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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  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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  A Little Worried - 2003 GMC Yukon
  By a little concerned - October 24 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car on 10/11/03. I read all the reviews on here and became skeptical after reading stories about how poorly made these trucks are. The discounts and financing deals on the Denali were too good to pass up so I decided on the Denali. I think I may have made a huge mistake. The car has been in the shop for the past 7 days. It has engine noise coming through the speakers. They say they have figured out the problem, but I truly believe I will be back in the shop again very soon. I highly suggest that anyone who is thinking about buying a SUV to buy a foreign SUV. Did I just make a $50,000 mistake?

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  Envoy - 2003 GMC Envoy
  By 5boys - October 11 - 2:00 am

  In the 5 months I have owned this vehicle I have had to have it serviced 13 times, only once has been for an oil change. The other 12 have been service problems. I am currently still having problems with the A/C, the 4WD, and the transmission. The overall design of the vehicle is wonderful, but not worth the hassle of continual maintenance.

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  lots of shop time - 2002 GMC Envoy
  By Yankee - October 9 - 2:00 am

  Within the past two years and 30,000 miles: Transmission started clunking because of a leak due to a bad seal (repaired). No 4WD due to a bad computer (replaced). No go due to a bad battery (replaced). No go due to a bad starter (replaced). Brake pulsation due to corroded rotors (all four replaced!) Roof rack came loose, door weather seals came loose. Disappointing fuel milage. Hate the front seat belts (they wont release).

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  Better than expected - 1999 GMC Jimmy
  By ramped1 - October 8 - 2:00 am

  Through four years of service this vehicle has been surprisingly reliable. It has had just two issues (head gasket had to be replaced under warranty, and the alternater went out at about 42,000 miles), which is better than we expected. The interior is well-designed and functional, although the plastics are inferior and have deteriorated in some places. The engine is excellent, plenty of torque and acceleration. Handling is cumbersome and the ride is jiggly over uneven surfaces. The ride is excellent on smooth roads. Overall, this SUV has been an excellent value.

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  Be afraid. Be very afraid. - 1996 GMC Jimmy
  By jcscratch - September 10 - 2:00 am

  I have the distinction of owning the worst vehicle ever built. Bought this lemon used with 60,000 miles on it. In two years and 65,000 miles, I have replaced the ball joints three times, the tires twice, rebuilt the starter, replaced the transmission, alternator, radio, and water pump. But, hey, the mufflers still good! And all those cheap plastic fittings holding the interior together are shot. I have about fifty individual rattles inside. Depreciation keeps me from selling or trading this in. I am die-hard "Buy American made", but those fools in Detroit are going to force me to buy foreign.

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  Looks great till you start looking - 2015 GMC Sierra 2500HD
  By Frosty - September 10 - 12:15 am

  I was coming back to the GMC family after spending 10 years with a Toyota Tundra !!!! Well first the headlights at night a terrible you better test drive it at night ?? Second the gas mileage is almost ridiculous, the tailgate doesnt fit properly it has a gap on the sides and everything gets dusty as I have a custom ARE topper . The sunglasses holder has to be for reading glasses as nothing fits . The seat will be wore out in 10 years as the leather is of poor quality. The SD car reader slot doesnt allow you to read trail camera photos?? This vehicle was designed for a person that wants to drive a truck not a real outdoorsman that would enjoy the usefull features we need and would use .

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  Never Again! - 1998 GMC Jimmy
  By Aaron Watson - September 9 - 2:00 am

  Its five years old and I have had it for almost three years. Almost $5000 have been spent in repairs and only $1200 of that was paid by the dealer (Since I have had it). Bad climate control (took 30 days to fix), major transmission work, new front end suspension, complete brake replacement with rotors, two alternators, and two wiper motors. Not to mention the general repairs and upkeep that comes along with any vehicle. No more domestics for me!

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  For American Tastes - 2003 GMC Envoy
  By dxcruz - August 31 - 2:00 am

  If you want something tighter and more Euro.. check out the Jeep Grand Cherokee.. It handles like a sports car with a view.. Mine still looks and feels like new with over 60k miles and flawless mechanical performance. If you want something that feels like a Lexus.. check out the Acura MDX. Its about the same price as the Envoy (before GM knocks off several grand to give it away), But will most likely hold its value for a long long time. I have no idea how Honda gets so much more out of a smaller engine!

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  Learned the hard way on new vehicle - 2002 GMC Envoy
  By ENVOY IS A LOSS - August 28 - 2:00 am

  Kick myself for buying this expensive SUV. It looks great, is comfortable, but the service aspect is horrible. 1.5 years and 10 trips to service. GM should be paying me for my time at this point. A/C broken, Constant Rattles under, Squeeks, Parts wearing out. I didnt pay 30k + to have to deal with this...foreign suvs here I come. Dont forget. Gas tank, size of a geo metro! Cup holder, not enough and in worst possible places.