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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  Great ride - 2005 GMC Yukon
  By Jeff - November 16 - 9:56 am

  This has been the best vehicle I have ever owned. I am averaging 18 MPG overall since I purchased and about half of my driving is in the city. Would highly recommend this vehicle.

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  Wow! - 2011 GMC Sierra 2500HD
  By Tom Smith - November 16 - 7:53 am

  This car is simply amazing in every single regard. Just looking at it with its chrome and black paint give me butterflies. Everythings Perfect: Exceptional Ride Quality, Excellent handling, sharp and handsome interior, macho exterior, insane towing capacities, almost unheard of amounts of torque, heated and cooled seats,-I could go on all day. This vehicle is also a charm off-road, capable of passing going through anything although Front, Center, and Rear locking differentials would help contribute to its off-roading prowess. Towing is also done in comfort and ease as the engine does not even begin to strain even under the heaviest loads. I would not think twice about buying another one.

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  Third Review on this Safari in 3 Years - 1995 GMC Safari
  By Southern Moon - November 14 - 5:11 pm

  Two previous reviews by me. 07/12/02 and 07/24/03. Again now 11/14/05. Tripped 300K a while back. Almost 304,000 today. The best vehicle weve ever owned. Strong, strong engine still. NO OIL USE. Reliable to the max. No trouble except some flaking paint but even thats not bad. Last spark plugs changed about 150,000 miles ago. NEVER HAD A TUNE UP in 8-1/2 years. I tried to sell this Safari at 239K at a giveaway price but nobody bit- not that I blame them but its still in great shape mechanically and still looks good too. We bought a GMC Suburban based on how this GMC had been but its not as reliable as the Safari and the Suburban with about 100K does need oil at changing time.

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  Slowly falling apart - 2000 GMC Sierra 1500
  By jcat_70 - November 13 - 11:40 pm

  I owned a 2000 GMC Sierra 1500 for 4 years. Although, I must say, the engine and trans were reliable, partly because I used Mobil 1 synth. oil and never beat on it. Other things with the truck started to fall apart, i.e., the ABS system would intermittently go off at less than 5mph on dry surfaces, the fuel gauge would start and stop working, the right side mirror was flopping around in the wind, the tailgate handle (plastic) broke off when opening the tailgate one day. The brakes were terrible - including the rotors and way too much distance was needed to stop. The drivers door lock got jammed and wouldnt lock no anymore. Power window linkage broke. Radio lights quit working. too much!

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  rear entertainment system - 2010 GMC Terrain
  By Samantha - November 11 - 4:03 am

  I Love My Terrain. It drives very well and the gas mileage is excellent. What disappoints me is that the rear entertainment system is not being sold. The Terrain is being advertised on television and the brochure states the vehicle has that option, but I when contacted someone at the 1-800 number, I was informed that that option is not available. Why advertise something that doesnt exist? If it is forthcoming, then state that in the advertisement. I am very disappointed, but overall, I Love My Terrain.

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  My 2006 Yukon - 2006 GMC Yukon
  By Nick Ruggeri - November 9 - 1:03 pm

  My Yukon rides better than my 2004 Tahoe. It has great performance, acceptable fuel economy, and is very comfortable on the road.

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  Love my Canyon - 2005 GMC Canyon
  By Patrick Chaisson - November 8 - 2:59 pm

  First time buyer of pick-up truck, serched web for past two years and decided to get it. All my friends love the looks and I and my wife have found our all round vehicle. I tow a small boat and it is a breeze. Lots of power and love the fuel economy. I am sticking with my GMC.

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  Awesome Vehicle - 2005 GMC Yukon
  By Larry Abraham - November 3 - 9:03 pm

  Buy one, you wont be disappointed. This has been the best vehicle we have ever owned for a family of six that likes road trips.

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  Its OK, but check out the Dodge too - 2005 GMC Sierra 2500HD
  By gmc driver guy - November 3 - 9:43 am

  The 05 replaced my 03, both Duramax, and I have to say that I liked my 03 better. I dont know what GMC did between then and now, but whatever it was, I dont like it. I test drove a Dodge both times and thought that they rode too hard and the back seat was too small. On the other hand, is it worth $10 grand to get a GMC that also rides hard and has a slightly larger rear seat that Im never going to ride in? To be sure, its a nice car, but Im starting to wonder if I shouldnt have bought the Dodge and put the $10 grand into my future Cessna fund. Come on GMC, for fifty grand you guys can do better! If you dont believe me look at your last 3 quarters sales numbers.

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  A Christmas Gift that wasnt worth giving! - 2010 GMC Terrain
  By Tee - November 1 - 2:16 am

  We are warned that "Everything that looks good is not always good for you!" My son surprised me with this vehicle for Christmas 2 years ago. Needless to say, it was an expensive gift that was NOT worth giving. This vehicle will bankrupt you! If you purchased a 2010 GMC Terrain I certainly hope you have a good warranty to go along with it. You will most certainly need it. The Engine in these vehicles are LEMONS! You better buy stock in engine oil as well. Never mind any recommended oil change schedules you are given. Do it every 2,000 miles or you will pay the price. The best thing about that is, the car will warn you around every 2,000 mile interval. The engine begins to rattle when you press on the accelerator. It will begin to cut off on you upon acceleration. It will surge. It will stall and scare the hell out of you. And KEEP YOUR OIL CHANGE RECEIPTS, you will need them when you have to replace the engine...and you will have to replace the engine! They will try to say you did not change the oil according to schedule. Trust me, If I would of waited to do it every 3,000 (or 5,000 as they suggested) miles the engine probably would have caught fire. There have been numerous other issues as well, but the engine issues and the drastic over consumption of oil are the mother of all other issues. BUYER BEWARE! Its a shame too because I like the design, the body style, and the interior cabin space. But the cons far outweigh the pros.