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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  Nice Truck - 1998 GMC Sonoma
  By Mike T - January 26 - 2:00 am

  Great little truck and second car, owned a Toyota Truck before this one and would take this little GMC any day over the Toyota, better ride, fantastic interior, just a dang good truck and 3k less than the Toyota. Enough Said!

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  Oil burner! Avoid! - 2017 GMC Terrain
  By Mastertech - January 25 - 7:52 pm

  2.4L Ecotec engine consumed 3 quarts of oil in the first 3600 miles! Oil minder read 87% life, yet when I checked the dipstick before a trip it read no oil. Added 1 quart still no reading, added 2nd quart, still no reading, added 3rd quart, dipstick read 1/2 to full line. Engine requires full synthetic "Dexos" spec 5w-30 motor oil. GM has known of the issue with oil consumption of this engine for many years, has issued a Technical Service Bulletin requesting dealers to document excessive oil consumption, then authorizes installation of new pistons and rings. 2011 documented as worst model year. Uninformed owners running the engine low on oil are not warned of the deficiency, the engines timing chains and guides fail, the lack of lubrication takes its toll on bearings and parts depending on sufficient oil to cool and lubricate them. Engines can fail or seize creating a significant safety hazard. Internet search this issue, many horror stories. If failure occurs out of warranty or you are the second owner you are on your own...Where is the outrage?

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  Not Professional Grade - 2001 GMC Sierra 2500HD
  By Bigfins - January 24 - 10:00 am

  The 6.0 engine knocks a little until warm...other than that its ok. Lacks real pulling power, even with a 410 rear end. Tranny went out at 9700 miles. Power window regulator at 37000 miles ($500), Rotors now acting up at 47000 (all of a sudden??) Pampered truck. Goes to FL with a light trailer and back annually, othewise no strain. Hauls nothing. Looks like the 8.1 and the Allison was the way to go. Ride was real choppy from day one. I mean bouncey on an uneven road! Hang on in the rear seat! GM should be able to do MUCH better than this. They say every HD truck is made for 200K...at what expense?

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  Ehhhh - 2000 GMC Jimmy
  By jl10 - January 24 - 2:00 am

  Great power and utility, fair gas mileage, comfortable seats, bumpy ride. I loved this vehicle at first until the problems started. By the time 35000 miles hit I bought an extended warranty which paid for itself. MANY transmission problems. One of which would toss vehicle occupants around when switching gears, intermittant, dealer could not duplicate on 10 seperate visits.

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  Enjoyable Truck - 1998 GMC Sonoma
  By Ryezenne - January 24 - 2:00 am

  The sonoma originally caught my eye with the great looking sportside cab. The truck has less than 50,000 miles on it and hasnt needed anything major. Overall, I feel the truck is very economical and gets great gas mileage. I get more compliments than anything. I am happy with my purchase.

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  Smoooooth - 2002 GMC Yukon
  By happy_driver - January 24 - 2:00 am

  My previous vehicle was a 96 Pathfinder...given the Yukon is a larger vehicle...but the drive is soooo much better. The V8 engine has alot of kick to it, but not too the point where is throws you into the back of your chair. Ive had it 24 hours, and I look forward to the next 100,000 miles with my Yukon.

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  GMC trucks - 2005 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Randy - January 23 - 11:06 am

  I have owned lots of heavy duty GMC trucks with gas engines (5.7liter and now 5.3liter) for many years for myself and for my business. We very seldom have had any major breakdowns with these vehicles other than wearing them out after several hundred thousand miles have been first put on the trucks. Many times we just overhaul the truck and put it back in service. They have always been very reliable vehicles for our business and personal use. We recently purchased 3 light duty Canyon trucks with the 5 cylinder engines and so far with over 100,000 accumulated miles they have also been trouble free and are also providing great gas mileage!

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  A true lemon - 1995 GMC Jimmy
  By Dave Simons - January 22 - 2:00 am

  Lucky me I took out extended warranty on this vehicle. Except for the transmission and front end almost this whole vehicle has been replaced. Just recently a hose disconnected leading from the oil pan to the cooler, emptying the engine oil in 45 seconds ruining the engine!!! What a poor design, and a huge repair bil. AVOID THIS VEHICLE!!!

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  DENALI 2002 - 2002 GMC Yukon
  By reb5346 - January 22 - 2:00 am

  GOOD LOOKS POOR FIT ON ASSEMBLY. 13MPG TERRIBLE IN SNOW WILL DONUT ON YOU IN A HEARTBEAT. PENTY OF POWER GOOD SOUND SYSTEM BOSE. TRANSMISSION NEEDS ATTENTION. REAR WIPER JUMPS EVERY TIME YOU DIM HEADLIGHTS OR USE TURN SIGNAL. ENGINE RATTLES ON COLD TAKEOFF DEALER SAID THIS WAS NORMAL. SOUNDS LIKE A ROD COMING OUT.

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  The joy ride - 2005 GMC Yukon XL
  By Michelle - January 21 - 6:16 pm

  I love having this car. My father purchaed the vehicle because he does a lot of traveling and he needs a comfortable car to spend the long 8-9 hour drives in. I take the car when ever I can. I love the room and the space that it provides. The heated seats are a luxury that I wish we had so many years ago when were younger and traveled as a family. I like the idea that I can see out of the back with an unobstructed view. The only down side is that gas right now so high and it tanks on gas but I love it to much to go any other way. Ride on!