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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  Perplexed - 2004 GMC Envoy
  By Steve - June 12 - 8:29 pm

  Ran well for 1-1/2 years until the transmission needed a $1000 repair and the catalytic converter needed replaced. Since September 05 have replaced the catalytic converter 3 times - GM says nothing is wrong - I beg to differ. The car clunks despite changing stabilizer struts. The car rocks forward to back which is a little annoying. The 4WD service light is coming on intermittently. Gas mileage is okay until the catalytic converter goes bad then drops significantly. Enough wind noise that you cant talk to the third row of seats without yelling. The engine sounds like a diesel when it is first started and the transmission isnt very smooth, especially during acceleration.

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  Dont Bother - 2006 GMC Canyon
  By Ron - June 4 - 12:34 pm

  First 12k was fine, then the head went twice within 200 miles. Truck has 23k on it now and is falling apart. 4th gear grinds (common, parts on back order 2 weeks) and locks out of reverse easily (tsb its so common of a problem) beautiful styling, but falls short on reliability and quality of fit & finish. No more GMs for me, buy a Tacoma, youll be happier. 23k new, 2 years old, worth trade in $9,200. No resale value and I get 19-22 city, 29- 32 highway.

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  Never Another GM Product - 1999 GMC Jimmy
  By acuraowner - June 2 - 12:15 am

  I have replaced/repaired transmission, wheel bearing hubs x2, 4wd module, 4 wd switch, heater head, fuel pump, alt, water pump, just to name a few. Kept hoping "this was the last fix." No dice. Rear wiper motor doesnt work but "no mas." Engine has random miss that dealer & independent mechanic cant cure despite replacement of coil, plugs, plug wires. Hey General Motors - Nice paperweight. But count me out forever!

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  2004 GMC Sierra 1500 SLE 4X4 Std cab SB 5.3 - 2004 GMC Sierra 1500
  By p145897 - May 22 - 12:08 am

  Just turned 100k. Even though this truck has been meticulously maintained and never abused, it has had the transmission replaced (at 67K), sound system (at 25K), intermediate steering shaft (3 times), HVAC controls (at 75K), front rotors (2 times), instrument panel (at 70K), steering wheel control modules replaced (80K), etc. There is so much slop in the drive train that I would never consider using as a tow vehicle. Good for going to the dump and grocery shopping. Limited slip (rear) is demonstrating signs of impending failure, just a matter of time.

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  For the Money, It wasnt too bad - 1997 GMC Sonoma
  By frynit - May 18 - 11:36 pm

  This was the first car I purchased. GMC did a good thing when they created 4.3 V6 Vortec. This is the most reliable engine that I have ever driven. The body rusts way to easily however, so whoever forgot the clear coat at the assembly plant needs to get smacked. Also, the windshield wiper motor began to short circuit around 110000. Also, the tires recommended by all tire shops are not the ones on the car, which is weird. The suspension is awful. As a result, the interior creaks and squeaks like no other. Also, 2WD, especially in Wisconsin, makes this truck absolutely useless in the winter being that the bed is so light and suspension so loose.

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  Bad Deal - 2014 GMC Sierra 1500
  By stik1 - May 16 - 5:25 pm

  Got 2014 Sierra All Terrain in sept 13. Healights are terrible to the point of dangerous. Far too dim. Had to install after market off-road lites. GM would not acknowledge problem. 4 wheel drive would not engage while stuck in snow high range. Engine would not accelerate. Transmission clunks and shifts strangely. Seems to hang up between gears at low speed acceleration and slips. Truck has already been recalled 3 times. Now it is leaking ant-freeze and will heed to go back to dealer. It will be a Dodge Ram next time.

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  A BIG DISSAPOINTMENT - 2006 GMC Canyon
  By SPRUCEKNOB - April 28 - 7:30 am

  We bought this truck in September 2007 and have had it to the garage 7 times since.We had to replace the speakers,head lights,and turn signals.our local mechanic told us that we would have to rotate the tires after 5,000 miles because this model has had front axel problems. sure enough our tires were wearing out prematurely and consumer reports have labeled this truck as a used vehicle to avoid. we finally gave up dealing with the headaches of this truck and bought a subaru.

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  problems - 2004 GMC Envoy
  By seva - April 28 - 2:00 am

  Im really scared. I bought this vehicle 2 weeks ago. The engine is not turning over until the third attempt. I left it with a GMC dealer 3 days after purchasing this car and the dealer said they could not re-create the problem. The day I picked it up it would not start until the third attempt again. Today, going 5 MPH the car just stalled out and the car following me almost rear-ended me. Please share any info if you have any similar problems!!

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  No More GM 4 me - 2005 GMC Sierra 1500
  By LostFaithGM - April 25 - 7:33 am

  Bought truck new and totally disappointed. Truck now has over 104k miles and here is list of repair. Passenger hub replaced under warranty and driver hub replaced at 76k. Trans rebuild 75k. Torque converter replaced @ 83k. Power steering has been terrible since 30k. Front diff passenger seal leaks since under warranty and driver front diff seal leaked at 101k. Now water pump gasket leak @ 103k. U-joint at T-case & drive shaft replaced at 86k. Interior makes noises and this is considered normal. Noisy cab when cruising at over 45 miles. Rust is everywhere on the chassis. My last GM light duty truck

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  Never again - 2000 GMC Jimmy
  By eb - April 22 - 11:30 am

  Although I love the way this SUV looks its been nothing but problems since buying it new. The hazard switch was replaced, 4 wheel drive speed sensor, rear main seal and oil pan gasket, pinion seal and now there is another oil leak in the front of the vehicle. This is the third Jimmy Ive owned and will not purchase a GMC again since each one has had succeedingly more problems. This 2000 has been the worst for mechanical problems.