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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  i love my truck - 2009 GMC Sierra 1500
  By djgmc - July 15 - 7:07 pm

  today my truck reached 20,000 miles i bought it in august 2009 it is a great truck i never had a problem with it , it runs smoothly on the freeway the a/c is ice cold , everyone loves my truck still looks like new . the only bad thing is that gas is too expencive right now .

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  iIs this a nightmare or not? - 2000 GMC Jimmy
  By pat - July 15 - 1:43 pm

  I purchased this vehicle with 33,842 miles. At 36,597 the intake manifold valve had to be replaced. At 52,181 the ABS pump and master cylinder had to be replaced. The drivers back seat rest handle broke off and the mileage is horrible. It also is the noisiest vehicle I have ever driven. In essence, I have only driven this car 18,339 miles in 4 years (purchased in 2002). After reading the article in the Detroit Free Press, dated May 23, 2006, re: Dex-Cool, what might happen next??? I also got a printout of previous repairs and its 2 pages long. Ford Fusion here I come! I have been a GM customer for 40 years and have always had problems. Im DONE.

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  Suburbans the only way to go - 2000 GMC Yukon XL
  By burbs4me - July 15 - 2:00 am

  Im now on my 5th suburban/yukon... they are just the greatest..my most recent purchase, 2000 gmc/xl model, w/quad 4 seating is fantastic.. these vehicles can do it all, and with great reliability. i dont think ill never not own one...

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  Good value for your money. - 2007 GMC Envoy
  By curtis love - July 13 - 8:12 pm

  I think this SUV for the money is very well built. If you look at other American SUVs costing way more, I think the SLT 4x4 Envoys are about the best out.

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  Functional but boring - 2006 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Keith - July 12 - 9:53 am

  I drive this vehicle for business, and typically turn a vehicle over every two years after putting on about 100,000 miles of gravel, off road and hwy driving. Past truck was 05 F150. I picked the GMC for its gas mileage which is quite good for a full sized truck, definitely better than my experiance with Ford and Dodge. Unfortunately this is the only area where the GMC exceeds the other American brands. I found the GMC has a lot more interior noise at hwy speeds than the new model F150. The GMC trailer towing capacity is clearly less than the F150, cant really put the GMC in cruise as it will rev so high. On uneven roads the GMC has so much body flex, it creaks like a covered wagon.

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  Excellent SUV - 2004 GMC Yukon
  By Q - July 10 - 7:02 pm

  I purchased this vehicle exactly 2 years ago. My previous vehicle was an Isuzu trooper. I cant began to tell how much difference a powerful & reliable vehicle can make. Other than a few minor issues, this is an excellent vehicle. I considered the new 07 Denali but it looks too much like a Ford Explorer.

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  8 Years Ownership Experience - 1992 GMC Jimmy
  By Brad Beckwith - July 10 - 10:35 am

  Purchased in 1998 for $10,000. Excellent condition except for paint. Painted in 1998. Has always been a reliable vehicle. Repairs and replacements: starter motor 2/2000 driver window motor 7/2000 electronic door lock switches (not replaced) 7/2000 3 tires, rear brake shoes 3/2001 fuel pump 4/2001 2 tires 7/2001 a/c selector switch 12/2001 serpentine belt, plug wires 5/2002 starter motor 12/2002 blower motor 6/2003 A/C converted 6/2003 ignition cylinder 4/2005 rear hatch openers 5/2005 water pump 6/2005 alternator 6/2005. Paint has deteriorated to previous 1998 condition. Engine, transmission, power steering have never needed overhaul.

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  All American Vehicle! - 2006 GMC Envoy
  By Jodee P. - July 10 - 8:50 am

  When I first sat in the Envoy, I loved the way it felt. The ride was so smooth. I drove every other SUV out there, even the non-American owned, and by far this was the best ride out there. The interior is by far the best in the price range. I love the chrome wheels and front grille! I am a faithful GM buyer and I get so annoyed out there that Americans dont buy American cars. Well, maybe I helped save 1 Americans job in Illinois with the purchase I made!

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  I love this truck! - 2003 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Scott - July 9 - 4:16 am

  I have owned a Ford F150 extended cab and Z71. I was a little leery of this truck because everybody complained about gas mileage. My Z got about 13 and my F150 got about 14. Im getting a solid 13.7 so big whoop. I love this truck performance and comfort. My wife drives a Yukon and gets 17. For the 3 difference Id rather have the quadrasteer and the comfort. Ive put 30,000 on this truck and about to turn 50,000 (bought it used). With GM droping the quadrasteer, I plan on keeping it for some time. The big chrome grille let them know youre comin and the 6.0 lets them know you gone!

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  Mildly disappointed - 2017 GMC Canyon
  By Disappointed - July 8 - 6:50 am

  Pros: nice ride, get lots of complements. Cons: for a mid size truck the height of the vehicle(getting in and out) is slightly difficult(Im 511"). You have to raise your right foot 2 feet to get into the truck. The trucks rear end bumper is about 5 inches higher than the front. It sits at an angle. Level the truck off. Lower the back end about 4-5 inches. This would also lower getting in and out a couple of inches. The top of the back gate is shoulder level. Difficult getting things in and out of the back end. Had to buy a reacher like the old people use and a rake to get things out of the back end. Again, lowering the back about 4" would really help. Really disappointed, NO CD player. Everyone under the age of 30 probably has a CD collection which they cant use. I gotta think this was done to force people to buy Sirrius/XM with GM probably getting a cut. Also, the factory radio antenna adds 9 more inches. Couldnt get truck into garage. Bought after market antenna that works fine and lowered the overall height by 5-6 inches. Why not the shark fin antenna like the suburbans? If GMC would level off the truck and lower it by about 3-4 inches it would be perfect. And put the CD back in. Got a good deal. 6700 off and 0%.