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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  Never had a better, more dependable SUV - 1994 GMC Jimmy
  By 94jimmy81 - March 14 - 2:06 pm

  My Jimmy has 251,000 miles and I have never done any major engine or tranny work to it. Parts are cheap and it overall has been a pretty easy vehicle to work on. But never had a problem with it, it starts up every morning without a problem. The 4 wheel drive system is awesome too.

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  My 6th Yukon XL - 2007 GMC Yukon XL
  By Michelle - March 14 - 10:53 am

  I have always driven Suburbans and I love them, but if this would have been the 1st one I ever owned I would never buy another one again. I have had nothing but trouble with it since Ive owned it. At 13k my transmission went out and I had to be towed in and 19k the alternator went out. Transmission is acting up again and every once in a while it will say add oil to engine and they can not find a leak anywhere. Dealer had done my oil changes to make sure it is being done the correct way and it will still loose 2 quarts of oil. I am getting ready to trade it off and yes I am going to get another Yukon XL because I do love my GMCs but it will not be the 2007 model.

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  Love this truck - 2006 GMC Yukon
  By gmc273 - March 13 - 12:14 pm

  Took this truck to PA, NY, and FL and it rides beautifully. Is firm and stable on the road. Has great acceleration. Came with all the bells and whistles for entertainment. No options except 20 inch rims this year love that! Gets good gas mileage into and on the road trip

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  Engine hesitates when it shift at low speeds - 2017 GMC Sierra 1500
  By John Crooke - March 12 - 12:11 pm

  The eight speed transmission seems to have problems.

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  Cant wipe the grin away - 2003 GMC Sierra 2500HD
  By D/A Guy - March 11 - 10:00 am

  Only service problem was the Service 4WD Problem as well. New module fixed problem. No other problems since. I found the ride to be very comfortable especially for a 3/4 ton. The room inside accomodates the family and kids with room to spare. 6 adults can ride in comfort with good leg and shoulder room. Milage is great for the power and weight. My average milage to-date is about 19 mpg over 17000 miles. The transmission is absolutely incredible and is what makes this truck exceptional. It handles heavy trailers with ease. I have yet to use all the power the Dmax puts out. It is without a doubt the best truck I have owned.

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  Hot Duramax - 2003 GMC Sierra 2500HD
  By J. Carroll - March 11 - 10:00 am

  This duramax is bad to the bone added bully dog 75 hp system to the truck now get 19.6 in town and 23 on the highway. pulled my 30 ft 5th wheel RV thought Colarado never missed a lick passed everything on the road and still averaged 13.7 mpg. Truck will white smoke the tires through 3rd gear and out run a new 6.0l Powerstroke no problem.

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  Nice appearance but ownership cost disaster - 2013 GMC Acadia
  By TC Bode - March 10 - 1:33 am

  Expect to have a high cost repair while owning this vehicle. There is a reason other car manufacturers have better warranties, they are confident in their cars performance. GMC is confident in their cars having issues soon after the warranty expires. Update: I recently sold this car as I was disappointed in the rising cost associated with repairs. Purchased a QX60 Infiniti to replace vehicle.

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  Great Truck - 2008 GMC Envoy
  By 215Denali - March 9 - 1:09 pm

  An excellent truck for the price. The Denali trim level looks great, we get compliments all the time. Great looking interior, we have the black leather with wood grain.

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  Construction use of GMC SIERRA - 2000 GMC Sierra Classic 2500
  By campo - March 9 - 10:00 am

  I have driven 119000 km construction usage. Only major problem: Clunking transmission. Cost 2000 to fix. GM paid half. Repair was done at about 70000km, just beyond warranty. OK since. If you notice any tranny clunk, insist dealer fix under warranty. Dont wait around like I did. 6 litre engine is flawless. Front end has never been touched-still tracks straight. I just did front brakes for the first time. The old pads were fine, but I rplaced them anyway. My 95 GMC needed front brakes every 40000 km, my 90 Suburban-every 25000km. I will buy GMC again.

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  Fun and Nice to Look at but a Black Hole - 2001 GMC Jimmy
  By Sheena - March 7 - 4:15 pm

  I like the GMC Jimmy just fine. I am am not big on fixing my own cars personaly though but I love fun & tough cars and SUVs. The GMC Jimmy is tough and reliable to a point. Yes basic maintenance is required most definitly but wear and tear and a bit of cheap parts make that go a little more quickly than one can keep up with. Money is definitely needed to own this car because big items do go on it and sometimes all at once.