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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  Professional Grade??? - 2001 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Going Back to Ford - February 6 - 10:00 am

  After 2 Fords with over 100000 on each and relatively no trouble, I suddenly have a hole in my 2001 GMC engine block. The GMC hotline has been very vague about service since I am now at 42000 miles and the dealer tries to ignore my calls every time I try to get an answer if this is a factory issue. If this thing ever gets out of the shop I will NEVER own another GMC product!

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  Hard shifting at low speeds - 2016 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Mike Martin - February 5 - 11:48 am

  I have had this truck into the dealer twice and I have 6500 miles on the truck. They have done a reprogramming both times and it is fine for a week or two and then starts shifting hard again. I purchased the truck with the larger engine so that I can tow my 22 foot Airstream. When the AS is in tow it is great but not when you have to daily drive. This should not happen for the money paid for the truck.

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  Get out your checkbook - 2004 GMC Envoy
  By DLP - February 5 - 9:25 am

  Bought this vehicle as new because of the spacious interior (had third seat option) and ability to pull a boat. Luckily, I purchased and extended warranty. However, I still have a $200 deductible to pay for each repair. Thus far, I have already had to replace the radiator and water pump. The vehicle is back in the shop today for replacement of the back lift gate window hinges, and for an engine rattle. I have also had occasional problems with the "Service 4WD" coming on at random times. In addition to mechanical issues, the highway and air noise when driving is fairly annoying.

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  Great car whenit starts! - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By cardozatwins - February 4 - 12:52 pm

  I love my Acadia but Id love it a lot more if it was dependable. We bought this car to be the new family ride but 2 weeks after purchasing it, we started having problems. The car wont start at times and we need a jump to get it going. Once started runs fine. This is not a cold start problem and the battery has been replaced, and it still has problems. The dealership has been great trying to solve the problems but the manufacturer rep. and the car itself have been a little difficult. We have named our car "Sybill" and are now considering the "lemon law" to get it replaced.

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  Great idea but poor execution - 2005 GMC Envoy
  By Johnthegmclover - January 21 - 8:08 pm

  I own a 2005 XUV v8 with 121,450 miles on it. I have had to replace 11 window regulators, drivers side front, mid gate, and tail gate. Funny thing is GMC says they do not have a problem with these, what with the $450 plus replacement I guess they dont have a problem. I also had to have the suspension air bags replaced at 80,000 miles. I will never buy another GMC or recommend one. The newest problem with the car (7-16-17) is with the tailgate. I have had the swing out latch replaced twice and now it is defective again, as well as the let down latch. The dealer tells me that GM has an updated latch, and I should replace all 3 of them (the price for 1 is $470.00 dollars) , they got me again. Right now my tailgate window is down and the tailgate is held closed by a strap. Seems like the replacement parts dont last to long. Will be looking to trade in on a Dodge pickup.

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  Kept us safe in a bad accident, but... - 1999 GMC Yukon
  By wweezzyy - January 20 - 7:28 pm

  Horrible mileage-about 10MPG. Also so many repairs required on a 5-6-7 year old car! Brakes only lasted 20000 miles. Door handles and hinges needed replacing. Needed new brake master and vacum. However all is forgiven, because I had a very nasty accident and my passenger and I both walked away safely.

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  Not So Happy - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By Duane Berney - January 20 - 9:37 am

  We have had numerous problems with are Acadia. Leaks through the roof onto the head liner, rear wind shield wiper would not turn off for two days, electronic front passenger seat jerks when you adjust it backwards and forwards, and the gas tank is smaller than what I am used to. I took this vehicle on the east coast for work and was not satisfied with its acceleration or its gas mileage. Also if you crack the window when it is raining, the water just pours into the vehicle. Signed, not very satisfied.

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  I could design a better truck! - 2003 GMC Sonoma
  By Conserned Customer - December 30 - 8:40 pm

  First off, bought the truck on GMs reputation. Decent design, good comfort, but performance, and gas mileage is something to be desired. I had a 96 Nissan 4 banger that would run circles around this GMC. Come on guys get with it.

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  I wish I had came to edmunds and looked for these reviews before I bought this huge waste of money. - 2005 GMC Yukon XL
  By lulubholden - December 26 - 2:06 pm

  I bought my vehicle used with a clean vehicle history report. Over 4 months I get ...1) sunroof tracks out. 2)FL tire monitor malfunction, 3)transmission is failing, 4)starter went out, 5) driving lamps work intermittently, 6) check engine light on and computer says its an o2 sensor. Hmmmm which one of several? 7) One of rear seat warmers quit working. I think this earns GM a huge 0 in my book of quality.

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  poor truck - 2006 GMC Canyon
  By Rev - December 15 - 11:16 am

  Must be the cheapest designed, and poorly built truck...EVER! I wish I had looked more closely. I will go back to a foreign model. Its too bad. The U.S. better get its quality control up. Its horrible. Everything about this truck...just spells CHEAP at your expense!!!! They must be laughing all the way.