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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  99 Yukon - 1999 GMC Yukon
  By 99 Yukon - April 18 - 10:15 am

  Bought my Yukon brand new. Love the looks & comfort. Dont like the gas mileage & repair costs. Brakes are poor, replaced head gasket, brake lines, brakes, fuel pump. Have 93K miles exterior is mint but told the underside is rusting out under me. Rear doors leak and hinges sqweak. This is my 3rd GMC truck and I thought I would never change. Now Im not so sure.

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  Not Impressed - 2003 GMC Sierra 2500HD
  By cynical13 - April 11 - 10:33 am

  I bought this truck as a replacement for my 96 1500 as I needed more muscle to tow a 5th wheel trailer. The 8.1L has plenty of punch, but I struggled with traction on anything less than dry hard surfaces. I have already experienced the typical Chevy/GMC parking light burn out on one side that they cant seem to fix and I have had numerous fuel indicator malfunctions. The fuel consumption is killing me and towing or not is not much difference. Ready to look for an older/smaller model again!

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  Part of the family - 1999 GMC Yukon
  By Joe Park - March 24 - 7:17 pm

  We bought the Denali when it first came out, and it has served well. It needed the typical GM repairs(Fuel pump, fuel injectors, manifold gasket, weak brakes)but when they are all fixed, she still runs well. Now its lifted 2.5", has Brembo brake calipers, disc brake rear conversion, full MSD ignition, and sport sway bars. It handles great, tows well, and starts perfectly. The V8 is so smooth. Cant believe it has 150,000k miles on it. Only beef is the low mpgs. At least it takes regular gas. This SUV has become my weekend toyhauler.

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  Read this - 2016 GMC Canyon
  By Rich pruckler - March 24 - 5:58 am

  First of all, I need to ding edmunds for not even listing the model with a Diesel engine. The engine is great. Love the vehicle but I am outraged that the first gravel road I went on, gravel blasted the protruding portion of the rear wheel area. Vehicle should have had mud flaps on the front. You should demand flaps be put on by your dealer. At least recommended. I will bash GMC on reviews on this everywhere I can. Major oversight on GMCs part.

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  Do not keep after 150,000 miles - 2003 GMC Envoy
  By snake - March 17 - 7:07 pm

  SUV was purchased in Aug 2003, it presently has 203000 miles 90% percent highway driving no serious problems in the first 3 1/2 years, in the last year, replaced air conditioning compressor transfer case transimission alternator front wheel bearings front differential and more.

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  Engine hesitates when it shift at low speeds - 2017 GMC Sierra 1500
  By John Crooke - March 12 - 12:11 pm

  The eight speed transmission seems to have problems.

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  Fun and Nice to Look at but a Black Hole - 2001 GMC Jimmy
  By Sheena - March 7 - 4:15 pm

  I like the GMC Jimmy just fine. I am am not big on fixing my own cars personaly though but I love fun & tough cars and SUVs. The GMC Jimmy is tough and reliable to a point. Yes basic maintenance is required most definitly but wear and tear and a bit of cheap parts make that go a little more quickly than one can keep up with. Money is definitely needed to own this car because big items do go on it and sometimes all at once.

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  Not so sure - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By not sure - February 29 - 1:55 pm

  My wife loves the car but I am still not sure. I am a large man and I am not very comfortable in the driver seat. It is somewhat cramped and I have to lower it down and slide it all the way back to get any room. There are some issues with the front tire sensors constantly saying check tire pressure or icey roads may occur even when it is warm and tires are inflated properly. Our oldest child has very little room in the third seat and it is not easy to get to the oil filter when servicing. Also a little big for the transmission, seems to shift very frequently or seems to be under a load constanly. A/C is not up to par

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  Garbage Truck - Do not BUY!!!!!!! - 2007 GMC Yukon
  By Jeff - February 26 - 8:33 am

  I have had repeated difficulty with the electronics resulting in electric locks going uncontrollably up and down and the vehicle shutting down. I was also disappointed in On-Star. After purchasing turn x turn directions, I learned that the sattellite was not working in my area. They just kept my money until I brought it up after asking for directions and receiving the new of not having sattellite coverage in my area. I tried made in the USA, and I lived to regret it. POOR JOB GM!!!!!

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  Think twice before you buy - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By jh08297 - February 22 - 9:48 pm

  I really like this SUV because of the size and special features. We did have the power steering pump replaced within the frist three months, Which wasnt really a big deal. In the fourth month of ownership, this SUV became demon posessed. Brake light comes on with a very loud beeping that does not stop and the park assist light flashes that the park assist is off. Three trips to the dealership and they still cant fix this problem! The only way to stop this is to pull off the road, set and release the park brake. the plus side to this is that it only happens when it rains. four resets in one trip from NJ to NC. There is also water in the passenger floorboard when it rains.