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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  not the best suv - 2000 GMC Jimmy
  By michigan snow driver - March 29 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle was a pain from the beginning, secondday we had to get the antenna wire re-connected to get FM. Weve had problems with the wheel bearings and $800 later it still makes a noise. The windshield wipers froze one day and they started crash into eachother and Im afraid to drive in the rain now. Sometimes when control is in off position they stay up. Rear windshield wiper doesnt always work. Rattles come from everywhere with all the cheap plastic. The suspension creaks. The plastic panels in the back fall off for no reason other than the little fasteners dont hold. It has a rocky and unconfortable ride, and backseat is small.

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  Nice Truck, poor service dept. - 2003 GMC Yukon
  By Jon111 - March 29 - 2:00 am

  The truck is very comfortable and has loads of room with the third row seats removed. I get plenty of compliments on the styling. The interior has bit too much hard plastic, although it does not scratch easily. My Civic interior looks and feels better. Great power seats. OnStar works like they advertise on lock outs. Service starts friendly until you point out that the problem wasnt fixed. Why do they require that you yell first before they (Indio, CA GMC/Buik/Pontiac) take any action. The service mangager was rude but the mechanic took the time to find a rattle and correct it.

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  GMC Z-71 4x4 All Terrain - 2010 GMC Sierra 1500
  By usapatrick - March 28 - 9:35 am

  We traded in a 2000 Chevy 4X4 ext cab, 5.3 loaded with over 128K trouble free miles. This truck was the obvious replacement. Better looking than the new Chevrolet, now are priced the same with higher resale value. We did not bother with Ford since their warranty and 4 more engines changes showed us instability from within. This truck now has 5000 miles and is up to 16 mpg in town, 20+ mpg hgwy. We got it loaded with leather, buckets etc except sun roof and NAV. The Z-71 4X4 All Terrain package is a bargain. The new 5.3 V8 with the 6 speed automatic is much better than the old power train. We had the dealer put in the wheel well liners, Ziebart and more chrome. Look no further, buy one!

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  LOVE it or LEAVE it - 1998 GMC Suburban
  By kdb - March 28 - 2:00 am

  For years Ive lusted over the Suburban. However, I thought the new style (2000) was less TRUCK and more Sport Utility. So I bought my 1998. I really use this vehicle and drive it hard. With NUMEROUS cross counrty trips,it is truly an ideal vehicle. I am now getting into what I term as its "MID LIFE CRISES" and have had to spend some serious money to keep it in the running order I demand. If I didnt love the drive and look of this truck I would have sold it. But as it is I plan on passing 200k before that will happen.

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  Not bad! - 2003 GMC Envoy
  By Andrew_jad - March 28 - 2:00 am

  Its my first SUV and overall, I like it. GM could make few improvements with better quality interior components such as seats and plastic all over. A better and tightly-fit exterior parts (uneven edges and wide gaps) would make it nicer. Experienced rattling/roving noise after using 2/4WD switch. Dealer couldnt figure out.. happens on and off..

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  Great ride for outdoor sports - 1995 GMC Safari
  By Genius - March 27 - 2:00 am

  I bought my 1995 Safari just because I could fit my 10-foot surfboard IN the vehicle AND lock the doors under the seats. For a van, its pretty peppy. Rear AC and Dutch doors are cool. Middle and rear seats make the cargo space versatile. My girlfriend complained that the shotgun seat has no foot room. I dont drive from there so, it never bothered me. At 80k miles, fuel injection system died. Spendy ($1k), but worth it. At 116k, the tranny died. The $2k to replace it just wasn’t worth it, had to trade it in.

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  awsome truck - 2003 GMC Yukon XL
  By lanceyukon - March 26 - 2:00 am

  real nice truck, smooth ride, great handling, brake system is top notch.

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  Best SUV I have ever owned! - 2004 GMC Yukon
  By RealmsManiac - March 26 - 2:00 am

  I have had several SUVs and I must say that the GMC Yukon is the best one so far. Reliability, comfort, durability and driving pleasure all wrapped into one truck.

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  Nice SUV - 2004 GMC Yukon
  By JakeBenny - March 26 - 2:00 am

  We enoy driving long distance with it. Love the pick up when getting on a major highway. Packing for camping is easy and the dogs love it. You dont feel the bumps and that helps with back problems. We dont like the gas millage in town. Would I buy another no due to price. I will get just the Yukon.

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  I love my Envoy - 2004 GMC Envoy
  By teacher - March 26 - 2:00 am

  I am very impressed with my Envoy.....We took it on a trip the week after we got it and had no trouble at all....My husband nneded loud music to stay awake, beside it is so smooth and quiet.....