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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  hate to say Good-bye - 1996 GMC Yukon
  By jmgarza - November 12 - 2:00 am

  I may keep it for 10 years and spend no more than 2-4K$ and be very happy at that.

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  Great Yukon - 2003 GMC Yukon
  By Great GMC - November 12 - 2:00 am

  Wonderful SUV, super comfortable, great turning radius for a large SUV, great interior and exterior design.

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  Road Trip - 2003 GMC Yukon XL
  By tdt - November 11 - 10:00 am

  Excellent large SUV, a much better value than the comparably equipped ESV, rides much better than expected. Loaded with lots of features. My wife absolutely loves it.

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  Never Again! - 1999 GMC Safari
  By Shawn ONeal - November 11 - 2:00 am

  Our average repair bill for this crap car has been over $3200 per year! Since we have purchased this van, we have spent almost $10K in repairs thinking that each time what else could go wrong. The design and weight of the vehicle is too much for the suspension and we have gone through four sets of tires. The AC has gone out twice, the alternator failed twice, breaks have had to be replaced each year, the fuel pump failed, the transmission failed under warranty, the water pump failed, and much more. I will NEVER buy American made again! As far as I am concerned US auto workers are paid five times their worth with the crap they build!

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  Luv my Yukon - 2003 GMC Yukon
  By Vanjenzo - November 9 - 2:00 am

  We really like our Yukon. We owned several SUVs before we bought it. The performance, ride handling and comfort is great. We owned a Ford and a Dodge, and by far the Yukon beats them both.

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  GMC Farewell tour - 2000 GMC Jimmy
  By lwusra - November 8 - 2:00 am

  traded my 97 jimmy with more problems than can list, for the 2000 hoping for better luck to no avail. Comfortabloe my all means for long trips, but cant deal with paying 400 a month for a truck i have to worry about breaking down. only owned it 6 months, was in shop 3 times, smog pump at 36k, alt was going bad, trim was peeling on roof rack.

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  Good Beans - 2004 GMC Canyon
  By Mesiah - November 8 - 2:00 am

  Its a good truck, more people should buy good ole american knowhow. Its good beans.

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  Dream Vehicle A Reality - 2003 GMC Yukon XL
  By Mister - November 7 - 10:00 am

  Wanted a usefull SUV, not a tall car.. Test drove everything in the class including the Chevy, the GMC stood apart. Excellent engineering inside and out, VERY capable (no problems extreme off-rading) leather interior exceptionally comfortable. Pretty good sound system (the sub will distort at high volumes). I tow my 17 runabout without knowing its there. Autoride is a huge plus in my book, load it up and trailer and keep the level ride. One waranty issue (leaking front differential vent) that I spotted whilst chainging the oil, fixed in a jiffy and no problems since. A must have if you wnat the Utility in an SUV.

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  rugged practicality - 2003 GMC Yukon
  By xcel - November 7 - 2:00 am

  great truck. looks great, loads of fun and really powerful. styling is nicer than the escalade and less flashy as well. nothing is off limits in this truck.

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  I love it - 1997 GMC Suburban
  By sunflower252003 - November 6 - 2:00 am

  I bought this SUV and I love it.I have 5 kids and we can all fit comfy.I love chevy