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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  Worthless - 2014 GMC Sierra 1500
  By gunthergetter - May 5 - 4:33 pm

  I was so excited when the 2014 gmc came out. They where a nice change of appearance. Although once you buy one the story changes. The headlights are horrible, very difficult to see at night. The transmission has no clue what is should be doing, shifting when it should not be and not shifting when it should and makes loud noises. Absolutely no FM/AM radio reception, anywhere. I have not yet found a comfortable seat/head rest position. Now that i have this truck i do not look forward to driving it.

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  "Dale Gas" Give it lots of Gas! - 2007 GMC Yukon
  By Jim - April 13 - 2:12 pm

  Be prepared. Terrible mileage. Highway mileage is good at about 20-22 but city is a lie. In reality its about 10.5 mpg average over my 14,000 miles driven with 12.5 average overall.

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  Nightmare - 2010 GMC Terrain
  By Karen Lee - April 5 - 4:50 am

  My 2010 GMC terrain has needed a number of repairs. The auto mechanic said he was disappointed with this vehicle due to the repairs that were needed. I have 60,000 miles and just last month the transmission busted, which cost $3,700. I have read that these SUVs have had many problems with the transmissions. So disappointed.

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  Review - 2003 GMC Sierra 1500
  By R Coyle - April 2 - 11:33 am

  Bought new in late 2002 truck has been average for comfort and mileage is good. Reliability is not good to many small issue my truck only has 60k and have replaced both front wheel bearings, replaced two power window motors, had to replace sensor for ABS brakes, steering gear box and now the cluster is going bad. GM know the cluster unit is an issue but refused to help on the repair cost. I think I am going to look at the Toyota Tundra for my next truck. GM just need to have a better warranty on the little things that are always going bad on their vechiles.

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  Unexplained Sudden Acceleration - 2009 GMC Yukon XL
  By emzomarja - March 18 - 5:48 am

  Purchased our vehicle new in 2009. Generally satisfied with the SUV. In December 2012 the vehicle unexpectedly accelerated without explanation. The car was towed to dealer - who could not re-create the defect. The vehicle has a bulletin out on a throttle defect but claim that it is due to a loss of power rather than a sudden acceleration. The manufacturer declined to pay for the cost of analysis of the defect, in spite of the throttle bulletin indicating they will pay the cost of the repair. Have 75K mi. on car but now wrestling with keeping it due to the concern. Expected another 2 years out of the vehicle, especially at this price for car - but now may have to find another option.

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  Wish It would work - 2002 GMC Envoy
  By Envoy_User - March 18 - 5:43 am

  When traveling over 60 mph My truck has alot of wind noise. The biggest problem I have is the ABS, Break light, and Traction Off light will come on while driving about 4 times a week. I keep hearing a rattle from the passenger side of the truck that the dealer cannot find. When the truck is running right I do enjoy the ride even though I only get between 12 and 15 miles per gallon on the high way.

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  Old technology-Drum brakes - 2011 GMC Sierra 1500
  By 2011sierraslt - March 8 - 8:16 pm

  Drum brakes! List price 38k + and I got drum brake on the rear-end. Maybe they wouldnt need all those air bags to get the 5 star safety rating if the truck could stop. Put disc brake all the way around.

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  Car from hell - 2000 GMC Jimmy
  By Fed up jimmy owner - March 7 - 2:32 pm

  I bought this car with 21k miles on it and from day one it has been hell. I had to repalce the fuel pump 2 times, the alternator, the ball joints on all tires, the driver and passenger door hinges, the catalytic converter, the muffler, all 3 oxygen sensors, the moonroof motor, shocks, the driver side window motor. Lets not forget to mention that I have to replace brakes every year and the fact that my fuel light comes on at about 170-180 miles on a fulltank of gas. Stay away from this truck. It is fun to drive, but it will always be in the repair shop.

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  Go to ergonomics school GMC - 2004 GMC Yukon XL
  By GMC latest convert - February 23 - 5:33 pm

  Great car if a 58" person with no previous back problems can stand the pain of sitting in the drivers seat form more than 20 minutes. Way to go GM, you got my 50K this time, but never again. We have a brand new Denali in the garage, and took the Eddie Bauer Expedition with 100k miles on it to the family christmas gathering cause I cant stand the pain of being in that seat. And Ive never been a Ford or a GMC guy in the past either, I am now.

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  Service Stabilitrak/Service Traction - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By Stranded by GMC - February 16 - 12:56 pm

  I have owned my 2008 Acadia for going on 1 year. Since December 2007 we have had countless problems with the vehicle. the service stabilitrak and service traction control lights come on every 2 weeks or so. It is July now and this morning the light came on and my car shut off on the highway. The dealership never can figure out what is happening with the vehicle. It has put a "sour taste" in our mouths about the GMC brand. I had 3 young children in my car when this happened. It is in the shop again and hopefully it can be remedied.