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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  good car if taken care of - 2000 GMC Jimmy
  By Rich Howerton - October 29 - 2:00 am

  The car has had a few small prob. so far Nothing major. Do not like the range of the keyless entry syst. very short appx 25 feet. Had a small coolent leak but dealership took care of it fast. (bad cap) **If you buy one have all the fittings cleaned a greesed each year or ( read the other reviews )

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  Tried American, but back with import - 2001 GMC Yukon
  By ptm - October 29 - 2:00 am

  Bought GMC ext warranty because of the high mileage driven. We had a piece of side molding replaced, and the car had a terrible knocking sound when there were high winds. Took dealer several times to find the problem. The water pump failed ($100) at 67K. The auto-down switch failed ($100). Engine de-carb, and fuel inject cleaning at 65K ($300+) for an intermittent hesitation problem. Hinge on the rear window lift- glass failed. Extended warranty would not cover hinges - $793 to repair. Toyota dealer offered us 16K and Carmax offered 14.8K. Wound up taking the dealers offer. We won’t be buying GM products again.

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  I love this truck - 2003 GMC Yukon
  By Jimdog - October 29 - 2:00 am

  Just looking at this truck gets me excited to drive it. With its rugged good looks and the v8 it screams "drive me". It has decent gas milage for such a large suv. But, if you are in a hurry and floor it for long distances, you can really see the gas milage go down. It is very smooth on the highway. You feel very safe in this truck. Its heavy weight makes it an excellent vechile in bad weather. Espically rain, when large puddles make other cars hydroplane. The cargo room is excellent. 4wd drive is very well built.

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  Great all around vehicle - 2016 GMC Terrain
  By Kista T - October 28 - 4:55 pm

  you will not be disappointed with the performance or appointments of the GMC Terrain. We drove a Tahoe for many years with children and pets, and looking for a downsize without the small car feel. THIS TERRAIN FITS THE BILL. I do not feel like I am driving in a small SUV, I feel comfort and space I did not notice in many competitors while test driving and comparison shopping. Again, I have been extremely pleased with our selection and looking forward to years of service out of our GMC.

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  good truck - 1995 GMC Sonoma
  By gREGGUY - October 28 - 2:00 am

  I like my truck

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  36,000 miles...Running Great - 2011 GMC Sierra 1500
  By jaximports - October 27 - 6:10 pm

  I bought mine 6 months ago and have put 5,000 miles on it. I needed a truck for our start-up business and this one had everything I needed with a camper shell and spray on bedliner. This is my first GMC/Chevy. Im in FL. The truck is originally from MI, so it has a bit of surface rust on the frame, from the salt up north. I plan to get it blasted and coated this year to prevent further corrosion. Other than that I average 16.5mpg with a fairly heavy foot and mixed driving. Its comfortable and I love the looks. Paint also has small corrosion spots from up north. Overall happy with the purchase...fingers crossed.

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  Yukon - 1999 GMC Yukon
  By The Webmeister - October 27 - 2:00 am

  This car is a piece of crap. Starter, head gaskets, air conditioning, sloppy steering, squeeky interior, door handles break off, damn near blows over when meeting a truck, vapor locks when hot, rear air doesnt work, leather falling apart.

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  Best vehicle i have owned - 2006 GMC Sierra 3500
  By mark mcrae - October 26 - 7:26 am

  Bought deisel truck for camper and boat. this truck goes over mountain passes like the load isnt there, 15,000lbs. I bought an aftermarket engine program to increase performance, and with this chip I get 20mpg empty, 15mpg with boat or camper, 13mpg with boat and camper. Programer takes 5 minutes and allows me to program for specific loads or to put it back to stock settings, recommend this. There has not been 1 problem with truck and have already put on 12,000 miles in the first 4 months. Very happy customer.

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  GMS 1995 Jimmy 4x4 SUV - 1995 GMC Jimmy
  By Debra White - October 26 - 1:00 am

  After our first purchase of a GMC product, we will NEVER AGAIN purchase a GMC auto. This has been the WORST auto ever for us. Many recalls on it.

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  BUY ONE!!! - 2004 GMC Sierra 2500HD
  By LUV my Duramax - October 25 - 2:00 am

  I purchased my truck about 3 weeks ago, and have put 1800 miles on it. I absolutely love the Duramax/Allison combo. Anything with this setup will drive like a dream. The Duramax doesnt hesitate with anything, and the allison smartly downshifts when slowing down to reduce brake wear. This truck is also the quietest diesel Ive tested, when comparing the "BIG 3". At anything above 50mph you cant even notice youre running a diesel. ...every time I drive it...I like it even more...nuff said.