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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  Peice of Junk - 1995 GMC Sonoma
  By thewolfdog - March 13 - 2:00 am

  This car was nothing but trouble. I was lucky enough to purchase a warrenty when my trans. went out at 50k. Here is a rundown of the problems.. and this is NOT exxagerated. - Trans. Shot -A/C compressor- goobye - Starter (twice) Electrical problems fuel pump -A/C compressor- Goodbye AGAIN cooling fan- cya head gasket- BLOWN PEICE OF CRAP GMC

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  Yukon or nothing! - 2003 GMC Yukon XL
  By Troy A. Kost - March 12 - 10:00 am

  The GMC Yukon XL is one of the best SUVs on the market, if not the best. This is a far better truck than my best friends Sequoia, and a lot more truck for the money. Its even better on the gas in real world driving (because you dont have to floor it to go like the Toyota). The only problem is that a lot of the people that I give a ride to say "I NEED one of these".

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  Great SUV - 2003 GMC Envoy
  By Stanman626 - March 12 - 2:00 am

  Outstanding engine performance especially in the mid range. Interior and seating are comfortable for someone my size (6’2” – 220). It made its way through our last 8” snow storm with no problems and has handled some light off road snow covered trails with ease. The only improvements would be to have Heads Up Display (HID), which should be on every GM product with a base price over 28,000 and have the CD options on the steering wheel instead of the HVAC controls. Most drivers change their radio stations and flip through the CD tracks far more often than changing the HVAC settings. GMC Professional Grade?, close but not there yet.

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  gmc - 2007 GMC Sierra 1500
  By jose - March 10 - 5:43 pm

  Its a very confortable truck, really impressive in gas mileage, excelent handling, and very quiet. Everything on it is easy to use, from the seats that fold up to the radio controls.

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  What Else Can Go Wrong? - 1999 GMC Jimmy
  By BobbyBond2 - March 10 - 2:00 am

  I first thought this vehicle was a "great" deal. Soon to find out, I was completely wrong. Initial mileage at purchase was 26K. Heres the breakdown of the breakdowns in less than 1.5 years. 4x4 Vacuum Pump - (Under Man. Warranty) Approx Cost - $350.00 Driver Side Wheel Bearing @ 29K - $250.00 Passenger Side Wheel Bearing @ 31K - $250.00 Rear Brakes Bad @ 38K- $150.00 Rear Windshield Wiper Bad 40K - $150.00 Door Hinges (Poor Design=Water in hinges)38K- $30.00 Climate Control Board 45K - $350/part $100/Labor Just found out about "the Pitman Arm/Idler Arm" problem today 46K - $350.00 You be the judge.........

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  Something good, something bad - 2000 GMC Jimmy
  By The Milbers - March 10 - 2:00 am

  Problems have included a squeaky clutch, leaking rear wiper hose, small hole in body, heat is always on, frozen emergency brake line, poor gas mileage. All probems fixed except the heat always on and the poor gas mileage. Ive owned 2 other Jimmy/Blazer types, 1986 and 1994. Both older ones were better on fuel, 26 to 28 mpg, and no problems with heat. The 2000 gets 22 to 24 mpg with the 5 speed (clunky shifting)standard transmission. Make the centre drivers side spark plug easier to change and angle the grease nipples for easier access on the tie rods. An average vehicle with an average price. You get what you pay for.

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  lemon - 2002 GMC Envoy
  By mike gas - March 10 - 2:00 am

  So far my truck has been in the shop a total of 14 times. 2xs for bad transfer cases and 4xs for the mirror memory mod.Very unhappy with the truck and with GMC because they are not standing behind their prod. I also had a faulty seal on the windshield and a kinked gas line. There has also been other problems and the list goes on and on. I just wish GMC would do the right thing which their not beause I have made repeated calls to cust. service and have received no response.

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  XL for empty nesters - 2016 GMC Yukon XL
  By Robert Bob - March 9 - 8:21 pm

  This is a big SUV that doesnt feel big when driving. Easy to park and has a small turning radius. We often have our kids and grandkids with us and routinely haul 7 people in this and love the legroom and cargo room with everyone on board. The ride and quiet cabin are spectacular and the fuel mileage is better than expected. Has tons of torque and we will be pulling a 4,000 boat this summer and expect it to do well. Like the auto leveling rear shocks. My only disappointment in the vehicle is GMs decision to eliminate the ability to pause and rewind live radio that my previous vehicles had. This was available before 2016 but GM eliminated it which is a shame. My 2015 GMC Canyon had this feature but a $70,000 vehicle doesnt. Doesnt make sense!

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  Hansome SUV - but dissapointed - 2003 GMC Yukon
  By For Sale - Cheap - March 8 - 2:00 am

  Comfortable, peppy, roomy, turns heads - it was everything I was looking for - sounded perfect. WRONG its the biggest lemon I have ever purchased - dealership cant find whats wrong - electical issues to computer malfunctions - has been replaced, and replaced and replaced - no fix in site. It looks pretty sitting in thier garage.

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  Quality matters - 2008 GMC Sierra 1500
  By retiree - March 8 - 12:36 am

  This 1500 Work is great. Gas economy exceeds sticker rating. Light touch on steering, nicely tuned exhaust for a 4.3L. Standard sound system inc XM is v good. Of all my pickups this one is solid, smooth and a "keeper". Fogs nice touch but not necessary. Ergonomics good.