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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  Maybe because it was used? - 1999 GMC Jimmy
  By karin - January 8 - 2:00 am

  Bought it 2 years old. Brake power compressor fails. Seat levers for tilt break- off), first the passenger side, then the driver, $750 to repair each, because of configuration. Driver door hinge bends and cracks, cant repair without major body work (thousands $$$), door doesnt shut, electronic mirrors dont work, driver side wet in hurricanes, bad rain storms. Dash board fell (scary, but easy to fix). Body integrity poor, scratches very easily. Constant minor repairs, and replacements, windshield wiper motors, batteries, starter. Often smells of gasoline. Noisy, sounds like big TRUCK. And now the driver seat squeaks (minor, I know).

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  Petes Review - 1994 GMC Sonoma
  By Pete Matthiesen - January 6 - 2:00 am

  I have really enjoyed my Sonoma. It has been a very reliable truck with minimal problems. It has over 130,000 miles now and is still running strong as when I bought it. The only problem I have had is with the EGR on the engine, but they say it is a common problem with it.

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  Outstanding - 2003 GMC Envoy
  By bengalbay - January 1 - 2:00 am

  This is my wifes car but I really envy her being able to drive it every day. This vehicle is a pleasure to drive and enjoy. Great ride and very quiet. We had an Expedition before and this is a big step up in comfort, handling and build quality. Everything works flawlessly. Will not go back to Ford for this type of vehicle.

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  This truck is too small! - 1999 GMC Sonoma
  By youngblooddale - December 31 - 2:00 am

  This truck is cute, but thats about all it has going for it. There is no leg room, no arm room, put it this way, you might feel more comfortable in an airplane riding in coach. And please dont pick up a passenger, theyll hate you for it. Hopefully you dont live in a town with hills or mountains, because this little guy has no power. This is the type of vehicle you want to test drive for a few days or even rent.

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  My Black Beauty - 1996 GMC Jimmy
  By John the Climber Guy - December 30 - 2:00 am

  I bought it to celebrate a promotion. It has let me down once when the front right wheel literally fell off. The bearings exploded. Luckily I was not going fast. It has been fun and after all these years I am going to sell it. I would buy it again if still in production. Alas GMC created the Ewnvoy. I cannot justify the increase of 14K for the same vehicle revamped. I have been lucky but thats the way it is. Someone has to from time to time. I am looking at a 1 year old SUV from Nissan or brand new Mitsubishi. They both seem good value and hopefully will live up to my Jimmy. I will miss her.

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  2001 General Mistake Concieved - 2001 GMC Safari
  By Burnt - December 29 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle spent more time in the garage being fixed than on the road.Seventeen times in just over two years.Brakes warping,bad tires,water leaks around the seals,broken receiver on seatbelt (drivers),paint peeling on the plastic bumper in circular patterns,electric lock actuator burned out(passenger side),unbalanced tires from the factory one that was replaced due to excessive radial sidewall runout,doors misaligned from the factory,sidepanel on seat broke twice because of plastic rivet mounts,and this is some of the problems I experienced in a two year time frame. This dealer gave me a loaner car once in seventeen trips!!!Find your own way to work.

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  Bad choice - 2001 GMC Safari
  By W.alter - December 29 - 2:00 am

  I had problems with the brakes from the start and the steel belts on the tires.The catalytic converter and muffler needed replacing after one year and at separate times.I had to take it back shortly after buying it after I noticed grease under the floormats.Had to be dealer or factory shabbyness.Poor quality control at both places.No wonder Haskins went out of business and GM is losing repeat customers.

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  2003 GMC Envoy - 2003 GMC Envoy
  By mah - December 27 - 2:00 am

  I am extremely pleased with the handling and performance of my Envoy. Its extremely comfortable and even though the gas mileage isnt great, its not too bad. Around town I average 18 mpg.

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  Well Built - 2003 GMC Envoy
  By JOEROCK - December 27 - 2:00 am

  I feel very lucky I guess. I got one of the very well built Envoys. I have not had one problem with this truck. It is well built and lots of fun to drive. Other than My T-Type 89 Lesabre, this is the best vehicle I ever owned. GM Rules!

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  I Love IT! - 2003 GMC Envoy
  By zenaida - December 27 - 2:00 am

  We love our suv its like driving a regular car. It is so comfortable and has enough storage room..