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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  Not so good - 2002 GMC Envoy
  By hlj - December 3 - 2:00 am

  In to the dealer for sensors in AC, Emissions system, and a couple other minor problems. Performance reminds me of driving a Japanese SUV instead of American Iron. Should have got a 5.3 V8 as is in my Sierra or better yet, a Yukon. I call this my "Graco" (baby carriage).

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  Gmc - 2003 GMC Yukon
  By Love my new toyota - November 29 - 2:00 am

  This truck fell apart after 7,000 miles side panels fell off just did not get my moneys worth

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  Lemon - 2002 GMC Envoy
  By mike288 - November 22 - 2:00 am

  I bought in June 2001. One of the first of a new model. Bad idea... Have had many problems in the shop many times... A/C still doesnt work right. Cools great when moving but if im stopped i.e. traffic, light etc. it stops cooling. Brutal in Boston traffic in the summer! Poor quality workmanship... Does look nice though but now that its out of warranty Im getting rid of it. Oh one of the other many problems is t he mirrors they never worked right even after to new motors.. memory!

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  Never Again! - 1999 GMC Safari
  By Shawn ONeal - November 11 - 2:00 am

  Our average repair bill for this crap car has been over $3200 per year! Since we have purchased this van, we have spent almost $10K in repairs thinking that each time what else could go wrong. The design and weight of the vehicle is too much for the suspension and we have gone through four sets of tires. The AC has gone out twice, the alternator failed twice, breaks have had to be replaced each year, the fuel pump failed, the transmission failed under warranty, the water pump failed, and much more. I will NEVER buy American made again! As far as I am concerned US auto workers are paid five times their worth with the crap they build!

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  Yukon - 1999 GMC Yukon
  By The Webmeister - October 27 - 2:00 am

  This car is a piece of crap. Starter, head gaskets, air conditioning, sloppy steering, squeeky interior, door handles break off, damn near blows over when meeting a truck, vapor locks when hot, rear air doesnt work, leather falling apart.

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  dont buy this car - 1998 GMC Envoy
  By nperry - October 23 - 2:00 am

  i will never buy a gmc again replaced 1 headlight 900.00 new starter 300 new flywheel 150 new altenator 300 driver side wheel beering 300.00 new brakes and rotors 300.00 ive owned for 2 years seems like its in the shop atleast once a month for something.

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  Comfy but Problemmatic - 2001 GMC Jimmy
  By Rande - October 12 - 2:00 am

  Purchased new in May 2001. First year was great. Starting the second year it has been a nightmare. Wiring went faulty, car woulnt start, lights flickered and eventually stalled in traffic. Ball joints (all) replaced 4 times and Im taking it in for a fifth. Control arms, idle arm, battery, alternator, and tires have all had to be replaced. GMC does not stand behind this vehicle so Ive had to flip the tab for rental vehicles.

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  Not Worth the Money - 2004 GMC Safari
  By Michael Deveroux - September 27 - 2:00 am

  The GMC Safari is no bargain for your money. Its "old - school" exterior design has people guessing whether your driving a brand new van. In fact they have made very little exterior changes to the Safari/Astro van since 1996. Its clunky and boxy style adds to increased "top heavyness" when driving in windy conditions. The interior of the Safari is almost as bland as the exterior. With the bare minimum avaliable in features, again, makes you feel like your driving a 1996 Safari van rather than a 2003-04. One of the only high points that I have found this van to have is above average interior- space.

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  Dont Buy a GMC Jimmy - 1997 GMC Jimmy
  By srussellshome - September 22 - 2:00 am

  I have owned this Jimmy since 99.It has been nothing but trouble.We took it to OH at Thanksgiving just couple weeks Before we could get there the RPMs stuck uplike between 3wouldnt come down,then the check engine light came on.This past July check engine came on for like th 8th time. This time I was told it needed a new valve body for the transmission. This was done 2 weeks after that light came on again, this time was the eye that controls the flow of air thru engine. It has came on 2 more times since and the car dealership has had my Jimmy for over a week. They cant figure out what is wrong with itthis time.

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  1998 envoy - 1998 GMC Envoy
  By TEX - September 17 - 2:00 am

  Was very disappointed to find it takes $700.00 to replace a headlight, you MUST replace bulb, ballast, everything. Interior molding is very cheap for this vehicle, held on with velcro, and it doesnt do a good job at all. Several pieces off, and wont stay on before 30,000 miles. Passenger seat adjuster broke right off on letting the seat back, thank goodness it was in the upright position already. Everything Ive replace on this vehicle has been high dollar. Nice, pretty, but not well designed. No wonder they didnt make this style very long.