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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  Its an okay SUV - 2000 GMC Jimmy
  By terri - November 20 - 10:21 am

  The front interior is too small needs to be roomier. The gas mileage is terrible. The heater core is going on it and it will take eight and a half hours to fix it and more than $800. Why does it have to be that hard to get at the core. The shocks are terrible and I had to replace the ball joints. I like driving it It has lots of pep I like the looks of it and it has a great heater.

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  Security Stinks - 2001 GMC Jimmy
  By applered - November 14 - 2:04 pm

  I bought my 2001 Jimmy in July 2007, it was a used Jimmy. It has a good engine has always started but the security systems stinks. We drove the Jimmy a week after we bought it to Georgia. We get to Chatanoga TN and we started having problems with the Jimmy stopping and the security light coming on. We get back to Indiana where we live and the horns start going off and lights flashing in the middle of the night. We stop at a gas station shut the engine off, put in gas, pay for gas, get back in the Jimmy start it up and the security light comes on and we cant move. Now over a year later, the Jimmy runs but only for about 10 minutes and shuts off, wont run. Trading off as soon as I can.

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  Lemon XL - 2006 GMC Yukon XL
  By james - November 8 - 9:16 pm

  We traded in our 2004 Dodge Duango Limited in November on a 2006 Denali XL. The ride and comfort is much better in the Denali and its packed with features for only being priced in the mid 50s. Our new found love for the Denali did not last long. We have had problems continuously. Some as minor as the radio freezing up to severe problems such as a transmission replacement at 14,000 miles! The DVD system acts up, the Nav only works about half the time, the transmission still shifts hard, the radiator and hoses were replaced at 14,500 miles, you name it, its been worked on!! The quality of build is poor for the price and I wish we would have considered Lincoln, Infiniti a little more.

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  Good for the family - 2004 GMC Envoy
  By Dustin W. - November 1 - 11:48 pm

  Good reliable SUV overall. Works well for hauling the kids and getting groceries. Tows well, very happy with the 4 wheel drive system. Fuel mileage decent for mid sized SUV. Nice leather interior, easy to use instramentation. Only downfall is poorly fitted shell and bumper, lots of air noise at higher speeds, not very exciting to drive. It a great family car to get you from point A to B, but the trip between is predictible and boring.

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  Engine /electrical problems - 2005 GMC Canyon
  By marc - October 23 - 1:06 pm

  After purchase it was noted to have bad water leakage on the passager side under the dash that shorted out the OnStar system and caused the computer to error. Problem was found to be a bad lead seam over the windshield. Computer error causes one of the cylinders to runs rich, crack in exhaust manifold, now getting only 11 mpg. Remote failure also, attempted to open the door with key and found that the tumblers in the door and back gate had been missed keyed. Lots of problems with remote entry system and electrical connectors under vehicle rusting loss of plate lights and other exterior lights. Vehicle only 18 month old and GM providing little help.

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  flimsy body panels - 2001 GMC Sierra 1500
  By letdown - October 14 - 10:00 am

  Be aware of service bulletin # 01-08-66- 014 which addresses sheet metal fracture with accessories such as tool boxes,and ladder racks. My truck has a rack on it which was also on my 99 GMC(which had no problem in 94000 miles).At about 70000 miles the body panels just in front of the tail lights on both side ripped apart and the bed rails collapsed onto the tail lights. Since I am out of warranty(too many miles, not time) that this repair is on my dime - actually $1800. This was my third truck from this dealer and all of them have used the same rack. They told me that when GMC went to the new body style in 2000 they just arent as strong. BE AWARE!!!

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  broke down on the first day - 2011 GMC Sierra 3500HD
  By texasbuyer777 - October 10 - 12:56 am

  duramax diesel 2011, bought 7/22/2011 build date 6/2011. exhaust fluid malfunction light on with check engine light, 5 miles from dealership, drove 150 miles, took to dealer in the am, tried programming fix, no help from gmc tech support, 8-5 m-f, thats BS.dealer tried, gm is working on new code/software to fix, working on it for 7 months, no luck,HEY GUYS, WAKE UP, this glitch is affecting real people in the real world, probably will end up being class action against GM! God Bless.... almost forgot, reverse sensors broken from factory////????

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  Cant Really Complain - 1997 GMC Jimmy
  By firephool - October 3 - 12:49 pm

  Well, my parents bought it new to economize from the Suburban. I took it over my 3rd yr. of college because dad ruined the transmission in my 1993 Dodge Dakota. what can I say 189,000 mi or so and Ive replaced everything on the vehicle once. But she survived very cruel treatment between my first few driving lessons, teen-driving, and off roading for volunteer fire calls. Moneys-worth yes, but not anymore sunk too much into it this last time.

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  Buyer beware - 1998 GMC Jimmy
  By BUYER BEWARE - September 26 - 10:45 pm

  Stay away from these trucks! I needed a car for college and found this nice, lady owned, Red 98 SLT with 100,000 miles on it. It was a great looking truck with black leather, and body was in great shape. However, after 7 months I replaced fuel pumps, idler arm, ball joints, 3 wheel bearings, battery, alternator, brakes, heater and more. Pain to work on. Needed more work than I could afford so after six months I sold it. I consider myself lucky because most people I talk to have had 4x4, and trannys go out. I try to buy American but now I know why I see so many late model Jimmys in the junkyard. These are money pits!

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  Wouldnt buy again - 2001 GMC Jimmy
  By The Jimmy - September 13 - 4:33 pm

  I have had my Jimmy for about 4 years now and I have had some basic problems check engine lights on and no one can figure out why, blew a head gas get. I have been good to it always get oil changed on time. It feels like the car is made of plastic and it makes terrible noises when you drive. I guess all in all it been OK to me. Also terrible gas mileage I dont even want to check and see what it is now with gas $4