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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  A total home run for GM. - 2007 GMC Yukon
  By RENO NV - March 21 - 12:35 pm

  A total home run for GM. Five star technology fit and finish. Drove 465 miles to Las Vegas with absolutely no fatigue. GMs value pricing is for real. This is my second 07 Yukon, the first one I bought had a problem, the dealer exchanged it with absolutely no problem. GM has customer satisfaction down! Works great in the snow. Interesting mileage estimates aren’t far off a Jeep Wrangler

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  Up a year - 2003 GMC Yukon
  By BrianB11 - March 20 - 2:00 am

  Great vehicle. I traded an 02 for the 03 so overall I am very pleased with the quality and fit and finish, as well as the exceptional resale value. As fo driveability (sp?), these big vehicles are suprisingly easy to drive and very easy to enter and exit. Also, the break pedal feels much more "solid" than my 02. All in all a great vehicle.

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  Unexplained Sudden Acceleration - 2009 GMC Yukon XL
  By emzomarja - March 18 - 5:48 am

  Purchased our vehicle new in 2009. Generally satisfied with the SUV. In December 2012 the vehicle unexpectedly accelerated without explanation. The car was towed to dealer - who could not re-create the defect. The vehicle has a bulletin out on a throttle defect but claim that it is due to a loss of power rather than a sudden acceleration. The manufacturer declined to pay for the cost of analysis of the defect, in spite of the throttle bulletin indicating they will pay the cost of the repair. Have 75K mi. on car but now wrestling with keeping it due to the concern. Expected another 2 years out of the vehicle, especially at this price for car - but now may have to find another option.

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  Wish It would work - 2002 GMC Envoy
  By Envoy_User - March 18 - 5:43 am

  When traveling over 60 mph My truck has alot of wind noise. The biggest problem I have is the ABS, Break light, and Traction Off light will come on while driving about 4 times a week. I keep hearing a rattle from the passenger side of the truck that the dealer cannot find. When the truck is running right I do enjoy the ride even though I only get between 12 and 15 miles per gallon on the high way.

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  Owner - 2004 GMC Yukon
  By Joe Floyd - March 14 - 6:45 pm

  The spare tire is a 16" tire. At 25,300 mile I had tire damage, drove 200 miles on spare with 17" regular tires. Had to repace all 4 tires due to being a AWD and 25M miles on 35M mile tires. Repaced spare with correct size. Contacted GM and received a reply of nothing. Out $875.00 for tires at 25M miles. How cheap will GM go on a $50,000 car? Please check this problem if you buy a GM AWD. They will not stand behind any mechanical problem that may occur. They could at least put the correct spare tire on these expensive cars.

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  Great buy - 1996 GMC Jimmy
  By Ron Cairns - March 13 - 9:01 pm

  Bought at under 100 G miles, now have 165G miles. Driven across Canada and to Florida. I maintain it well and other that the normal repairs I am pleased with this GMC. Yes ball joints and oil cooler lines have been changed. Keep an eye on rear wheel bearings. Grease those ball joints and when you replace use "MOOG". Most problems are bad mechanics, and no service. Over the years I have owned a lot of cars and trucks. This Jimmy is certainly one of my favs

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  Owned for almost 6 months - 2007 GMC Yukon
  By Bill - March 13 - 8:59 pm

  We purchased a Yukon in October, and we love it. We will definitely buy another. In 4 years, weve gone through 15 vehicles between my wife and I, and most of them because she wasnt happy with thier performance. We own a horse farm, and her orignal vehicle was a 99 Yukon. The SUV does great. She has room for all of her things, as well as our two year olds toys and clothes and car seat. She loves to drive it, and when Im given the option, I like it too. Weve taken it on vacation, driven it in the snow, and loved every part of it. It handles better in the snow and ice than our trucks have in the past. Will not hesitate to purchase another. Maybe with more options next time.

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  Old technology-Drum brakes - 2011 GMC Sierra 1500
  By 2011sierraslt - March 8 - 8:16 pm

  Drum brakes! List price 38k + and I got drum brake on the rear-end. Maybe they wouldnt need all those air bags to get the 5 star safety rating if the truck could stop. Put disc brake all the way around.

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  Car from hell - 2000 GMC Jimmy
  By Fed up jimmy owner - March 7 - 2:32 pm

  I bought this car with 21k miles on it and from day one it has been hell. I had to repalce the fuel pump 2 times, the alternator, the ball joints on all tires, the driver and passenger door hinges, the catalytic converter, the muffler, all 3 oxygen sensors, the moonroof motor, shocks, the driver side window motor. Lets not forget to mention that I have to replace brakes every year and the fact that my fuel light comes on at about 170-180 miles on a fulltank of gas. Stay away from this truck. It is fun to drive, but it will always be in the repair shop.

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  My Sierra - 1999 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Jaymo_1 - March 6 - 7:56 am

  Im enjoying my GMC Sierra! It has been modified a little. So, that always helps (I NEED MORE POWER!!!). Love the 4X4 options being push button and on the fly. This truck rides like a car. Actually, much better than most cars Ive driven. The dual pipes, chrome rims, tinted windows, and a windshield visor that I added sure cause heads to turn.