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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  Nightmare Finally Over - 2000 GMC Jimmy
  By Hoosiersec - January 1 - 12:27 pm

  I finally unloaded my Jimmy. Took a big loss with trade-in. SUV was the biggest money pit I have ever owned. Performance through first three years was good, but as soon as the warranty expired, bang, the problems occured. GMC had to know this car was substandard by only offering the 3/36 warranty. Wheel bearings/ball joints went at 60k-dealer told me I was lucky, as he had seen them "as early as 14k." That was $1300. Other problems: drivers door joint fell apart/replaced rear window hatch rusted/replaced alt. replaced, etc. I maintained this car meticulously with no off-road. Much of the miles were highway. Reading other similar ownership reviews leads me to believe this car is a lemon!

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  You are wasting your time! - 1996 GMC Jimmy
  By lifeiscars - December 31 - 2:33 am

  I bought the car as my first car. It has been a reliable car but when you put it in the shop you find out things that are wrong. Ive replaced the radiator, Ive replaced almost everything. Now at 120000 I have to replace oil hoses, brake lines, front suspension pieces, ball joints and so much other things.

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  2014 GMC Sierra All terrain SLT - 2014 GMC Sierra 1500
  By mad1980 - November 27 - 11:43 pm

  I think you owe us an apology. You seemed to think the 2014 GMC sierra was a decent truck. I would like to let you in on the problems that most of the people are having with these trucks. Many rattles inside truck,FM radio cant hold a strong signal even sitting still, I have the Bose system and all I get is very nice sounding static.(think it is on purpose to make us buy XM) The headlights are so dull we are afraid to drive at night as they only light about 3-4 car lengths ahead even on high beam (no actual high beam light just a filter that moves to let out more light). Rear shocks that leak and make noises. Water leaks to the interior. Power rear sliding windows that the cables break and

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  Transmission problem - 2014 GMC Sierra 1500
  By mb1951 - November 14 - 9:24 am

  Ever since I purchased this truck I have dealt with a transmission that constantly up and down shifts especially at slow speeds. Its as if the computer cant decide what gear the tranny should be in so it keeps switching back and forth between gears. The result is hesitation then clanking as the car accelerates or reduces speed. I have been back to the dealership on multiple occassions and as expected they cant replicate the problem???Ironically anyone I let drive the truck always comes back and says whats up with your transmission. I cant believe I was the only "lucky" guy that purchased a lemon. I wish GMC would at least acknowledge there is an issue!!!!!!

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  Worst truck ever - 2002 GMC Sierra 1500
  By eric - November 12 - 6:33 pm

  I was always a GM fan until I bought this truck.I bought it brand new and had lots of problems with it.I actually started to look forward to bringing it in the shop so I could drive their loaner vehicle. Had to replace brake pads and rotors at 34,000,had to argue to get it covered under warranty.Dont expect GM customer service to help you cuz they wont you are on your own. Replaced air conditioner compressor and condensor, could never get windows and doors to seal right. I dont have enough room to write everything here, but if you see this vehicle anywhere the best advice I can give you is to run away from it as fast as you can.I just traded this truck in on a Toyaota truck in Nov. of 05.

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  Dontbuyone!!! - 2010 GMC Terrain
  By dontbuytheGMCterrai - November 12 - 4:26 pm

  I am disappointed and I feel serious buyers remorse. Had to take it to the dealers twice already. Rides rough and hard to keep in lane. Phone has hollow sound and people ask was that star trac when first starting. Fuel economy - lies - just plain lies, yes I have complain, no response back NEVER - 32mpg.the car on highway at 55mph will only get 25.3 far cry from 32. Next time GMC wants to BK, they can go chapter 7. I dont want to bail them out they are like a bad family member that keeps borrowing money, if you know what I mean

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  2004 Envoy SLT 1SD - 2004 GMC Envoy
  By TexasZeus - October 30 - 2:00 am

  Stepped down from a 2002 to a 2004. Cruise unsafe going down hills. Ride has went from good to bad. Suspension not as firm as in 2002. Bose sound system is not worth the extra cost of the option package. Seems GMC is cutting corners for profit.

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  Just Another GM - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By Old Stan - August 15 - 4:30 pm

  Too much plastic. Window gears gave up at 2100. Soft as a truck and hard as a sedan - pick one and stay with it if youre GM. Gave it back to corporate HQ before 3500 miles. Got myself another Taurus!

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  suck - 1997 GMC Jimmy
  By azuka - July 23 - 2:00 am

  we bought this car 1997 gmc jimmy in 2001, after a year having it the wiper motor broke down. we received the recall letter after we had it fixed. afterward, passenger door bolts broke down, then something about the break system, then fuel pump broke down followed with electricity that make the car starts. the car is only 7 years old and it all had the symptoms of a 15 year old car or worst. would never buy anymore gmc. it sucks, terrible, terrible car.

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  im always fixing a new car - 1999 GMC Jimmy
  By ryan d. harris - July 12 - 2:00 am

  i have replaced too much stuff on this car in two years. front hubs,3 batteries, water pump, a.c. compressor and accumulator. driver door fell off. drivor visor fell apart from the inside out, 4wd gets stuck, seat levers broke off, suspension is bad and causes tires to wear out every 6 months, check engine light stays on, brakes always squeal, driver door wont lock, security system doesent work, courtesy light wont come on. i would not reccomend this car to anyone. im scared for my wife to drive it