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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  My 97 GMC Jimmy P.O.S. - 1997 GMC Jimmy
  By mr_mugs - June 7 - 2:00 am

  Rusty Coolant, Tranny Dipstick is rusted, Pulse Port Sensor for wipers went, Oil Pan and Front Differencial Gaskets leaking, Front Body Mounts loose, Front 4x4 Making a ugly noise first thing in the morn, Faulty and misleading gar guage. Just an all around HUNK OF JUNK!!!

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  GMC should change there initials... - 2008 GMC Sierra 1500
  By jojo123 - June 4 - 9:53 am

  To JUNK!!!! Too many problems with check engine light coming on constantly. For some reason, the gas cap constantly comes loose. GM should provide better stock tires. Had a flat from a piece of limestone gravel. Dealer told me I should drive on better roads! (Its a truck, isnt it?) Should have stayed with Ford. Big mistake to buy this truck. Dealer isnt interested in helping very often. It takes multiple visits to fix one problem. Maybe if the service manager got off his lazy [violative content deleted] of his chair, it could be fixed. Last GM product EVER!

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  Everyone loves their Suburbans????? - 2003 GMC Yukon
  By trandall - June 1 - 2:00 am

  "The Road to Redemption" The plastic running boards are now standard. The roof rack was standard, only to find the side rails werethe cross pieces were not!!!! The plastic wheel wells do not fit the size of the well opening. Wires did extrude from the turn signals and rear trailer hitch. The seat only reclines a few inches. The console is extremely large. The entire car is bulked up plastic? The interior plastic fits just as poorly and it covers so much empty space? We wont get into gas milage,trailer hitch plugs, window openings, rear view mirrors, light switches, temperature control knobs blocked by the shift lever, back seat space, etc

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  GM Needs Help - 2003 GMC Sonoma
  By Michaelv - May 4 - 2:00 am

  Build quality is disgusting for a 2002 model year vehicle. The truck has lots of rattles and squeeks, the dash looks like a "fisher price " snap together toy and the seat fabric looks and feels like mouse fur. The tuck was deliverd with a defective heater blower moter switch - only high speed worked. The pasenger side widow weather stripping would come off when the window was lowerred and then raised.The passenger side inner door liner was improperly attached - broken clips.The transmission quit working at 10,000 miles - the rear seal leaked all the transmison fluid into the tansfer case.

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  FIRST & LAST GMC - 2000 GMC Jimmy
  By mysticknight - April 22 - 2:00 am

  I bought this Jimmy used with only 26000 miles & was in for repair several times. The brake/tail lights failed, weatherstripping popping off, driver door hinge had to be repaired, passenger side ball joint replaced, reverse lights stayed on through all gears & a switch had to be replaced a week after getting it back from the shop. The transmission failed & had to be rebuilt at about 41K miles. The dealer seemed to do everything right the first time & I only had to pay for one repair. They paid for the transmission even though it was out of warranty. I just cant keep a car I never get to drive. This is my first & last GMC.

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  PATHETIC!!!!! - 2000 GMC Jimmy
  By Maher - April 19 - 2:00 am

  THIS VEHICLE HAS BEEN AN ABSOLUTE NIGHTMARE. GM MUST BE VERY AFRAID OF THEIR QUALITY HAVING ONLY A 3 YEAR, 60,000KMS. WARRANTY! WE ONLY HAVE 50,000KMS. ON THE 4X4 BUT THE 3 YEARS HAVE PASSED AND BELIEVE ME THIS IS 100% JUNK. FROM DAY ONE,ALL THE BALL JOINTS HAD TO BE REPLACED, THE IGNITION WENT OUT ON IT. THE EGR VALVE, THE TRANSMISSION SEALS, TWO ENGINE SENSORS, THE OIL COOLANT LINES, THE BATTERY, THE ROTORS AND BRAKE PADS AND THE VEHICLE HAS NEVER BEEN IN FOUR WHEEL DRIVE. I CAN HONESTLY SAY THAT THERE IS NOTHING ABOUT THIS VEHICLE THAT IS ANY GOOD. THE ENGINE IS UNDERSIZED, AND WE DONT EVEN GET 17 MILES TO THE GALLON ON THE HIGHWAY.

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  Wish I could do it over!!! - 2002 GMC Sonoma
  By floydfan76 - April 17 - 2:00 am

  This truck has been nothing but problems. My truck has less than 8000 miles on it and it has had the dash replaced, transmission rebuilt. The fuel injector, intake gasket and rocker covers have also needed replacing. I have tried to get a buy back from GMC but I guess the truck hasnt broken enough for them to do that yet, and I do say yet because I am convinced that they will buy the damn thing back by the time it is all said and done. Stay away far away from this truck.

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  Not what I wanted, or expected - 2017 GMC Acadia
  By T - April 16 - 9:37 pm

  I was previously leasing a 2014 Acadia SLT-2 and when my lease came to an end, I was backed into a corner with limitations on car choices. I tested the Honda Pilot, Toyota Highlander, Nissan Pathfinder, Ford Explorer, Chevy Traverse and Buick Enclave, and, of course, the 2017 Acadia. With my previous Acadia, I had it all! Perfect size, captain chairs in the second row, and I could fit 7 pieces of decent sized luggage behind the upright third row! Gas mileage was poor, but I didnt let that bother me at all. The only reason why I chose the new Acadia over all the others is solely based on the perks I obtained from sticking with GMC. I felt pressured. My lease was beyond its expiration and I was running out of time. I made a blind decision and now I will be paying for it for the next three years. Upon the initial test drive, I thought it was a smooth ride and easy to maneuver over my previous Acadia. I almost wish that dealerships would let you test a car for a few days or even a week before deciding! My biggest complaints are: How low this vehicle sits! I also have a 2017 Nissan Rogue, and that sits higher than the Acadia. Also, the whining noise when accelerating. The storage is awful! I have to fit my sons stroller in at an angle with the third row up. With the stroller in behind the third row, I have to leave the third row up because thats where I place all other belongings because they simply wont fit! I have had this car for almost 6 months and I am in the heart of winter here in Upstate New York and this vehicle is worthless in snow, even in 4 wheel drive. The weight loss of this vehicle really shows even in the lightest of snow. Just spins and spins at stop lights, and I find it annoying that I have to put the vehicle into 4 wheel drive JUST to make it through a snowy intersection. UNACCEPTABLE! I honestly wish I spent the 50k and BOUGHT the Acadia Limited, or went with the Ford Explorer. Cannot wait to dump this vehicle.

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  Takes you back in time! - 2003 GMC Yukon
  By Maloof - April 11 - 2:00 am

  It makes you feel like you are driving a GM product from the 70s or 80s - JUNK! Big regret buying it - its the right size, pep, looks, ride, etc - but GM cant build a car that last more that a week. Its been in the shop more than I have driven it. Bad choice on my part - shame on GM. Customer Service makes you feel good on the phone - but they dont do anything about the issue. Take it in for service? HA! what a joke - I spent $50,000 on a vehicle and am treated like I purchased it out of the bargain corral! GM needs to learn how to service and stand behind thier products.

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  not the best suv - 2000 GMC Jimmy
  By michigan snow driver - March 29 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle was a pain from the beginning, secondday we had to get the antenna wire re-connected to get FM. Weve had problems with the wheel bearings and $800 later it still makes a noise. The windshield wipers froze one day and they started crash into eachother and Im afraid to drive in the rain now. Sometimes when control is in off position they stay up. Rear windshield wiper doesnt always work. Rattles come from everywhere with all the cheap plastic. The suspension creaks. The plastic panels in the back fall off for no reason other than the little fasteners dont hold. It has a rocky and unconfortable ride, and backseat is small.