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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  Great 4X4 - 1994 GMC Jimmy
  By USMC03 - June 9 - 2:00 am

  This is absolutely the best car I have ever driven. The Vortec engine pulls like a champion and gives me all the power I need for towing heavy loads or off-roading. The only problem Ive had with this car is the infamous EGR Valve, I suspect that is why I got the car so cheap. Though the dash is not quite as aesthetically pleasing as the later models, it is still very nice and all of the controls are fairly intuitively placed. The Leather is of a quality that you would expect in a much more expensive car. Handling on the street is very good however this car really shines off-road. Overall this is a great car and has been extremely reliable.

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  good truck - 2001 GMC Sonoma
  By UPS MAN - June 9 - 2:00 am

  Great truck, fun to drive. Also is real sporty looking. Gets good gas milage.

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  almost perfect - 2010 GMC Terrain
  By DWD - June 8 - 8:53 am

  Bought in late sept,wanted 4 cyl but wife fell for the 6 cyl with 19" chrome wheels. Overall love vehicle, drives nice on hwy, quiet, comfortable.Only disappointment is fuel economy, maybe only 15mpg city, 24mpg hwy. The more I read about the 6 the less I like it. I believe they made a mistake with this new engine. Hope im proven wrong. Does have good power and can tow 3500 lbs.

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  GOOD RIDE SLT - 2003 GMC Envoy
  By KARENC - June 8 - 2:00 am

  Looked at several SUVs and wagons, Passat, Outback, Trailblazer, VolvoXC, Pathfinder and others. Envoy stood out from the rest in every respect. It has been a great vehicle and a eyecatcher. Pewter out and in. Sound system one of the best I have ever heard (Bose) and it has plenty of power with a luxury interior. Before you buy, check it out or you might regret it.

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  My 97 GMC Jimmy P.O.S. - 1997 GMC Jimmy
  By mr_mugs - June 7 - 2:00 am

  Rusty Coolant, Tranny Dipstick is rusted, Pulse Port Sensor for wipers went, Oil Pan and Front Differencial Gaskets leaking, Front Body Mounts loose, Front 4x4 Making a ugly noise first thing in the morn, Faulty and misleading gar guage. Just an all around HUNK OF JUNK!!!

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  99 4WD Suburban SLT - 1999 GMC Suburban
  By longjo - June 7 - 2:00 am

  I have owned my suburban for 2.5 years and I love it. I test drove the Fords and I thought there was no comparison for handling and performance. While I thought the Fords were slightly better looking at the time, the GMC gets better gas milage to boot. Plent of room for trips, kids hockey equip, etc.

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  The room a mom needs - 2003 GMC Yukon
  By scrappier - June 6 - 2:00 am

  Best car Ive ever driven. I recently had a stroke and even my doctor says if Im used to driving this size car, its better for me to driven something this size. I also feel its got enough room for the kids and all our stuff when we take trips.

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  Envoy - 2002 GMC Envoy
  By DGF - June 6 - 2:00 am

  Quality of products used for the interior are poor. Handeling is poor.

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  GMC should change there initials... - 2008 GMC Sierra 1500
  By jojo123 - June 4 - 9:53 am

  To JUNK!!!! Too many problems with check engine light coming on constantly. For some reason, the gas cap constantly comes loose. GM should provide better stock tires. Had a flat from a piece of limestone gravel. Dealer told me I should drive on better roads! (Its a truck, isnt it?) Should have stayed with Ford. Big mistake to buy this truck. Dealer isnt interested in helping very often. It takes multiple visits to fix one problem. Maybe if the service manager got off his lazy [violative content deleted] of his chair, it could be fixed. Last GM product EVER!

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  Last GM Ever - 1999 GMC Jimmy
  By No More GM - June 4 - 2:00 am

  Many Problems. Began new with a noise that sounds like spark knock. Turned out to be the exhaust system. Many complaints later, GMC says: That model with that emission package makes that noise. If we ever find a fix, well call you. Have replaced 3 front wheel bearing assemblies, oil cooler hoses, ball joints. Also had a 95 Jimmy and 92 Olds Achieva. Both junk. GM - 3 strikes, youre out.