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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  not up to par - 2001 GMC Safari
  By hrsepor31 - November 5 - 2:00 am

  this is a slopply put together van rattles not repairable in side door fuel mileage very poor 17 highway 13 city the cloth interior is not very durable shows stains easily brakes wear out quickly third set already at 30000 rotors warpped from factory throttle service is expensive and unaffordable

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  can you say lemon????? - 2002 GMC Envoy
  By sugarmag - October 4 - 2:00 am

  $32,000 down the drain!!!! have been working the last few weeks trying to get a buyback from GMC. this suv has been in the shop at least once a month since i bought it...all for the same problem. they can not seem to fix the problem (service engine light is on) ive drove a loaner for 8 days in 3 weeks....picked it up again today. im tired of spending at least one day a week at dealer... i spent over 32,000 on a car i expect it to work! i expect that they will know how to fix it. i would NEVER EVER buy another GMC again.

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  Totally Disatisfied!!!!!!!!!!! - 2002 GMC Envoy
  By James Mello - September 23 - 2:00 am

  Totally disatisfied with our 2002 SLT Envoy. We have had recalls on the fuel filter, transmission, transmission locked into gear, Air conditioner works when it wants to and a repeating noise in the front end that the dealership can not fix.

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  I wish I bought a Dodge - 2005 GMC Sierra 1500
  By joe - September 13 - 8:20 am

  Was a decent truck when I bought it. But it wouldnt tow worth a dang, piston slap, horrible trans, creaks, squeaks, parts breaking, clunking from steering shaft, burnout lights, sound system, tires, brakes, and so much more wrong with it. My 2nd gm and last. Im buying a Dodge.

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  electrical hell - 1997 GMC Safari
  By Rick Earl - September 11 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle has been expensive to operate. It had electrical problems from the start. It continues to eat fuses like candy. The lighter, fuel gauge, and power windows have not worked in 2 years. Its on its 4th battery and 3rd set of front brakes. The front end wears tires quickly, even with it properly aligned. In short buyer beware. There is very little head or leg room in the front seats.

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  no quality in american cars - 1995 GMC Jimmy
  By sandbox - August 14 - 2:00 am

  This SUV was to be my vacation play car and it only can stand up to in-town travel. 1st scare was going 75 mph in 5000 ft elevation...and car stalls. No fix...tech states this model lacks a computer chip to recalibrate info for fuel system. Traveling in the middle of summer in 100+ degrees...A/C wimps out. Intermittent problem [cannot be duplicated in town] occurs on highway after an hour in elevated heat does...when you most need it. And lastly, the big Vortex engine with 190 horsepower falls behind 4 cyliner cars while driving up hills...torque sucks!

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  Do NOT buy this vehicle - 2013 GMC Acadia
  By Jeff Pedriana - August 6 - 1:17 am

  Had issues with a noise from the front end. Didnt pay attention until it affected the shifting. Found out its a transmission issue, $4400 issue btw. By the time I took it in I was 5000 miles past powertrain warranty. GMCs response? Have a nice day, youre screwed, dont expect us to help, have a nice day.

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  GM Quality - 2015 GMC Sierra 2500HD
  By Brad - July 5 - 7:50 pm

  only 1700 miles on the truck and had it in the dealer twice for an oil leak. The oil pan has surface cracking, apparently acceptable to GM as it is on every truck. The wax coating on the frame can be easily removed by a fingernail and already has rust coming through mainly on the joints as if it was not applied properly or the coating method is simply insufficient. I actually bought 2 of these trucks and both have had paint issues. the 1st truck had the 3.73 axle, which has a poor tow rating of only 9200 pounds or so. this information cannot be found on the website and the website shows you cant even get the 3.73 with the gas engine. sunglasses holder is oddly shaped and wont fit regular sunglasses. the manual shift mode doesnt allow you to shift up when coasting downhill or something. the truck always seams to be down one gear lower than it should be when coasting and tow mode is off. the passenger tow mirror is very poor for visibility and doesnt show the side of my trailer as my f150 did. the led lighting is cool but there are wires that can get snagged under the bed rails. ride is more firm than previous models which I like. Ipod playback is horrible. very slow to respond and often doesnt work at all. dealer said it works fine. air conditioner lowers for phone calls which is cool. towing uphill isnt very good. the truck bounces between 2 gears, one which is excessively high and the other is to low to maintain speed.

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  BEWARE - 2003 GMC Envoy
  By finnj - June 24 - 10:00 am

  I have a 2002 GMC Envoy. The vehicle has been brought into the shop 4 times so far for a loud engine noise issue. They can not fix it. The vehicle is terrible on gas as well. Can not recommend this car..it looks nice, but does not perform well and GM can not seem to fix problems they know exist.

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  Stay Away from the Jimmy - 1998 GMC Jimmy
  By Dale Anderson - June 8 - 2:00 am

  Purchased used with 33K miles and preconditioned bydealer.Still required brake replacement before acceptance. Car sold with 15# of air in tires. At 28-30# vehicle rides like a brick on wheels. All plastic interior component squeak and or rattle. One year and 5000 miles rear main seal leaking and rear brakes are shot. GM will not help. " Second buyers do not fit the profile of loyal GM customers"