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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  Not worth the purchase - 2003 GMC Sonoma
  By Alaska Owner - December 26 - 2:00 am

  I have had nothing but trouble form the start. The quality is very poor. The doors seem that they dont hold a seal. Various engine problems too. Find a different truck. Dont want you as a buyer to go through what I am going through.

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  Mirrors - 2003 GMC Yukon XL
  By rdawicki - December 25 - 10:00 am

  We have a 2003 YUKON XL DENALI. We cracked the drivers mirror glass. Just the glass was $265.00. The bad part is there filled with liquid that stains your paint work.I tried everything to remove it.

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  Fun in the Sun !!!!!!!! - 2002 GMC Yukon XL
  By PIGDOG - December 25 - 10:00 am

  Excellent ride, performance, handling. The leather seats are the best I have ever rode in. This car is a must for big families...

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  blows away the competition - 1999 GMC Sierra 1500
  By badblacksierra - December 25 - 7:03 am

  i have a 99 sierra 4.8 sle with 400,000kms and still runs like new on original motor and transmission these are amazing trucks !!!! give them the regular maintenance they require and it will never die , it is still my daily driver , and by far i would NOT trade my 14 year old truck even for a 2012 , this truck still has beaten a 5.7 ram and a f150 (ram was a 2009) (ford was a 2007) and literally beats them both in every test i put it up to , and its 14 years old!!! bravo GM with this truck you have won me as a customer for life!!!

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  Best vehicle for the money - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By acadiaowner - December 24 - 4:13 am

  The Acadia is a good value for a 6000 pound crossover SUV. It has a good ride and decent performanace. I came out of a Tahoe and had to get used to the V6, but I must admit GMC did a pretty good job with the 275 available horses.

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  Love It! - 2003 GMC Yukon
  By thorning - December 23 - 2:00 am

  I just got a new 03, and so far I love it. I feel so safe in the Yukons. Not to mention the $6000 rebate we received. It is so nice and luxurious.

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  Professional Engineering My Foot - 1997 GMC Jimmy
  By tcrock - December 22 - 2:00 am

  Absolutely the worst car I have ever owned. I have replaced transmisson, brake booster,altenator,master cylinder,A/C compressor,rear sway bar parts,front sway bar parts,radio,several plastic parts, rear main seal, still doesnt stop well brakes very mushie. Just a poorly built car most unreliable for the mileage driven. Envoy cant be much better. Would never buy another GMC SUV.

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  Redbus - 1999 GMC Suburban
  By bluecobra122 - December 22 - 2:00 am

  Our experience with our suburban has been exellent, it has been a top performer among suvs, this is my fourth suv and my favorite, it has ran flawless with the exception of a bad coupling at the intake manifold,leaking a small amount of anti-freeze which was an easy and painless fix. its made many trips from michigan to virgina and with my wife and three children i dont think i could feel comfortable in anything else. if your considering an suv the gmc suburban should be your first choice.

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  mr picolo - 2003 GMC Envoy
  By hrh - December 22 - 2:00 am

  it is the best

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  customer - 1998 GMC Jimmy
  By ttjj - December 21 - 2:00 am

  This has been one of the worst experances I ever had with a car. had this car about a year and fixed everything under the hood./