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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  DONT DO IT - 2004 GMC Envoy
  By unhappy camper - November 21 - 10:00 am

  i dont know who the people are writing these other reviews....but the envoy is a junker. it is an overpriced test car for GMC. I have had too many problems with this vehicle in the past 4 months. I wish I read some of the other reviews before buying. interior design, appears nice, but is inconvenient and cheaply made. constant service problems, that cannot be fixed.

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  Love this Truck - 1999 GMC Sierra Classic 1500
  By Bobby E - November 20 - 6:46 am

  I have had many cars and trucks foreign and domestic. By far this is the best and most reliable vehicle I have ever owned. We live on acreage and the 4x4 is like a billy goat. The only thing mechanical that has needed to be replaced are the power window motors and the gas pick-up in the gas tank. I have not even needed a brake job probably because I do little towing and it is driven more like a passenger car. I take very good care of my truck,oil and transmission fluid changes, wash and wax and I am careful when I use the 4x4. Gas mileage around town is 15-16 and on the interstate 18-19. It is more comfortable on trips than our cars. Feel very safe in all kinds of weather. Love it.

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  Maybe DODGE next time??? - 2009 GMC Sierra 1500
  By kg - November 19 - 10:00 am

  I have the experience of driving botht he F-150 and the new GMC and I have to honestly say after owning both vehicle, that the F-150 seems more solid. The 6 speed transmission shift funny, it shifts when it seems like it should hold the gear longer and downshifts when it shouldnt. Sometimes for no reason at all, it will just shift hard. I pull a 6000 pound camper trailer with my GMC and pulled the same one with the F-150. The GMC transmition is just not up to the task. If a GMC can not do a trucks job, who can?? Perhaps Dodge, I hear they make a good truck these days. Hopefully GM will take a serious look at their trans in next years model, and consider a recall on current ones.

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  My great little truck - 1998 GMC Sonoma
  By dougstatler - November 18 - 6:53 pm

  I purchased my Sonoma slightly used with less then 5,000 miles on it and less then a year old. It suved me fathfully for over 8 years untill last month when a drunk crosed the center line and hit me almost head on. I always liked the looks of the truck, and with the 4.3 V6 and a 5 speed it was no slouch. Very handy for light hauling but still very easy to manuver in tight parking lots. I have very few problems with the truck other then it always had a thurst for brake pads and sometimes rotors. It served me well right up to the end when drunk idiot hit me with an older Ford F150. She was totaled (even buckled the roof) but she got even, the big Ford was damaged just as badly.

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  Very nice! - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By Chris - November 16 - 11:00 am

  I was very concerned buying a new GM vehicle after owning a Honda Pilot for the last 4 yrs, and picked this over the new MDX. This vehicle is much quieter on the hiway, is larger inside, more HP, and same gas mileage as the Pilot. Love the dark carpets even with the taupe leather, very comfy seats and hidden receiver hitch, chrome door handles. Wish I couldve purchased front moonroof only. Tranny cant decide which gear to pick on hills at hiway speed, nature of the 6 speed beast. Highly recommend backup sensors due to small tailgate window.

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  Good old "JIMMY" - 2004 GMC Envoy
  By Jolly Roger - November 15 - 2:00 am

  IM printing about a 1996 Jimmy. I have been driving for 64 years and, in that time, have owned an awful array of vehicles. My present vehicle is a 1996 Jimmy. Without reservations, I can say it is the finest piece of machinery I have ever owned!! It has never failed me or my wife. We would like to buy another "JIMMY" but are worried that it would not match the one we own.

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  GMC all the way ! - 2008 GMC Sierra 1500
  By xmillsx - November 14 - 2:16 pm

  I traded my 2001 GMC 1/2 ton 2WD with 195K miles (it still was strong as heck)for this truck and love it. I have always had good luck and good service from GM trucks. I bought this one with only 25K miles on it. The 8cyl to 4cyl fuel management was a little awkward at first but it is systematic now. On the open interstate at 75mph I have averaged 18mpg+. I was surprised. I have towed a 27ft camper with it with ease. The seating is comfortable even on long drives. Two thumbs up !

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  Stole one on Ebay - 2004 GMC Yukon XL
  By JDL - November 13 - 5:13 am

  I bought this truck used for $22K on Ebay in Dec 06 with 42K miles on it. It has nav, DVD, and the sunroof and has run for almost another 40K miles with very few problems. It is powerful, fun to drive, and is great for a family of 5 but drinks gas like crazy. For 22K invested I cant complain.

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  Happy In California - 2007 GMC Envoy
  By bobo - November 10 - 10:59 am

  The Envoy performs very well. It is Great on handling and is roomy. The Navi and back seat radio and air conditioning only make it better.

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  Not so impressed - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By Larry Francis - November 10 - 6:36 am

  I find that this vehicle rides ruff and has a lot of road noise. I also find that it has a lot of cheap plastic in the cabin. This is the third GM product I purchased and for the third time I was disappointed, I think Im going to buy a Ford or Toyota next time.