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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  2003 was a better yr - 2004 GMC Yukon
  By tom soyer - March 2 - 2:00 am

  no guts , this truck is a pig on fuel . cant get out of its own way . i was passed by a trailblazer pulling a horse trailer , going up a mountain !!!!!! please i will take my AVALANCHE BACK NOW PLEASE!!!!!!

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  Over life of ownership, not bad at all - 1996 GMC Sonoma
  By Tobais - March 1 - 2:00 am

  I had some issues with this truck early on. Kept having wiper motor problems, had to replace whole unit for around $700. Turns out it was a recall, so I could have not spent the $$. I bought the truck with 35,000 mis on it in 98, currenlty have 96,500 in 2004 and it runs great. Change the oil every 3000 or so, had a tune up at 85,000 and so far, the only major repair was the wipers! So long term, it has been a good, relabile little truck. Cannot complain at all. Only thing I notice is in very cold winter weather the door locks tend to freeze up, so I have to leave it unlocked then..

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  Didnt meet expectations - 2004 GMC Yukon XL
  By DenaliOwner - March 1 - 2:00 am

  We had problems right after we drove the car off the lot. The windshield was leaking, causing a loud noise while on the freeway, which the dealer fixed. We also have the clanging noise in the exhaust that can be heard a block away. GM is aware of the problem but not willing to fix it. After much wrestling and complaining and almost going to a lawyer, the dealership agreed to replace the muffler system at a local repair shop in order to fix the problem. We bought the extended warranty, which originally they said would NOT cover fixing the loud clanging in the exhaust.

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  disappointed - 2002 GMC Envoy
  By wally42 - February 19 - 2:00 am

  This SUV has good features for the price. It is comfortable to drive and all the switches and controls are within easy reach. Does not corner well. There has been numerous rattles and noises. The fit is poor. I would not buy this if I had to do it over again. Plastic trim is hard to keep clean. Too bad, could have been a nice truck.

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  Gas Mileage Suck, So Suck! - 2003 GMC Envoy
  By yz123 - February 5 - 2:00 am

  Inside comfortable, ride as an premium car. But gas mileage 12.1 M/gallon, Sticker says 15-21, what a lie!!! Turn and accelarate sluggish, 4X4 cant back up while turn! But price cant beat. I paid $26800 brand new with leather,sunroof,running board, side airbag,etc. Think twice if you really need a heavy truck like this for your day-to-day life. Then consider budgets.

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  Average Car - 2002 GMC Safari
  By tbuchler - February 3 - 2:00 am

  Ive had problems with my Safari. The sliding psgr door and rear hatch either stick or wont open. Took it to the dealer to get resolved still have same problem. Recently had problems with transmission and oil cooling lines leaking only at 42000 miles. Not impressed with fuel economy or front leg room. I am 62 and wife is 57". It does pull are 3300 lb popup camper great which is our main reason for buying it.

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  Not what I expected - 2017 GMC Acadia
  By Lisa S - January 27 - 2:51 am

  Have owned the AWD Denali for 5 months now and wish I could trade it in. It has absolutely no storage or luggage space. I have to fold back seats down just to go to grocery store. The Acadia died within the 1st month of having it as they said there was a glitch in the software and whole vehicle just lost all power. Good news was I was home and not out somewhere. Still does not run correctly, has loud rattle in front drivers side, terrible handling around curves and on road.

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  questionable - 1999 GMC Jimmy
  By kesstan - January 19 - 2:00 am

  Had a 89 jimmy in high school..loved it. got this 99 about a year ago and hate it. Its not as roomy as i would like and i feel cramped. my one year old daughter is running out of space in the back seat. security light keeps coming on no matter what i do or where i bring it, same with the service engine soon light. dont care for the push button four wheel drive. right now i cant use the 4wheel drive or it sticks on.(not good where i live). okay ride over all never has left me stranded poor visability for someone my size when backing up or turnning into a tight spot i like the jimmy, but i dont probably will never buy another one

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  American Failure - 1997 GMC Jimmy
  By jacamire - January 19 - 2:00 am

  Extremely unreliable Listed below are the problems I have had with this car over the 7 years I have owned it since it was new 1. power window failure 2. Fuel pump failure 3. Indexing motor failure 4. alternator failure @ 100000 miles 5. Throttle bushing failure 6. Cracked water pump casing 7. gasket failures 8. two recalls necessary

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  poor performance - 1994 GMC Sonoma
  By Eric C - January 18 - 2:00 am

  Well first off the truck is a overall good truck, but the performance stinks. I definatelly recommend the best top of the line tires for traction. The brake system in it is awful, and it will skid or turn sideways very easily. How this truck hasnt caused more rear end collisions is a miracle, and but by God I think it would have. The brakes lock up and it takes forever to get this thing to stop, have been told was a problem with the anti lock braking system in them back them. I suggest you use pleny of room for stopping when driving especially if the road is wet at all, and be very careful, and never ever drive on snow, or else you got really good insurance.