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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  Yukon problems - 2001 GMC Yukon
  By bobrmd - July 29 - 7:18 am

  I own a Denali and will trade it in.This vehicle needed brakes and drums at 15k miles with very light use. I had the antilock brake problem fixed twice. There is a recall in effect in Canada because the antilock brake sensor corrodes from road salt leading to activation of the antilock mechanism at low speeds. GM claims the incidence of this in the US is low, but the problem is under investigation by our goverment safety agency. if you have this poblem then file a report with traffic safety or if you are contempalting buying one of these vehicles check to see if your vehicle has had brake problems and if they are corrected. It cost me $500 bucks each time.

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  Unfulfilled dream - 1999 GMC Safari
  By Ed Garrity - July 23 - 12:54 am

  I paid $16K for a 2 year old van with 37K miles. In 7/05 it has 108K, current value About $5.3K. Ive enjoyed the van and the ride. Its comfortable for driver. Not enough foot room for passengers. I liked the way it handled and drove. Repair costs have been about $1K a year in addition to regular maintenance. Costs of repair have been expensive. Have had excellent service from Cooper extra wide, tires. I have replaced the electric window motors on both sides of the van. AC is a problem, 2 computers replaced. Body and upholstery show almost no wear.

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  Gas Guzzler - 2005 GMC Envoy
  By Mark - July 17 - 10:04 pm

  Comfortable, quiet ride quality. Strong acceleration. Leans a little too much into turns. Weak brakes, especially when towing a trailer without brakes. Rear seat is a little cramped. Interior materials are cheap, especially the center console. Limited storage within the drivers reach. Rear seat doesnt recline. This should be standand when equipped with a rear DVD entertainment system. 410 gears along with the 4200 engine are a good match. Poor gas mileage. I dont get anywhere near the 15 mpg city to 21 mpg highway as listed on the window sticker. Good stereo system, however, poor sound quality. The BOSE speakers should be standard on all Envoy trim levels.

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  Poor reliability - poor service - 2002 GMC Yukon XL
  By PDuarte - July 13 - 8:33 pm

  A few months after purchasing the SUV new started having transmission problems. Dealer was never able to diognose and fix the problems. I take it back to the dealer and sometimes they work on it but never succesfully. Also had to have both front wheel bearings replaced. I lost confidence on GMs quality of their presumably best products, the dealers ability to diagnose and repair correctly and in good faith.

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  Its been a good truck to own - 1999 GMC Yukon
  By RJ - June 28 - 12:05 pm

  I bought it a year old w/ 36k miles for $25k. I wish it had a 3rd row seat available back then. Its time to trade it in for a minivan or Freestyle wagon. Trade in is $8K so it cost me $3400 a year in deperciation. Mechanically truck has held up very well. The fuel pump went out at 100k. Cost $1000 (mainly because we were stranded out of town and could not shop around for repair). ABS doesnt work. There was a recall in Canada, but it doesnt apply to the US. It will cost about $800 to fix. Intake gasket leaked ,causing loss of heat/coolant - cost $800 to fix. Overall Im very happy witht he choice. The truck has become too unreliable for my wife and young kids, so its time for a new car. Id definitely get the 2005 or later Expedition if I got another SUV. Have drivien my dads and brothers on a few trips and they are outstanding

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  Worst Vehicle I have ever owned! - 1997 GMC Jimmy
  By ryanv97 - June 18 - 10:53 am

  I dont know where to start complaining about this worthless piece of garbage! Rear wiper only worked for a short period of time before burning out, door hinges squeak even after lubricating. Transmission has gone once and have had it back twice for more repairs and is leaking yet again! Will not pass emissions test even though I have dumped tons of money into it. Brakes stink and it stinks even worse in the snow. Very poor handling. Water leaks into this thing and my feet are constantly soaked. Sound system works sometimes, but not always. My brother has major problems with his too, from the transmission going to everything else I have described. I wish I had my Dodge back!!!!!

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  Massive engine failure - 2002 GMC Envoy
  By rondagerk - May 21 - 3:11 am

  I love the way my Envoy handles, but I hate the 15 miles per gallon. I had a massive engine failure at 37,000 miles and had to have new engine put in. I would not buy another, and do not feel like I got my $38,000 worth.

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  Too many broblems and no support ! - 2004 GMC Yukon XL
  By fred E. - May 9 - 2:00 am

  Have A 2001 yukon xl, the suv broke down on the road,got it tow dealership,they said fuel pump problem and I had to pay for it,because warrenty ran out at 36000 miles ,after week of rental it was ready and then few days later same problem happen, got tow to difrent dealership, fuel pump related again and 3 days later and since the second time this happen,my wife did not want to go any where far with it,and finally she calls me again today that the truck leaking some in the rear and was not stoping as she was backing out the drivway, tow again this time brake line came outloose,and in pass I had called customer service and were no help

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  Aint what she used be - 2008 GMC Sierra 1500
  By jst0771 - May 1 - 1:46 pm

  Bought in July of 08, currently have 65K on the truck. the only gripe I really have about is a major one. The powertrain. Im not a hard driver, mileage has been mostly highway. Ive had the forward sprag gear brak in the transmission, a front wheel bearing start to come apart, and now its sitting in the service department for low oil pressure. It also is down 2.5 quarts of oil with 25% life left on the monitor and no low oil level indicator. Ive been told by the service department that the engine can burn a quart every 1000 to 2000 miles and be considered normal. Ive reviewed several forums on the issue, and there are alot of people with with the same issue, being told the same thing.

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  Very disappointed - 2005 GMC Canyon
  By loveledc - April 8 - 11:48 am

  Interior quality is sad, no padding, and very little comfort. 4 cylinder engine is quite an improvement over the old S-10. The engine is quite noisy at low speeds, and gas mileage is sad for a 4 cylinder. It certainly does not live up to the 27 mpg promised. The truck is certainly over priced for value.