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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  Crummy ZR2 - 2001 GMC Sonoma
  By Patrick09 - October 31 - 1:00 am

  I have a 01 Sonoma ZR2 with a 4.3 5 speed with just under 50k miles and I have had nothing but trouble with it! The biggest mistake was getting one with California Emmissions, I have had the Airpump go out 3 times on me and the last time wasnt under warranty, it cost me over $300 to fix. Also, the syncros in the transmission are horrid, even after having them replaced under warranty!

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  Worst car I ever owned! - 1994 GMC Jimmy
  By aurinia - October 28 - 2:00 am

  Maybe mine was just a lemon, I dont know. Bought it used in 02 w/ 68K on it, body in great shape, no rust, ran great. That didnt last long, tho! W/in the 1 1/2 years I owned it, heres a list of what I had to have replaced: entire front axle, brakes (2x), U- joint, fuel pump, fuel tank, A/C, various motors and belts, entire exhaust system and tires. Oh, & the ABS went out and almost killed me twice nothing like hitting the brake pedal and feeling it NOT MOVE (its especially nice when you have a 4yr old in the car)! At 90K, in the space of a week, the 4WD went out as did the transmission, and the drivers door started coming off the hinges. Had it towed to the dealership to trade it in.

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  2000 Yukon Denali - 2000 GMC Yukon Denali
  By GLW - October 25 - 10:00 am

  Great ride, but.........Heated seat went out on drivers side about 1.5 years after purchase and to fix, seat has to be pulled apart, a part replaced, and the seat restitched. The process has to be performed at a reupholsterers shop. Time,time, time. Brakes a problem,too. Master cylinder had to be replaced within 6 months. Brakes need to be replaced or serviced about every other time, "because the vehicle is so heavy." Now, appears to be problem with coolant system. Vehicle is about 3.5 years old.( Im looking at a Toyota Sequoia.) Also, the "barn door" configuration in the back takes getting used to. It splits and hinders your vision.

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  Fun, but with a Flaw - 2007 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Sam - October 4 - 1:33 am

  All in all a nice truck. 5.3 with flex fuel helps on the highway, but still not getting the 20-25 i wanted. The Flaw is vibration. THe truck was apparently designed to vibrate and bounce when driving on concrete when driving 40-60 mph. GMC has confirmed this and does not seemed concerned about this major safety issue. The ride on asphalt is wonderful, smooth, not a sound to be heard. The engine responds when needed and the interior leaves little to be desired.

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  Dont DO IT! - 1995 GMC Sonoma
  By MichaelWI - October 2 - 2:00 am

  Ive bought this thing 5 times over in the cost of repairs! The CRV valve in the exhaust was replaced 4 TIMES! Then the trannie went, then 4x4 problems, hen alternator, then A/C, then interior electrical, and now Ive blown a frost plug - in SEPTEMBER! The plugs are positioned in the bell housing, itll cost me $700 to have it fixed!

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  Typical American Car - 2001 GMC Yukon XL
  By traveller29 - September 17 - 7:16 am

  The Yukon XL Denali is over priced. During the first year of ownership, it was in for warranty items more than 5 times. Over the past year, fifth year of ownership and 70,000 miles later, I have spent over $2,500 on maintenance. I just spent over $900 on a faulty abs module today. You would think that if you paid over $50,000 for a vehicle that you would not have such issues at 5 years 70K.

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  Wind Tunnel - 2004 GMC Envoy
  By Wind Tunnel - September 15 - 2:00 am

  please NOTE: I have the GMC Envoy XL V8. Plenty of power, smooth V8. There is a wind noise problem. Inside the Envoy it sounds like you are riding in a Wind Tunnel or a convertible with the top down. It starts to get"windy" at 50 mph and by 65 to 70 the wind noise is unbearable. Only the Bose stereo can drown it out and it needs to be "crankin". You can hardly hear yourself talk or think. GM cant fix it. The Dealer has tried a bug deflector, but that did not work. Poor design in and around the windshield area.

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  2004 Canyon - 2004 GMC Canyon
  By Richard1 - August 31 - 2:00 am

  I recently purchased a Canyon, was driving a Dakota. When I purchased this vehicle I was awhere that the truck was a bit smaller than the Dakota but they told me it was a comparible vehicle to the Dakota now after the purchase they are indicating that it is not a comparible vehicle. This truck is very light, tinny and a rattle can, it does not even come close to a Dakota. I am so sorry that I bought this vehicle but it is to late an now I will have to drive a vehicle that I do not like. The only thing that compares in this vehicle to the Dakota is the price. Are there other complains simliar. Thanks

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  Safari Review - 2005 GMC Safari
  By BCA - August 27 - 2:00 am

  If you want to carry six people with AWD this is the ticket. This is the second Safari weve owned. While the interior could use some work such as larger front leg room, driver side passenger doors and a few more cupholders, the overall functionality of the van is excellent. The larger size more than makes up for these shortcomings. It is great for long (800 mile) road trips with 4 kids. Not only that, it can carry all the gear. The AWD works great in snow and the 4.3 L V-6 has sufficient power. Weve had no major mechanical problems with this van or its predecessor. However, there have been some interior trim issues.

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  SHOULD HAVE SHOPPED AROUND!!! - 2004 GMC Envoy
  By NANCY CLARK - August 21 - 2:00 am

  I LOOK AT VEHICLE ADS IN NEWSPAPERS AND SEE 2004 ENVOYS FOR JUST A LITTLE BIT MORE THAN WHAT I GAVE FOR MY 2002. MY FAULT FOR NOT SHOPPING AROUND.IM ALSO NOT TO IMPRESSED WITH THE GAS MIL- EAGE.I WISH I WOULD HAVE TEST DRIVEN A SANTA FE,I HEAR THEY GET GOOD GAS MILEAGE.