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:

• 

  American Failure - 1997 GMC Jimmy
  By jacamire - January 19 - 2:00 am

  Extremely unreliable Listed below are the problems I have had with this car over the 7 years I have owned it since it was new 1. power window failure 2. Fuel pump failure 3. Indexing motor failure 4. alternator failure @ 100000 miles 5. Throttle bushing failure 6. Cracked water pump casing 7. gasket failures 8. two recalls necessary

• 

  poor performance - 1994 GMC Sonoma
  By Eric C - January 18 - 2:00 am

  Well first off the truck is a overall good truck, but the performance stinks. I definatelly recommend the best top of the line tires for traction. The brake system in it is awful, and it will skid or turn sideways very easily. How this truck hasnt caused more rear end collisions is a miracle, and but by God I think it would have. The brakes lock up and it takes forever to get this thing to stop, have been told was a problem with the anti lock braking system in them back them. I suggest you use pleny of room for stopping when driving especially if the road is wet at all, and be very careful, and never ever drive on snow, or else you got really good insurance.

• 

  somewhat disapointed - 2004 GMC Yukon
  By Stu456 - January 18 - 2:00 am

  Body fit and finish disappoiinting for upscale vehicle. Lacks simple inexpensive features found on my 1002. No key locked compartments within the vehicle. Rear light swich eliminated, console compartment small and lacks booklet holder underside of cover. Just some items that were of a convienence no longer available. Would NOT buy another or from that dealership.

• 

  Lots of Repairs - 1998 GMC Savana
  By NelsonVSM - January 16 - 2:00 am

  I have a Glavel (AutoForm) conversion with 75,000 miles. Very nice for kids for travel and camper. Lots of problems including: new transmission (3,000 miles), new dash board cluster, broken CD, broke power attenna, new power window motors, dash replaced twice, failed water pump, failed AC, 3 batteries, brakes every 14,000 miles, etc.

• 

  Tough Service - 2003 GMC Yukon
  By GA Yukon owner - January 16 - 2:00 am

  One thing Ive learned about owning this vehicle is that its very difficult to repair. I have a strong feeling that the training manual at GMC says "if you cant hear it, nothings wrong." The computer is a little screwy on this truck as well as the overdrive system. Transmission seems to struggle in bumper to bumper traffic. Also, beware the fuel mileage. This vehicle is a gas hog but thats what you do sacrifice for the power. I would recommend the vehicle but be careful about who services it. Very up to date vehicle but not to many up to date mechanics.

• 

  Very Nice Truck - 2008 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Pittsburgh-Mike - January 15 - 8:03 pm

  Very nice truck, great build quality. Unlike an ealier review that states the stereo is great, in my opinion the Bose system is a huge disapointment. The Factoy Nav system is great, but the speakers and center dash speaker is terrible. Why GM would even waist the money advertising it is a Bose system is beyond me. For a $45K truck, I would expect a better sounding stereo system. Gas milage is adverage, but you dont buy this truck for fuel milage. Ineterior quality is very nice. Wish GN had a 6 bed option with this truck, 58" bed is a lottle small. Looked at the new Toyota and F150 and I an glad I bought the Denali!

• 

  I love my truck - 2003 GMC Sonoma
  By Me and my truck - January 15 - 2:00 am

  I have had nothing but great experiences with my truck, It was a spur of the moment decision to buy this truck when it caught my eye on the dealer lot because it is flame yellow. When I first drove it I knew it was the one. Ive had minor problems with the heater controls and passenger door seals, but i took it to the dealership and they got it fixed right away under warranty. The towing capacity is increadible for a small truck, I can just fit my 600lb quad in the back which you hardly notice is there,you can still hook a trailer behind load it up and pull the hills to the mountains without a problem. Love the 4.3.

• 

  Just purchased Terrain - 2010 GMC Terrain
  By Jaybone - January 14 - 3:33 am

  Just purchased my Terrain a week ago I got a SLE AWD with the 2.4L ecotec. I am so impressed with this suv, It drives like a way more expensive vehicle. The 4 cylinder is very smooth and powerful this motor was rated top 10 engines in wards best engine awards. It is very quiet inside with none of the squeeks and rattles of the older GM products. I highly recommend this suv after owning Audis and other high quality cars I have to say the Terrain is on par with them if not better! Hope GM keeps up the good work with my bailout money.

• 

  Dons Review - 2004 GMC Sierra 2500HD
  By Don Bland - January 13 - 10:00 am

  The experience of getting better gas milage with the 6.0 motor in the GMC as opposed to the 4.8 in my Chev, makes me wish I had bought the Chev with the 6.o instead of the 4.8. Factor in the added pulling power, makes it far better. I highly reccomend getting the 6.0 in either model truck.

• 

  Sierra Upgrade - 2004 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Schodack Bassman - January 13 - 10:00 am

  Upgraded from a 01 Z71 SLE to the 04 Z71 SLT. I like a lot about the new one. The leather, adjustable seats, sound system, XM, looks, HVAC, dimming outside mirror, heated mirrors (live in upstate NY). What I miss-inside storage my 01 had, the overhead console, the extended chrome accent on the side, the red gmc on the wheels. Some short cuts were taken I think. The last thing is the wind blows this one around while the 01 was rock solid. Different front maybe? I still love the truck and would buy no other make.