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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  NICE RIDE - 2003 GMC Envoy
  By DGM - December 17 - 2:00 am

  This was a very good purchase for me. Its not to big and not too small. I have been on many long distance trips and the ride has been great. It gets about 350 on the highway, which is pretty good in a SUV. I dont see to many Envoys on the road, and I like that. But its only a matter of time.

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  $37000 Lemon - 2001 GMC Yukon
  By witch - December 16 - 2:00 am

  Vehicle was great when it was new, but as soon as the warranty expired, many things started to fail. If you decide to make a mistake and buy a GM SUV like I did, make sure you get the extended warranty. This is the last GM vehicle I will ever purchase.

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  Solid Truck - 2003 GMC Sonoma
  By walkmn - December 15 - 2:00 am

  I love the solid feel of this truck and I have full confidence when I depart the pavement to go hunting, fishing, or just plain exploring! This truck is ready for anything you can throw at it. Even the underbody composite skid plates let you know this truck means business! GM should however, take lessons from Japan regarding their build quality. Cheap interior parts and shoddy workmanship may force me to shop around a little longer for my next truck. Despite the questionable interior materials, I really do love my truck overall, and dont regret buying it what so ever. Consider this truck if you you want a highly-capable, mid-sized truck.

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  Best truck I have had - 2004 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Sarah11renee - December 13 - 10:00 am

  This is my very first truck and I am very satisfied. It is also very quick. The sport red does look pinkish in the sun so it is definalty a female truck.

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  Read your manual - 2003 GMC Sonoma
  By moat - December 13 - 2:00 am

  If I had read the owners manual before buying I would not own this GMC. The maintenance schedule is the one I maintained on l950 vintage vehicles. Unbelievable. The gas milage of 19-25 was more like 13.5 in the summer (4cyl. w/ac} I bought the vehicle for handicapped passenger comfort and discovered the floor is uneven on the passanger side. There is no storage space under the seats and hardly can get anything behind the seat.

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  We picked it over the Equinox - 2010 GMC Terrain
  By Scottyyyc - December 12 - 6:43 am

  All the reviews say the Nox is cheaper, but based on the options I wanted (SLT1), you need to step up to the fully loaded Equinox to get some of the same stuff (like leather), which was $2K more. We also found the GM to have the classier interior vs the Chev (albeit slightly). Might be a Canada thing. Just boils down to preference and looks. For us, the Terrain was the better fit and value. Fantastic vehicle though - well executed throughout (and this is coming from a lifetime Honda fan who swore never to buy a GM). Flexible, comfortable, quiet, and compliant. GM sure has stepped up here.

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  GMC Sierra 01 - 2001 GMC Sierra 1500
  By brian - December 11 - 2:03 pm

  I have had very limited troubles with this truck. It is a little harder on batteries due to the heated seats, etc. but that is the price you pay for the luxury. The OnStar option seems nice, but I have not taken advantage of it. I believe the SLT is the (affordable) Cadillac of trucks. I look forward to being able to upgrade to a crew cab soon.

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  ITS A DUD - 1997 GMC Jimmy
  By Yvonda - December 11 - 2:00 am

  THIS VEHICLE, ALTHOUGH USED, SHOULD HAVE BEEN EASILY TAKEN THRU TO 2005 WITH NO MAJOR PROBLEMS IVE HAD THREE RECALL NOTICES ABOUT CERTAIN PARTS OF THE VEHICLE AND ITS BEEN A MAJOR DISAPPOINTMENT I HAVE ALWAYS BEEN A SUPPORTER OF GM VEHICLES, BUT THIS HAS REALLY SOURED ME ON GM PRODUCTS I DONT THINK ILL EVER PURCHASE ANOTHER GM VEHICLE AGAIN THE DEALERSHIP WAS ALSO A DISAPPOINTMENT AND TREATED ME WITH DISRESPECT.

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  2nd one Ive owned - 2004 GMC Safari
  By msterk - December 10 - 2:00 am

  This is my 2nd Safari. My husband is driving the other one now. Its a 1996 and I liked it so much I bought another one. Its all wheel drive and available cargo space gives it more bang for the buck compared to other mini vans or suvs when price does matter.

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  Black Onyx - 2003 GMC Yukon
  By oburney - December 10 - 2:00 am

  Truely professional grade. Every positive comment made I have found to be absolutely true!