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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  I hate my car - 2001 GMC Jimmy
  By Phil - September 6 - 6:19 pm

  I have had this vehicle for 2 years now. It has 113,000 miles. Replaced the ball joints 4 times and they need it again after just replacing the fuel pump at $900. I have probably spent at least $4000 on just repairing this vehicle. The 4 wheel drive switch went wacko. Now the brake lights are on and staying on. Fuel economy is rotten. This car has been in a repair garage more than its been in my garage. Ill definitely not buy another GMC product again.

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  Buy the Extended Waranty - 2002 GMC Envoy
  By Laura - August 25 - 8:53 am

  First off this Envoy was the upgraded Denali version, which right off, was alittle more added to the price tag. I just traded this in after 3 years, and within this past year I had to have 3 tie rod ends, yes that is 3. Why do you ask, because I needed another "knuckle" replaced at 88,000. The first one was replaced at 47,000 just before my warranty ran out. The leather seats started to "wear off" at 15,000. This vehicle was in the dealership so much, they knew me by name. The dealer also never heard of replacing the knuckle, again, until they met me. I was getting about 20 mpg which isnt bad, and it never left me stranded. I just feel this truck had way too many issues for the money

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  I think that I have a lemon and I am so sad. - 2008 GMC Yukon XL
  By vgfree - August 21 - 7:19 pm

  We bought a 2008 Yukon XL for the first time. We have always had Chevy Suburbans. We were told that this was a higher quality vehicle. Since 2009 we have had issues with a grinding noise when the engine was warm from the sun and we started it up. The first time in 2009 we changed out the AC Compressor. The next year we had a cilindar collapse 11,000 miles later, we had the same cilindar collapse. Luckily "The Plaza" in Omaha Nebraska covered the problem again when we were over the 100, 000 mile warranty. We now have a oil leak. We have heard from Hiley that as soon as we fix this we will be okay. We have heard this before. I am sad because I loved my Yukon XL. It didnt love me!

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  Clunks When You Stop - 2009 GMC Sierra 1500
  By George - July 26 - 12:30 pm

  Stop clunk noise, i can feel fuel moving around in the tank. My rights foot has gotten caught on the right side when pulling straight back from gas pedal. Fords cab is much bigger and wider. Factory tires slip when taking off at light when it raining out. Seats wont recline all the way back, theres not light under the hood now do I check the oil when traveling at night. Tire pressure monitors quit giving proper reading after first tire rotation and the guy at Walmart it the cheap valve stems I have heard of other owners having the same problem. Fuel economy has not improved any over the last 20 years. Seat are not comfortable any more i guess they are only designed for 5,000 miles

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  Featured obsolescence - 2000 GMC Yukon XL
  By Hooker - July 23 - 10:00 am

  Shortly after purchase the fuel pump made noises, and was informed that they will last 100K+, died at 68K, relpaced for $1K. Routine maintenance discovered bad bearings in front differential, informed that this is not unusual!!! repaired for $1.5K.

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  Built like a tank...sorta - 2006 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Ian - July 7 - 12:30 pm

  It was a Nevada Edition. I picked this over a Ram & 150 because of the comfy seating and nice black dash and overall better exterior design. Pros: solid ride, Auto 4*4, tons of room, nice rims Cons: At 10K a bearing dropped and ruined the engine and was covered by warranty, little noises everywhere inside, windows not closing all the way and creating road noise. The Spec. Edition Stickers kept on falling off numerous times. Too big for city parking and such, (should have got a mid size.) Crappy speakers blow & distort. Dont think it will be good for the long run so ill give it up for a Dakota i think. Great lease truck though.

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  2006 Envoy Problems - 2006 GMC Envoy
  By LArnold - July 3 - 10:17 am

  I purchased my 2006 Envoy in April, 2006. Unfortunately, I have had numerous problems to have only had this vehicle right at two years. In fact, it is at the dealership today because all the controls on the drivers side door do not work. They have to replace some switch that is costing me another $350. The gas gauge sensor messed up, and I could never tell how much gas was in my car. After much controversy, they replaced the sensor without charge. It was going to cost me $2000. Then a belt was replaced, that led to the water pump having to be replaced. It has been a lot to replace, only having my new car for 2 years, and a lot of money. I will never buy a GMC again.

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  Horrible Fuel Economy - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By Michelle - June 30 - 4:08 pm

  The car is very comfortable and I feel very safe - 2 of the reasons I purchased the vehicle. However, the main reason I purchased the vehicle was because of the advertised fuel mileage which has turned out to be a bold faced lie. It is supposed to get 16-24mpg and we are lucky to get 12- 18mpg! I have taken it in to a dealership and called GMC on 2 different occasions with no resolution. They basically just say they will "document my concern". A lot of help that is! My next car purchase will definately not be a GMC!

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  Check carefully before you buy - 2008 GMC Sierra 1500
  By txcwby - June 29 - 2:16 am

  Overall, i would not buy this truck again due to repair costs. At 104,000 miles (notice its just outside the warranty) engine heads both cracked - with the mileage and the reported issues about oil usage and AFM related issue, it makes more sense to replace with a GM crate engine than to solve part of the problem. Mileage on E85 is 14mpg in 2wd if you are an extremely light footed driver. With 87 octane, the average mpg (light foot) is 18mpg-19mpg in hilly terrain. As a cowboy and rancher, my vehicle is my lifeblood and cost of ownership and reliability is key. This truck just hasnt met the minimum expectations. Cost for new engine at GM dealer - $7,898.77

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  170000 mile review - 2002 GMC Sonoma
  By Wishbone - June 20 - 1:32 am

  I bought this truck new. The biggest complaint I have is the warranty is not good. At 30000 miles the rear axle went out. They rebuilt it with no questions asked. At 40000 miles it went out again, again they rebuilt it and no questions asked. I never towed anything and never abused the truck. The mechanic said he heard a whine at 50000 miles and he was overriden by the rep that was deaf and said he heard nothing. At 52000 miles the rear axle crapped out again and GMC said it was out of warranty and I was on my own. Got a junk yard axle and have had no problems with it since. Ive replaced the A/C compressor and the fuel pump, but no other major items and am at 170000 miles! Love this truck