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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  Gmc - 2003 GMC Yukon
  By Love my new toyota - November 29 - 2:00 am

  This truck fell apart after 7,000 miles side panels fell off just did not get my moneys worth

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  Perfect SUV - 2003 GMC Yukon
  By 747 pilot - November 29 - 2:00 am

  I currently own a Porsche carrera, Jag Vaden Plas, and the Denali. The GMC Denali is the best of all of them. I now seldom drive the others. The comfort, smooth ride, and quiet interior makes this my top pick. I bought this over the Cadillac Esc. because of , in my thoughts, better styling.

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  Piece of crap - 1995 GMC Sonoma
  By G-Doggy - November 28 - 2:00 am

  I hate this truck so much but I cant afford to buy another right now.It has been in the shop more times then I can count,and I always say what else can go wrong I wish I had more space to tell you why I will never buy another GM truck the rest of my life.

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  the power of the envoy - 2002 GMC Envoy
  By rockinbigc - November 28 - 2:00 am

  after 3 years of the Jimmy this was a definate improvement. Drives like a car and has the same power.More room especially for tall drivers and passengers. If you are short get the optional power drivers seat.

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  Jimmy SLT 4WD - 1998 GMC Jimmy
  By Jimmy Driver - November 27 - 2:00 am

  Ive owned this beauty since she was a baby. Perfect condition and only had minor problems. Rides smooth and fun to drive. On Colorado terrain, you feel safe with its stong 4WD system.

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  GMC Sierra - 2001 GMC Sierra 1500
  By BJ Kirk - November 26 - 6:16 pm

  We bought this truck with traveling in mind. Havent retired yet, but we drive the truck every day and also driven it during vacations. Its equipped with a vortec 5.3L engine; in our opinion one of the best; along with many ammenities. Weve driven it for 5 yrs and its reliability is second to none. The cruise control is simple to use and the large bucket seats are comfortable. Also like the tilt steering wheel.

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  Envovy XL - 2002 GMC Envoy
  By Hawkclark - November 25 - 2:00 am

  Good vehicle. Feels solid and has provided a really quiet ride. V8 engine delivers good pick-up. Like the roominess plus the interior finish is nice. Even though its a truck based vehicle, vehicle delivers a smooth ride.

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  Sad Owner - 1998 GMC Suburban
  By disheartened - November 24 - 2:00 am

  Purchased with 83,000 miles. Now 96,000 miles on the clock. Repairs so far: AC hoses & condensor, ($1,000), front breaks, (Repaired by the dealer), shocks, (%150), front end alignment, (twice so far, $200 combined), intake manifold gaskets, due to coolant leak, ($350). Next trip to the shop is scheduled for 12-2- 03 to diagnose another coolant leak. The dealer cant work on this truck for a week due, I suppose, to all of the other 1998 Suburbans in the shop. Do not buy one of these vehicles.

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  Questionable quality - 1994 GMC Jimmy
  By Slim Jimmy - November 24 - 2:00 am

  I would like to say that in general, i am somewhat happy with my Jimmy. However, the EGR valve is quite troublesome. I also have a motor mount that slips and allows my fan to hit the housing. My Jimmy has 96,000 miles on it and it seems like every time I turn around it is in the shop.

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  lost some features - 2003 GMC Envoy
  By vinthegreat - November 23 - 2:00 am

  over all im happy with the truck but i owned a 99 jimmy that had more features like,power seat,mirrors and temp. gauge,pluss very little storage room you would think the newer car would have more not less