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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  My GMC ENVOY - 2003 GMC Envoy
  By booboo - October 2 - 2:00 am

  This is the only vehicle that I have purchased in my life time that I have bonded with. I love my GMC

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  Mixed Feelings - 2001 GMC Sonoma
  By rreed2000 - September 28 - 2:00 am

  Fan clutch had to be replaced and hood had to be repainted due to loss of glossy finish immediately after purchase, valves are noisy at 1,700 rpm - but dealer says "yeah, theyre noisy but thats normal." Other than the items listed above, poor over build quality and less-than-stellar gas mileage, Id have to admit that the truck has been reliable. But I will probably never buy another GM product because of my experiences with this one.

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  Not Worth the Money - 2004 GMC Safari
  By Michael Deveroux - September 27 - 2:00 am

  The GMC Safari is no bargain for your money. Its "old - school" exterior design has people guessing whether your driving a brand new van. In fact they have made very little exterior changes to the Safari/Astro van since 1996. Its clunky and boxy style adds to increased "top heavyness" when driving in windy conditions. The interior of the Safari is almost as bland as the exterior. With the bare minimum avaliable in features, again, makes you feel like your driving a 1996 Safari van rather than a 2003-04. One of the only high points that I have found this van to have is above average interior- space.

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  I Love This Car! - 2003 GMC Envoy
  By Mycoolride - September 27 - 2:00 am

  We bought this SUV last October when we received an offer in the mail from GMC that we couldnt refuse(Think "The Godfather" lol). GMC would pay our last 5 lease payments on my 2000 Jimmy and there were like $3,000 in rebates. So, we went up to the same salesman/dealership where we leased our Jimmy before the end of the month and took home our new Envoy. It was my first buy after years of leasing. I loved my Jimmy, but I really love my Envoy! The power, the handling, the roominess along with style...awesome!

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  Love it! - 2016 GMC Acadia
  By Maria G - September 25 - 4:45 am

  Love my car!

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  Love My Canyon! - 2016 GMC Canyon
  By Robert Dowens - September 24 - 11:43 am

  Very comfortable ride, just like being in a car. Not "trucky" at all. Great visibility a joy to own!

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  Two time owner. . . - 2001 GMC Safari
  By Vikki - September 24 - 2:00 am

  We had a 1991 Safari as our first van and loved it, but only had the SLE. We now have and love the SLT seating and comfort. All the things we wished for in our first Safari van we got in our second Safari van. Now if they would have power door openers for the side and back doors, we would be even more thrilled! We have compared to lots of the SUVs and we like what we have better so far. The milage could be better (and it could be worse too!)

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  Great Fun Car! - 2007 GMC Yukon XL
  By lulu - September 22 - 11:03 am

  Purchased this car on 01/02/07 to replace our 2001 Suburban LT 4x4. Demo with 1000 miles on it. Immediately drove from SF Bay area to Lake Tahoe for a weeks vacation. Remote start was unbelievable. Start the car from the house, 10 minutes later, the car is warmed up, heat on full, heated seats on, etc. Such a pleasure! Kids love the DVD with wireless headsets, mom can listen to her music, too! Handles the mountain altitude extremely well - the 6-speed automatic really shifts smoothly on the steep inclines. Much better than the Burb. Poor FM reception and distance. Great XM radio, but we need road conditions, etc.

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  Dont Buy a GMC Jimmy - 1997 GMC Jimmy
  By srussellshome - September 22 - 2:00 am

  I have owned this Jimmy since 99.It has been nothing but trouble.We took it to OH at Thanksgiving just couple weeks Before we could get there the RPMs stuck uplike between 3wouldnt come down,then the check engine light came on.This past July check engine came on for like th 8th time. This time I was told it needed a new valve body for the transmission. This was done 2 weeks after that light came on again, this time was the eye that controls the flow of air thru engine. It has came on 2 more times since and the car dealership has had my Jimmy for over a week. They cant figure out what is wrong with itthis time.

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  Excellent Quality / Reliability! - 2002 GMC Envoy
  By David K. - September 21 - 2:00 am

  30000 trouble free miles. Excellent build quality and functional design. This has been a great all-around vehicle. Averaged 18.5 miles per gallon.