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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  Love it but already a problem 2 weeks in - 2010 GMC Terrain
  By Lisa - August 8 - 10:46 pm

  It rides great had a Jeep Liberty Limited and the Terrain feels like a car more than SUV. Very Happy with the features however with in two weeks have a service issue the power lift gate will not open. Went back to dealership and they had problem because its so new they really didnt know why it was not working, they dug in and were able to find a bulletin but unable to get it to work. So now I have a great ride but can not access the back. Very sick feeling. They are ordering a new modular to have on hand so when they really dig into it they think they can fix it. :( sure hope it comes fast. This is not the way I wanted to start my new ownership.

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  Reliable - 2002 GMC Envoy
  By kww8732 - August 8 - 2:24 pm

  Ive never had any problems with this vehicle with the exception of several minor recalls. Ive been very happy with this SUV. Have averaged about 17 miles/gallon of mixed driving with 16 in the city and 21 on the highway.

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  Love the vehicle - Bad milage-Ft .End - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By MWY - August 6 - 1:31 pm

  Purchased used w-15204 miles Aug.2008. Really enjoy taking a road trip in it. extremely comfortable, quiet w-great visibility, optioned out. Even has a console cup holder night light. Vehicle has had a constant front end problem-pulling to the right. Front end has been re-alinged twice and today dealer advises 2 front tire eaten up, 1 down to the core on inside edge (hidden)! Still at dealer attempting to find out what the problem is for 2 days. Mileage is not good even though recall and service bulletin issues have supposedly been fixed. Gets a little better after being serviced but goes back to bad days later. We love the car, but wish these two issues could be fixed.

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  easy now - 2002 GMC Envoy
  By chris - August 2 - 8:15 pm

  Love the GMC Envoy. 02 couple of things! great seating, comfy ride, Bas location was the cup holders in front passengers and the rearview mirror, Had to replace all ball joints, and bushings, now the water pump needs replaced, Also the mirrors make a whistling noise when driving. Other than that vehicle is great.. routine maintenance is all thats had to be done. no major engine problems. knock on wood..

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  Awesome with two kids under age 2 - 2007 GMC Yukon
  By moose - August 1 - 11:04 pm

  I researched and drove and five different SUVs prior to purchasing the Denali. I am real estate and it helps to sit up high to look at property. The vehicle is nicely appointed and comfortable. Plenty of pick-up for merging and passing on the highway. The captain chairs in the middle row sealed the deal for me. My business partner is 6-8 and fits comfortably in the middle seat. I would recommend this vehicle to prospective purchaser. Only problem I have had is with the exterior door handles and the dealership replaced them at no cost. Definitely worth paying a little more compared to Tahoe/Yukon.

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  Totally decent, what we wanted - 2003 GMC Yukon XL
  By drdrevans - July 29 - 10:00 am

  This is a good car (ours is an 02), ctually gets OK mileage (15 in town, 17+ on the road), not that much worse (only 1 MPG) than our 97 4 litre 4wd Explorer. Comfortable and quiet, good deal, and holds as much as one can imagine.

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  gmc Professional Grade? ? ? - 2007 GMC Envoy
  By Jim Garrett - July 27 - 1:30 pm

  Drastic improvements needed with cup holders - terrible wind noise - larger brake pedal - seat belt B pillar should be adjustable. Good power good audio difficult GPS system throw it out and start over. Use Mapqwest as a model. Nice interior fit and finish. Easy to drive and park. Inadequate sn visor size Use same as Tahoe. In general its a pretty good car with all the goodies but definitely NOT professional grade.

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  13 years and still going strong! - 1996 GMC Jimmy
  By brett favre fan4 - July 22 - 6:58 pm

  I purchased the car in 1997 as a gift for my wife. in 1999, I ended up with the car. I ruined it. I crashed it seven times, over used the heat until it broke, my son accidently threw a basketball at the side view mirror and busted it so I glued, taped, and tied the mirror back on, a car purposly knocked off and stole the other side view mirror while i went shopping one day, and the trunk couldnt shut anymore. but "hey", it still runs like a beauty and gets me where I want to go. Got to love the Jimmy.

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  Great SUV for safety and style - 2006 GMC Yukon
  By Tina - July 21 - 8:10 pm

  My husband has been begging me for years to go hunting with him. Of course, I refuse. Bambi? Come on! Well after a trip thru the Rockies I can say that he will now have a harder time convincing me go. I can officially say that I have been hunting once and I am one for one. Yup! 100% deer slayer. Or should I be honest and say my Yukon is? I was so skeptical about buying a vehicle this size, but after a mule deer ran right out in front of me at dusk in the Rockies I am not skeptical anymore. And, the On-Star system was awesome. I couldnt get a signal on my cell phone, but they came right thru. They contacted the local sheriff and my husband. I love my Yukon! I am averaging 17 mpg. Thanks GMC

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  Big Red - 1993 GMC Suburban
  By Gai & Gary - July 21 - 3:22 pm

  We are orignal owners and have had used this machine to safely and comfortably transport our daughters volleyball and basketball team mates to many competitions. Its been across the country and back, has taken us skiing. The 4WD has been helpful when rains make our dirt roads slippery. Over the 219K miles it has logged, two radiators were replaced and as many mufflers. Its been well maintained, has the original engine and transmission (heads have never been off) and is still going strong.