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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  The Jimmy! - 1994 GMC Jimmy
  By India - March 28 - 4:59 am

  I bought my Jimmy used in January of 2004 as a result of having my car stolen. Although I was not thrilled about the exterior, (I wanted a more femine looking car since I am a girl) I was excited about the leather interior. After buying the Jimmy, I had to replace the front brakes and the fuel injection pump all for the price of $900. Since then I havent had any problems. My friends and I take lots of road trips (college students, of course) and we always look forward to taking the Jimmy because of the comfortable ride. And believe it or not, my friends with newer cars actually prefer my car beause they feel it is roomier, more comfortable, and they feel safer!

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  My Mistake - 1998 GMC Jimmy
  By NoMoreGMC - March 10 - 4:49 pm

  Bought used w/60,000 miles. So far replaced water pump, fuel pump, wheel hub assembly, windshield wiper motor & washer pump, brakes twice (rotors & all), right side mirror (bolts broke and it fell off), fixed various a/c leaks, a/c compressor, catalytic convertor. Power mirror motor has just died. Lots of quirky little electrical problems. Rear stereo speakers only work ocassionally. Cant use the rear windshield washer - it leaks into the back of the vehicle. Exterior paint chips easily. Sorry, I just dont have a lot of good things to say about this one. I just spent $1200 in repairs, so Im keeping it for another year (or until it breaks again)... then its bye- bye!

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  Bad Choice - 2005 GMC Envoy
  By rcelen4hp - February 16 - 7:49 pm

  I have had nothing but trouble with this SUV. The overall design is great and the features are also attractive. Mechanically the engine & power train are respectable. The electrical is a nightmare. I have had just about everything replaced in this truck. I am on the third ignition, all of the micro switches on the tranmission and theft deterrent system have been replaced! There has been a rattle under the truck that sounds like the entire suspension is about to abandon ship but dealer has not been able to correct. The gas mileage is terrible for a six and the fuel tank way too small. Always stopping for fuel.

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  GMC Savana - 1998 GMC Savana
  By SHANE GRIMES - January 12 - 6:08 am

  When my diesel van was new, from 1 to 3 yrs it had engine problems, transmission, alternator, sliding door, and few other problems, but they eventually got fixed. It is now pretty reliable except for the alternator belt has flown off 3 times. Despite the problems Ive had, I love my van! It tows great! I have no problems passing any other truck type vehicles on any mountain passes. My husband agrees it out performs his 1997 4x4 dually Chevy diesel truck, except there is no 4wheel drive. I can honestly say this vehicle has enhanced my life, because of its towing abilities and the inside room it provides. Ive learned to live with the cheap interior. I will buy this vehicle again, with 4wheel drive.

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  Exterior great-Interior terrible - 2017 GMC Acadia
  By L S - January 3 - 5:55 pm

  GM has seriously limited the interior color choices. No reasoning that I can understand on this. I particularly am referring to the choice of a coppery brown dash/steering wheel/side door panels 1/2 way down-with gray seats/carpet/headliner. These two colors just dont match. The only other interior color option for the SLT2 is black on black on black. Why is GM dictating to us on these interiors?? Its bad enough that you have to pay extra for almost any exterior color other than plain old white. Sure wish GM would listen to their loyal customers. I would have ordered what I wanted on the spot-but was told there was no other interior option for this model. I left the dealership and went straight to Toyota-I am now waiting for the 2017 Highlander to be released.

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  Never, ever again - 2002 GMC Envoy
  By vhanek - November 29 - 4:20 am

  Thanks to my cheap mentality I was looking for cheap, nice, quality SUV. I purchased used 2002 GMC Envoy with 50,000 miles on it for "only" $17,000. What a mistake! This truck has terrible wind noise around its doors. It literally souds like driving with an open window. The wipers dont work well in cold weather. The heat stops working from time to time. The engine makes unhealty noises. The memory mirrors never go back to their set positions. The heated mirror function does not work. I get a maximum of 18 mpg on the highways. This truck is vibrating at highway speeds. Ive only had it for a few months and I an already looking to sell it even if I have to lose money. If you read this review because you are considering buying one, please, think again.

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  GMC Envoy Minor Annoyances - 2002 GMC Envoy
  By driver48 - November 27 - 3:15 pm

  The electronics on the GMC Envoy are not to be trusted. I have had two warranty repairs of the electronic dashbord. The mirrors have been never been right. I have had them in five times an the "curb view" still does not work correctly.

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  Go Bigger - 2001 GMC Jimmy
  By cards1 - November 5 - 11:49 pm

  I purchased a 2001 GMC Jimmy because I wanted something bigger than the Plymouth Breeze I had. I was disappointed. The front seats were smaller and cramped at the feet. The radio is not very good. The back seat not really made for three. However, it drove nicely. I liked the high ride and engine power it provides. It also is easy to park and hasd great visability. It does feel like it leanes too much when going around curves though. Im not a big fan of the exterior either. I should have gotten an Envoy.

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  Buy something else - 2018 GMC Terrain
  By Michael - November 3 - 3:13 am

  Buy something else

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  Problems before thier time - 1996 GMC Suburban
  By shade tree mech - November 2 - 2:00 am

  Transmission went out at 43,000 miles. The fluid and filter was changed at 30,000. The transmission shop said a bearing in the "reverse plantary came apart. He called it a fluke. I pulled and installed the trans myself but it cost $900.00 to rebuild - an expensive fluke. The fuel pump went out at 51,000± miles. The rear end started whinning slightly at 45,000 miles. It was incorrectely clearanced at the factory. The shim on the left side was too thin resulting in the whin and some bearing chatter marks. I reclearanced the ring gear with the original bearing and it is still running quiet at 71,000 miles. Has anybody had similar problems?