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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  Nice truck, but the driveability is questionable - 2014 GMC Sierra 1500
  By jgedde - November 5 - 3:49 am

  The Edmunds review does a good job of describing the trucks good sides. OK, now for the downsides. The throttle response on this truck is an absolute disgrace. There is a delay before your right foots motion changes acceleration. That and the transmissions obsession with getting into the highest gear possible makes a sluggish combination during normal driving. A downshift sometimes takes several seconds! If this is all for fuel economy, I could possibly understand, but the economy, so far, isnt much better than the 2005 5.3 Avalanche this truck replaced. Maybe because Im pushing this truck too hard trying to get it to respond to my right foot... Shoulda got the Ram...

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  Gentle Giant...Highly recommended - 2005 GMC Yukon XL
  By VT - November 4 - 4:23 pm

  I have been driving this gentle giant for close to a year with no issues. The service is great too. Powerful, and easy to maneuver and park with the quadra steer. I get 15 MPG in mixed driving. DVD & Navigation system is good. The interior could be better. Seeing some ugly plastics around the seats looks awkward (for the price). The back exterior gives the Suburban feel. The wood-like trim and front exterior appearance is great. I love this truck!

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  Just what I expected - 2001 GMC Jimmy
  By jimmy drivin woolley - November 3 - 7:06 am

  All the repairs I have read in this forum about the Jimmy are typical! Dont whine about it! The Jimmy is a heavy truck! Replacing wheel bearings/hub assembly is normal. Gas mileage isnt the best, but the Jimmy is an SUV not a Ford Pinto. Every vehicle has pros and cons, things dont last forever! I service my own vehicles, If you are car savy, I recomend this vehicle as you can probably do most the maintainance and repairs yourself. The only bad experience ive had is paying a dealer $900.00 to replace the fuel pump. Take care of this SUV and it will take care of you. If you had a bad experience, Im sorry. Potential buyers dont be scared off by complainers. I highly recomend!

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  Reliable - 2006 GMC Envoy
  By Mark - November 3 - 4:27 am

  Reliable, fun to drive. Excellent in the snow. Only problem so far was a flasher module that was covered under warranty. Great truck. Take it anywhere.

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  Works with engine light on? - 1999 GMC Jimmy
  By astrocastro - November 2 - 11:29 pm

  Bought used with 42K miles on it, got smart and bought used car warranty. The warranty paid for itself with warranty repair at ~60K miles. Every year the check engine light comes on every spring and stays on till autumn and then extinquishes with the cooler temperatures. Found out it was related to some (again) transmission related problem....still works with light on. Like so many others also had to replace front wheel bearings (sealed, designed for zero maintenance?) and replace the cheap seat reclining mechanism passenger side. Of course the electrical stuff in the drivers door is always a problem, but probably due to mechanical (dirt etc.) I hear the motors.

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  Great for vacation - 2008 GMC Savana
  By brandon - November 2 - 9:24 pm

  Very good in snow and provides smooth acceleration. The 4 speed auto is a little whiny. If you drive up a lot of hills, get the 6.0 v8 because it is a tad stronger off the line. My family loves this van. Im planning my vacation in Catskills and all wheel drive will be helpful

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  Adriannes Jimmy - 1999 GMC Jimmy
  By Adrianne - November 2 - 4:46 pm

  This is the worst car I have ever owned. I have replaced the radiator, the fuel pump, wheel bearings (twice), control arm bushings. Both visors have fallen apart, rear defrost doesnt work, ABS light wont go off. I have put about $3500 worth of work in the 3 years I have had this vehicle. I would not recommend it to anyone.

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  Great Overall Truck - 1997 GMC Sonoma
  By Jim - November 2 - 10:47 am

  My truck has 106,000 miles and has never had any body or engine work, repeat never. It has performed super. I used it to haul, travel, etc. and it has never let me down. I change filters, oil etc. as required and it is still great on performance. I have done all the work myself and would buy another GMC. I plan on keeping this vehicle. It has no scratches, dents, and looks like new. Paint job has not faded, chipped or cracked. No rust at all. It was bought with the Suntrup sport package, flares, decals, etc and they are like new. I had an accident right after I bought it but it has all OEM parts and shows nothing of the accident. Truck is like new, wouldnt trade it for anything.

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  Probably My Favorite Vehicle Ever - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By JMH Maine - October 31 - 2:33 am

  I drive 40K/yr for business and pleasure. I need cargo room to haul large dogs and show equipment, and reliability. This car is roomy, comfortable, and fun to drive. Its quieter than any car Ive owned, and feels like a luxury car, not an SUV. The gas mileage isnt great, but what do you expect from an AWD SUV? The onboard navigation, OnStar phone capability, and great sound system all add to the enjoyment of driving it. Quite simply, I love this vehicle!

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  2010 Terrain FWD 6 cylinder SLT-2 - 2010 GMC Terrain
  By 2010 Terrain FWD 6 c - October 29 - 9:36 pm

  I am so happy with it, everything in this car for me is better than the competition, I was looking for a car for a while I tried so many cars , never happy. When I saw the Terrain and I sat on it, I realized my search was over,I said, this is my car!!!. It is a wonderful car Runs good, so smooth like a space ship :) Got the top of the line