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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  Mixed bag - 2000 GMC Jimmy
  By Mixed Bag - March 13 - 2:43 pm

  Bought the vehicle used for work. Gotta love those GM engineers! $800.00 for wheel bearing replacements every 30,000?!!!? Shoulda read up on the Edmunds Forum! Otherwise so-so performance. 4WD works well. Tight fit for a big guy. Milage for this type of vehicle is not too bad. Avg. 16 if I dont use the 4WD. I bought this based on my excellent experience with a 1999 Silverado, but I dont think Ill buy another Jimmy.

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  Needs a V8 - 2016 GMC Canyon
  By T Duffy - March 12 - 9:47 pm

  I have had trucks, suvs for over 25 years, this is a looker but the engine is so sluggish going up the hills of Western, Pa. I cant believe how terrible the power is. It rides nice over 55 and overall nice space, front seats not real comfortable. Bose audio just ok, got a speaker rattle with anything in a decent loudness. Its a company truck so Im cant complain but really needs a V8 for how heavy this truck is. Do not like the break assist while going down hill, i think I know how to break.

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  2004 Envoy - 2004 GMC Envoy
  By Jackson - March 12 - 9:40 pm

  Like the look and drive of the car. My main problem has been reliability issues. I have had the fuel injection system replaced along with issues with the air pump. Also, service four wheel drive light has come on teice and was unable to put the Envoy into 4wd. Envoy currently has 35,000 miles and I am questioning whether or not to keep it.

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  Adequate for my needs - 2003 GMC Yukon XL
  By Rob - February 14 - 7:30 pm

  Ill preface this by 2 things. 1-Ive never owned an American car & 2-Im coming from a Lexus to a GMC. I bought the car for my wife and kids-we needed the room which is great. I like all the space and the captains chairs for car seats. The interior is nice but not great but again I bought for the space. Gas mileage stinks but I knew that going in. I like the styling. Ive been a little disappointed with the service from the dealership, but not a huge concern. Because Ive nevered owned an American car I bought the extended warranty. I bought this car off a one year lease with 27k miles on it. All in all after 4 months of ownership Im pleased with it. Handles great on the highway.

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  Flat spot on crankshaft - 2007 GMC Sierra 1500
  By L. Gebhardt - January 18 - 9:23 pm

  Gmc decided to fix enginne instead of replacing truck, it had about 2000 miles on it when problem first appeared. It sounded like a vibration coming from exhaughst system, mechanics knew what problem was as soon as they heard it. Flat spot on crankcase. Rebuilt lower end, and gave me a 6 year 90000 mile warranty. BIG DEAL.

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  Solid & reliable - 1999 GMC Suburban
  By Jason - January 10 - 12:15 pm

  Bought used with 46K on it. Knew of problems with 199x-1999 Suburbans and have experienced and replaced them all: Fuel pump, Intake manifold gaskets, battery posts, front brakes [actually adjust rears more frequently]. Did my own work with fore-warning from web BBSs and saved $$$$. At 102K and rolling strong. Added supersprings [helper leaf] for increased towing loads without K2500 weight penalty. Will replace OEM bilsteins soon. Added K&N intake, researching hypertech versus superchips for ECU tuning and will go to Massani or Gibson for exhaust when needed. Truck needs help in the roll area and Helwig and others make increased stiffness sway-bars.

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  Keep Looking - 2005 GMC Sierra 2500HD
  By Ken - January 3 - 6:20 pm

  I have the Duramax/Allison combination. It is a very sloppy running engine. Sloppy in that it is not efficient at burning the $3 plus/gallon fuel it takes to run her. She smokes and run your finger on the inside of the tailpipe and youll see what I mean. My guess is that in the hoursepower wars, GM spared no expense in trying to get ahead of the competition. They should have left the 0-60 nad quarter mile bragging rights to a more appropriate vehicle like the Camaro or Corvette. Im looking for a new owner for this one.

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  May be better choices - 2000 GMC Sierra 1500
  By RDJ0829 - December 20 - 2:00 am

  Overall disappointed. Replaced all brakes and rotors at 15000 miles. Dealer said dont drive enough. Never happened to my other cars with similar miles. New Battery after 2 years. Now a noise in steering?? I am not looking forward to the future years...

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  A Monday Yuke - 2003 GMC Yukon XL
  By FllRick - December 13 - 7:13 pm

  Must have been built on a Monday. Battery dead on third day. The two front wheel caps werent aligned with the wheels. Hung a coat on rear coat hook, and it pulled out of the ceiling. Check master cylinder, and check stabilitrack messages. All within first 1500 miles. Engine makes a soft rattling noise like a bearing is off, but fortunately, the GMC service person assures me GMC designs the engines to make rattling noises, so guess Ill turn up the XM radio and relax. Except for the disturbing noise that can only be heard by me, GMC has fixed everything else under warranty. Its not that its a lemon. I actually like the thing. Im just disappointed with initial quality control.

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  Traded My Tahoe For This - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By Connie A - November 28 - 6:30 pm

  I was intially drawn to this vehicle by the great styling and looks. Loved my 2005 Tahoe, but was looking to save gas money by trading it off-not happening. Finally convinced my husband to take a test drive. Loved the seating, dual moon roofs, and great room. Made the purchase 6 months ago and it is very aggravating. When the warmer months come around, I roll down my back windows-you cant do this at all in this vehicle! The vibration is so awful it is like you are directly under a helicopter. Made a complaint to GMC, told it was a design issue. The transmission shifting is more than awful! Overall a nice vehicle if they change the transmission and noise issues, but miss my Tahoe.