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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  Think long and hard then....DONT DO IT! - 2003 GMC Yukon
  By Dont do it! - August 16 - 2:00 am

  This car has been problems from day 1. It has been a nightmare that just wont go away. I have had so much trouble with car and dealership it is not even funny. Heated seats went out, air conditioner problems, paint chipping from control knobs on front and rear radio-yes that is right painted knobs : ( PLASTIC covers over screws holding seats in place are all coming up, hole in back top of 3rd row seat from bar- poor design. For 45K these vehicles should be made much better. Too much plastic in interior!!

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  GMC Safari - 2003 GMC Safari
  By Tim Brautigan - August 15 - 2:00 am

  Good: It certainly provides more interior and cargo space than most minivans. The engine is more powerful than other minivans with a 4.3 litre v6. More towing power than other minivans. Bad: Interior quality, fuel economy, rattling, reliability, stiff ride, no driver side sliding door. GMC/Chevy should offer a optional v8 power on these vans and give more luxury options available. I own the SLT AWD model and there is no available premium sound systems, onstar, or heated seats, or dvd player to name a few.

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  Dont buy one!!!!!! - 2003 GMC Yukon
  By jddumas - August 13 - 2:00 am

  Thisis the worst vehicle I have ever owned BY FAR. It has had mechanical problems from day one. In the last month alone, I have had it in for repairs 5 times. I have had an air conditioning compressor, two ac low pressure valves, freon added, a new rear hatch lock assembly, and a fuse block put in, again, all in the past month. The dealer has jerked me around, and even suggested that I call GM. I attempted to, and was put on hold for over 20 minutes.

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  Dont Make My Mistake - 2002 GMC Envoy
  By Tom Simon - July 30 - 2:00 am

  I like the styling & handeling of the vehicle. Quality wise, its the worst vehicle Ive owned since my 1974 Maverick. Ive had more things replaced/repaired then I have space to list in this review. GMC customer service says there sorry. Dealer says there sorry. I dont think either are as sorry as I am for buying the heap of scrap.

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  NEW ENGINE AT 3000 MILES - 2002 GMC Envoy
  By PHANTASM - July 23 - 2:00 am

  I BOUGHT THIS ENVOY IN JULY 2001, THE DEALERSHIP HAS HAD IT IN THEIR GARAGE AS MUCH AS IT HAS BEEN IN MINE. AFTER 6 MONTHS AND 3000 MILES GM FINALLY DECIEDED TO PUT A NEW ENGINE IN AFTER FINDING 2 DEAD CYLINDERS, NOT TO MENTION THE COUNTLESS TIMES IT HAS BEEN IN FOR GAGE PROBLEMS,BUMPER,ELECTRICAL,THE DEALER HAD IT FOR 5 MONTHS WAITING FOR GM TO DECIDE WHAT TO DO! AFTER BEING A LOYAL GM FAN FOR 17 CARS, NO MORE GM. THAT WAS MY LAST ONE!!!!

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  ok if you want a little truck - 2000 GMC Sonoma
  By Kenny J - July 7 - 2:00 am

  I drove an auto and it was doggy so I got the 5 speed. The bed is flimsy and it has some type of strange idle memory often starts and revs up for a few seconds. This is just the way it is made. I get 23mpg. I had to have the exhaust replaced underwarranty due to rattles. other than that no problems. Do not buy it if you need room get a full size

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  Has potential. Needs work. - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By bad tranny - June 27 - 6:56 am

  Great vehicle, howevver transmission is a disaster. MPG is bad. FM reception is bad. HUD (heads up display) works intermittently. Seats get uncomfortable on long trips. Hands free calling is poorly thought out. Bluetooth would be a better option. Turn by Turn Navigation downloads fail often.

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  Lemon law should have been used - 2003 GMC Yukon XL
  By gravy - June 22 - 5:40 am

  This SUV has been towed three times for a faulty fuel pump. The dealership knew of an ongoing problem but would not replace the fuel pump until an in- flight recorder was used to determine that it was the fuel pump. I have had two replacements of a shaft in the front end that wasnt lubed from the factory. The right side electronics went out costing $450.00. The motor for the left driver window went out, the heater in the right side mirror went out, I have the same squeaking dashboard as others have complained about, and more. This is the second Yukon (1998 GMC Suburban) I have owned but will be the last. The first one had to have a rebuilt transmission. Major diappointment!!

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  sonoma pu 4 cyl. - 2003 GMC Sonoma
  By fred lippi - June 18 - 2:00 am

  Havent had it long enough to give good evaluation, However I will say it lacks power and is so small in cab a tall person(5 10 and up could not fit behind steering wheel.

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  Great Truck when its not Broken - 2003 GMC Envoy
  By disapointing envoy - June 16 - 2:00 am

  Love everything about this truck. Comfort, features, ride, power all good. Problem is its broken more than it runs. Dash died. Key wont come out of ignition. Heat died. 4x4 transfer case died. Ignition system failed. Now having tranny problems and dealer says sorry you can take a loss and trade it in or deal with the loss of time every month when it breaks. 35K and this is not acceptable! Would buy another if someone could convince me all the bugs were fixed but havent found that person yet - looks like time to find a new brand and dealer.