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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  A great family vehicle - 1996 GMC Savana
  By M Pagel - August 4 - 6:40 pm

  We bought ours in the summer of 1997 with only 40 miles on it. It was customized by Autoform and sometimes it is tricky to get parts. The only major problems we have had in 9 years is the fuel pump and air conditioning hoses needed to be replaced all within the last 2 years. We now have 105K miles on it and it still runs like brand new. It is great for hauling people and things. We have been on some awesome trips to the Rockies and it has worked wonderfully. I particularly like the fact I can get a 4x8 sheet of plywood in the back so for me it works better than a full size pickup. The reclining seat levers are made out of plastic which tend to strip but are easy to replace.

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  GMC Newbie - 2006 GMC Sierra 2500HD
  By Matt - August 3 - 3:33 am

  This is my first GMC truck and so far Im pretty happy with it. I have to say though I got what I expected from a 3/4 ton truck. Pulls the loaded dump trailer with ease. Fuel economy is rather dismal but it is a full size pick up with a 6.0L V8 so what can you expect. My power steering pump "whines" which the dealer tells me that its just the way a 2500HD is. That is the one thing that bothers me the most about the truck.

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  Downsize with a Reason - 2005 GMC Canyon
  By Joe - August 2 - 2:50 pm

  I traded a Dodge 2500 4x4 in for my new 2005 GMC Canyon. I traded because of the high gas prices. What I got was a truck that suits all my needs in every way. First off, this truck is stylish and tough looking. The Z71 package with the offroad suspension has me ready for any adventure I want to tackle. This truck is a great fit.

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  Love my SUV - 2000 GMC Envoy
  By paul bauer - July 31 - 3:00 pm

  We found an Envoy that had been traded back to the dealer because it was too small for the original owner. They bought a Suburban. It had only 6500 miles on it. We scored. We love it, using it mainly for skiing. It has been a real find.

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  The Worst Car I Have Ever owned - 1998 GMC Jimmy
  By JP - July 31 - 11:33 am

  One month after purchase the front transmission decided to engage at 75 mph on the interstate. That was a $1200 computer chip replacement. 2 weeks later the brakes completely went out with no explanation from the dealer, $650. 7 months later the ingition lock went out, $300. 1 Year after having the front transmission fixed, it broke again and will engage by itself. Currently the rear window wiper motor has gone out, the ABS light is always on, the windshield wipers have a mind of their own and will stop after being on for ten minutes and take a break, or will continue to run after you turn them off. I wish I had more room to continue. This has been the worst car I have ever owned and will be the last GMC.

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  Comfortable Family Travel & Good Towing - 2001 GMC Yukon XL
  By Driver Don - July 31 - 10:00 am

  The whole family enjoys traveling in this vehicle, lots of room and comfort for long drives. Amazed at how manueverable in parking spots, its better than my smaller Jimmy. We have put on 35,000mi, 5000mi of it pulling a 4000lb boat with our full vehicle. The XL is great for towing, with good range on a tank of gas. Only complaint we have had is when we experienced an icy draft on the passengers legs when up North, we think we have it fixed after two tries, next test will be this Christmas when we head to Canada.

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  Garbage Motors Crap - 2009 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Fred - July 30 - 9:50 pm

  Seats are made of cheap foam that compresses and is uncomfortable to sit on after 1k miles. I loved the first 1k miles and have hated it ever since. Fuel tank slosh when tank is 3/4 to full, you can hear it sloshing and and feel in banging from front to rear at a sudden stop. Accelerator and brake pedals are too close to together. Sole of right dress shoe get caught on right side by stupid piece of an ill conceived plastic cover. I am 6 ft & hit my head when entering in truck, roof line has been lowered too low, by inept idiots. Brake squeal at 5 and 15 mph. Trailer brake controller is low on left side of dash hard to reach and use. Stop Klunk noise. Dealers dont care.

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  Perfect for me - 2005 GMC Canyon
  By 1mortician - July 30 - 5:00 pm

  With all the bad reviews available on any vehicle, it is important to each driver to find/select the best vehicle for their individual needs. This vehicle aptly drives in the snow, moves mulch, hauls frequent loads from Home Depot, and helps move the occasional friend when called upon. My model is a fairly lightly optioned for an SLE packaged as I intended it ,3.5L, automatic, crank windows, manual locks, cruise control, good stereo. Finding a vehicle that is the combination of the right price, the right features and the right size is difficult, and for an all around well suited vehicle for my needs this Canyon delivers perfectly.

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  The SUV that can live up to my standards - 1996 GMC Jimmy
  By The4DrMonster - July 30 - 3:05 pm

  I bought this SUV when I was 17 because I wanted a reliable vehicle. It turns out i made a good decision. It has stood up to the unusual abuse of me driving it. I have taken it offroad and abused it got it buried in mud and had to be pulled out. The only parts that have broken have been caused from my abuse which was a transaxle boot and a bent ABS sensor. I have driven 33,000 miles with my foot to the floor and have experienced only routine tune ups. If it can handle me, it is extremley reliable.

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  What a truck - 2005 GMC Yukon
  By Bob Reiff - July 30 - 12:50 am

  The Yukon has been flawless since we purchased it a year ago. Yes, the mileage could be better, but thats not the vehicles fault. We knew it wouldnt be great. The ride is comfortable, and the performance has been much better than we expected. I would recommend this vehicle to anyone who is looking for this style of ride who isnt squeamish about gas mileage.