6:26 am

  I have always been a Chevy man, really needed a new pickup so I went with the GMC. I wanted the 5.3l because it does great in my 01 Suburban. My New 5.3, which has fuel management gets much worse mileage. I get 13.5 MPG at any speed or condition driving, even downhill. Also the 4 sp transmission is clunky, brakes are sticky, interior clothe is Horrible, interior plastic comes apart, body has many mud pockets which will rot the metal and the front tire sprays road wash Into the frame by the front door. I am NOT happy with this truck which now has 3500 miles on it.

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  Sonoma - 2001 GMC Sonoma
  By no - July 10 - 2:15 pm

  I have had nothing but trouble with this vehicle. I loved to drive it/love the way it looked but it sits broke down more than on the road. The fuel pump goes out about every other year, the power windows stop working, cd player stopped working. Had 38000 miles when I bought it (5-6years ago) and I only drive to work and back no heavy hauling it now has 100000 miles and the rear end is going out the transmission is going out couple of sensors in the motor are failing and it sits behind my garage..not the best $18000 spent! Really like the truck when its running and not costing me money.

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  good truck so far - 2004 GMC Sierra 1500
  By rce143 - July 6 - 10:00 am

  i love the truck so far but the turning radious is terrable.tows great good fuel milage

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  Defective Transmission - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By Twiggy - July 3 - 11:50 pm

  We purchased the Acadia in Feb 2007, and 2 1/2 years later, the transmission failed! The dealership admitted to a bulletin being issued about the transmission. We had a recall repaired with the transmission like most a few years ago but it is now completely shot. Thank God for the extended warranty because GMC is not willing to repair or replace this defective transmission in my two year old car. I am disappointed to say the least. The radio is defective as well, they have replaced it twice. I loved this car even though it was in and out of the shop for recalls but this is a lemon.I will be speaking to attorney.