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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  Poor quality - 2003 GMC Sonoma
  By Tim R - June 16 - 1:53 pm

  Had to get a new transfer case at 10,000 miles. Oil pickup tube fell into gears and ruined transfer case. Replaced air conditioner compressor at 42,000 miles. Transmission is now slipping badly. Fuel filler neck has been replaced, but still overflows when refueling. Leaf spring bushings are noisy. Would not buy again.

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  Very Satisfied - 2005 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Pat Patterson - June 1 - 7:20 pm

  No major complaints. Overall a very well balanced truck. Roomy, comfortable, decent gas mileage. Recently traded for a 2008 model because of the rebates and incentives but if not for that this wouldve been a keeper.

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  Disappointed - 2008 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Darryl - May 22 - 10:10 pm

  I have loved Chevrolets and GMCs for 30 years. My 03 Chevy Silverado was the best truck I have ever had. The 08 GMC has been the most disappointing truck I have ever purchased. I am constantly getting alarms that include: Park assist off, air bag, low tires when they are not. On top of the alarms that the dealer cannot fix I have had two interior fans replaced and they are rattling again. The motor is tapping even though I do the recommended everything. The ABS brakes act like I am on ice on dry road. Cheaper braking system. Already have warped discs. My o3 brakes went 144K miles. The sun visors are not wide enough to block the sun. Cannot handle the same trailer as the 03.

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  2006 GMC ENVOY SLT - 2006 GMC Envoy
  By CJAvon - May 17 - 2:31 pm

  Have been driving my Envoy for three months now, had Jeep Gr.Cherokees for the last three years so thats my basis for comparison (maybe a bit unfair). The Envoy has a smoother ride but the difference in power vs the V8 Jeep is like night and day, towing my 2500 lb boat was sluggish. Head room is tight with the sun roof, only 1/2" headroom (i am 6 foot)with the seat down full. Very comfortable to sit in and visability is good. The floor mats are on the cheap side. 2nd row legroom is better than the Jeep. I get 18.7 mpg average with 85% highway driving. Considerably less expensive than the Jeep so if you can do without the towing power I would recommend it.

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  Transmission - 2004 GMC Envoy
  By brent - May 14 - 11:05 am

  I went thru 2 transmissions in one year and GMC claims there company to be professional grade. More like Fisher Price grade to me. Thank God for warranties!

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  I like my truck. - 2003 GMC Sonoma
  By Jeff - April 29 - 12:14 am

  I like my truck. Havent had any major problems in 40,000 miles. The drivers seat is comfortable for long trips, but the back seat will only hold adults for short trips. The radio is good for stock. This is a good truck. It always starts easily, even in cold weather, but Im not sure I can afford the gas.

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  Sorry to say my last GM product - 2006 GMC Sierra 1500
  By GDBYGM - April 21 - 1:20 pm

  Like others my truck ran flawless for the first 15,000 or so and then the problems began. The rear drum brakes started to squeal every time you applied them, dash rattle, headliner rattle(dealer attempted to fix-rattle is back). Approximately 20k turning the steering wheel produced a weird noise(dealer tried to repair-its back) 26k new front rotors and pads(my other vehicle has 71k with original pads if your wondering about my driving). 37k new belt tensioner and belts(squealing noise) 39k main engine seal leak(luckily repaired by GM) 41k steering link rattle(replaced link) and now "service brake system" message displayed. Thank you for stealing my $34,000 GM

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  Too many problems - 2000 GMC Sonoma
  By Joe - April 1 - 12:42 am

  I bought this truck used when it had 90K. After having it for only a year the transmission blew on me. I had just replaced the clutch and when the transmission went out it took out the clutch too. I spent $2000 repairing it. I only had the truck for 2 years and I regularly maintained it but in those two years I spent about $4000 in repairs. This cant be normal for a newer model car.

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  GMC Jimmy 97 - 1997 GMC Jimmy
  By FarmerD - March 31 - 9:27 am

  The only major problems I have experienced with the Jimmy has been electrical - had to replace ignition switch which caused "CHECK ENGINE" light to stay on and the transmission to shift erratic. I also had an over heating problem that required me to replace the Radiator pluseI had a minor transmission leak where the shift lever enters the transmission body.

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  Too many problems - 1998 GMC Jimmy
  By MakeItAdouble - March 29 - 9:02 pm

  Lots of trouble Heater core plugged 2002 blew out w/water hose. Water pump 2005, brakes & rotors every two years, Ignition switch cause many starting and performance problems 2003, Wipers stopped 2005- This is from the motors cicuit board getting cracked soldered joints, look up online to repair yourself. Door hinge pins shot-2005. Passenger seat handle broke off-2002. Intake manifold leaking 2005, Alternator-2005. Thermostat-2003. Hub assemblies-2002. Battery-2004. Other minor stuff. I learned a lot working on this piece of junk. Its no wonder GM is faultering.