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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  jacks toy - 2000 GMC Sierra 2500
  By jackj - April 10 - 2:00 am

  rear brakes and parking brake leave something to be desired. Rear rotors rust decreasing overall braking power and make the parking brake all but useless. Good power and excellent towing vehicle for horse trailer. Two piece drive shaft failed during our second towing excursion. Dealership replaced with a single piece unit. Now it hums while you drive but has proven to be reliable. Unit stuck in 4wd during -20 degree weather. Again dealership repaired. Dealership was cooperative in making repairs.

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  Problems to plan for - 2001 GMC Sierra 1500
  By pretell - April 5 - 10:00 am

  Be aware that when you get your GMC, on the freeway or expressway that you will feel "freeway hop". This is a problem that GMC knows about but will do nothing to fix. Because most people will not test-drive a new vehicle on a freeway, this is a problem that will not show up until that first time you drive your new truck on the freeway, and think the alinement is out, and take it back to the dealer, only to be told that GM is aware of the problem, and put a lot of weight in the rear of the bed. Contacting the 1-800 number did not produce any results either. Hope this helps at this one other person before they buy.

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  Not Professional Grade - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By Shelly From Sheridan - April 4 - 12:36 pm

  The ride is exceptionally comfortable on short and long trips. Fits family of 5 great but wish middle seat had head rest. 6 speed auto works great around town and mountains. Have had no trouble passing on Interstate or in town. On down side, fuel economy is no where near EPA estimates for city or hwy: 13/19 for our vehicle. Been recalled for poor windshield wiper design in snow (Wyoming gets snow people!!!) and has had power steering leak fixed at 4000 miles. We now have clicking noise when taking turns in steering column that will need to be corrected. Overall, disappointed with reliability and not up to GMC advertised as being professional grade. Priced too high for value provided.

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  GMC 2500 - 2000 GMC Sierra Classic 2500
  By Aurelio Munoz Jr. - April 1 - 4:13 pm

  I like every thing about this truck except that the gas guage has never worked properly.The transmision temperture guage also does not work. I took it in to the dealership for repairs and they told me they had to replace the instrument cluster and they did not guarantee that it would solve the problem. A co-worker had the same problem with his. I expect better reliability then this from a 2000 year model.

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  would be great without issues - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By k.t. - March 31 - 3:32 pm

  We loved our Acadia til the windshield leaked. When they fixed that, the back Windows leaked. Then the windshield would leak and then the back Windows would leak again. The ignition wouldnt work at times so you had to use the remote start to start the car and then the ignition would work. After numerous trips to our dealership, gmc did a buy back. Its a Nice car but they need to work out all the kinks in it.

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  Rear DVD Leaks from rain - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By M. Walden - March 30 - 8:23 pm

  I had this vehicle for 2yrs and I had been several times back to the dealer for many recalls they broke my wind shield now my roof is leaking in the front and the rear where my DVD ent. sys. alot of water I immediately took it to the GM service they witness said they will fix it. I spent good money on this I shouldnt have been to the GM service so many times

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  GMC SLS Jimmy 4x4 - 1998 GMC Jimmy
  By Edwin Vazquez Jr - March 30 - 3:09 pm

  I purchased this vehicle in NJ and used it for 4 yrs and then moved to Puerto Rico and this vehicle started to give me problems here. The seat level recliner snapped off on both side thats sad but true. The other items i changed on it is the battery, alternator, AC compressor and evaporator, fan belts, brake pads first time after 3 yrs. The ABS light on and Air Bag light drives me crazy but besides that I cant complain the truck has been very good and will continue to purchase GMC trucks. Edwin

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  Envoy great vehicle - 2003 GMC Envoy
  By Milton wynne - March 28 - 6:50 pm

  Had to replace ignition switch twice and fan clutch twice and water pump once but loved to drive it

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  The good and the bad. - 2005 GMC Sierra 2500HD
  By Ken - March 26 - 7:20 am

  Purchased this truck on 5/26/05. Had it only three days and had to put it in the shop for automatic transmission repair. It was in the shop for four days. First gear went bad after only 500 miles. It doesnt turn as close as my old Yukon but it is a larger vehicle. The engine is powerful. I cant even feel my trailer. I like the looks. For an XLT it doesnt have some of the options I thought it would have. ie. lumbar seat, rear A/C. I really like the truck. Im just disappointed with the transmission problem and the lask of service from the dealer. Im just waiting for something else to break. It also is a little bumpy. Maybe thats normal.

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  Great Truck, but... - 2008 GMC Yukon XL
  By Claudia - March 25 - 4:00 pm

  I love my truck. Lots of room and a great riding experience. My only complaint is that it only has seating for 6 (two on each row). We asked if we can purchase a solid row for the back, but after much discussion with the dealership they said it was not an option. Also, we just backed into a BMW and our bumper has a HUGE dent in the back and the BMW only had a scratch. How is that possible? Now Im wondering how dependable the bumber will be in a serious accident.