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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  So Far So Good - 2003 GMC Yukon
  By captonv - November 22 - 2:00 am

  So far I love the vehicle I am just not sure about the quality to cost ratio. GMC doesnt even give you the first oil change free ?? My lights also flicker when I hit a bounce must be an electrical short. Very comfortable ride. I used to say it rides like a Cadillac when a vehicle drove very well now I say it rides like a Dinali cause this actually rides much better.

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  Lemon - 2002 GMC Envoy
  By mike288 - November 22 - 2:00 am

  I bought in June 2001. One of the first of a new model. Bad idea... Have had many problems in the shop many times... A/C still doesnt work right. Cools great when moving but if im stopped i.e. traffic, light etc. it stops cooling. Brutal in Boston traffic in the summer! Poor quality workmanship... Does look nice though but now that its out of warranty Im getting rid of it. Oh one of the other many problems is t he mirrors they never worked right even after to new motors.. memory!

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  The Best Ive Seen - 2007 GMC Sierra 2500HD
  By MOC - November 21 - 9:50 pm

  I have put 70,000 miles on this truck, and it is by far one of the best vehicles I have ever owned. Any negatives I have seen on here were in reference to the SLE interiors or the Gas Engine and its transmission. The truck handles very well and can pull anything you can imagine. The 6.6L Diesel and its transmission get excellent mileage for a truck this size. I get 22mpg on a 55mph highway and 19mpg on 70mph highway. City mileage is around 14mpg(with lots of stoplights). I dont think you could find a quieter diesel thats more comfortable, more powerful, and tougher than this truck. The seats do have good lumbar support in the SLT package. I really highly recommend this truck.

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  Worst car Ive ever owned - 2010 GMC Terrain
  By Kimberx3 - November 17 - 6:51 am

  This is the worst car Ive ever owned! So many problems! Transmission replaced at 101,000 miles. Constantly burning through oil, blew a hole in the transfer case, chugging and during at stop lights, have replaced a rotor 6 times in the past 3 years. Getting rid of this vehicle the first chance I get!!

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  Expensive to own/maintain - 1999 GMC Safari
  By MadMom - November 17 - 2:00 am

  Purch 1/99 4/99 transfer case prob 7/99 8k mi trans replace solenoid-2 visits 3/00 17k mi transfer case 5/00 21k mi overhaul trans asmbly 7/00 24k reconditd valve body/trans expensive brake, trans + transfer case maint for life 1/02 53k idler arms $600 1/03 74k intake gskt $500 5/03 76k AC comprsr, door lock actuators $1,300 7/03 82k NEW ENGINE $7k (spun bearing, threw rod)on family trip from NC to NY 8/03 83k AC control head $350 11/03 85k ignition coil/rotor $400. Expensive to own has been a $10,000 year.Sadly, this Safari has never "wanted" for anything + the maintenance schedule has been followed +/or exceeded.

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  Great Ride - 2003 GMC Envoy
  By jj10 - November 17 - 2:00 am

  The 2003 Envoy SLT rides like a real dream. So far so good. I look for excuses to go on a drive. I traded in a 1999 GMC Jimmy on this vehicle. What a difference, and I liked the Jimmy. The Envoy beats it in every category, especially that it rides smoother. Gas mileage is pitiful.

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  Love the Acadia so much, we bought two! - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By Daphne Bernstein - November 16 - 4:33 am

  Before buying the Acadia, we looked at the luxury options at BMW, Acura, Mercedes, and Lincoln. The Acadia offered similar features at a fraction of the cost. While the gas mileage isnt great, we get lots of enjoyment from the bose speakers, ipod jack, heated seats, dvd player, two sun roofs, OnStar navigation, hands-free calling through my Verizon service, remote start that automatically adjusts the interior temperature, and the best cup holders ever made. The design is sleek, and we notice everyone takes a look when we drive by. There is lots of room for our kids, their friends, and everything that comes with them. We like the car so much, we bought a second one just a few days later

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  Must have gotten the good one - 1997 GMC Jimmy
  By aarebe - November 15 - 2:00 am

  have had my Jimmy since 1996, Only problem was shim in the steeering coluum, fixed twice by dealer at no cost, everything runs great, But the mileage is lousy 16 in the city, the ive gotten on the Hwy is 21. Probably would not buy another one, but am retiring this february so ill keep it till it falls apart

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  CHEAP TO KEEP - 2001 GMC Safari
  By bam bam - November 13 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle will last you a lifetime and spend very little time in the repair shop.maintenance costs are super low if you stay away from the awd. i purchased an extended warranty but i know Ill rarely use it. as long as you understand its a dinosaur to drive around town pot holes. also note that it is a durable "truck" that can get to be a handful when the fuel tank gets close to one quarter full when the pavement is wet. adding weight during the winter with the correct truck type tires will keep you unstuck. the engine power could be stronger, but the smooth power band and not too stiff suspension makes it pretty effortless to drive.

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  WE LOVE IT - 2003 GMC Envoy
  By RAY EVANS - November 13 - 2:00 am

  WE LOVE IT FUN TO DRIVE. FATHER IN LAW BOUGHT A NEW TRAILBLAZE.IT DOES NOT COMPARE.