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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  Envoy - 2002 GMC Envoy
  By DGF - June 6 - 2:00 am

  Quality of products used for the interior are poor. Handeling is poor.

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  Last GM Ever - 1999 GMC Jimmy
  By No More GM - June 4 - 2:00 am

  Many Problems. Began new with a noise that sounds like spark knock. Turned out to be the exhaust system. Many complaints later, GMC says: That model with that emission package makes that noise. If we ever find a fix, well call you. Have replaced 3 front wheel bearing assemblies, oil cooler hoses, ball joints. Also had a 95 Jimmy and 92 Olds Achieva. Both junk. GM - 3 strikes, youre out.

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  Too many service visits. - 2016 GMC Acadia
  By Bill Branzell - May 17 - 2:54 pm

  I like my 2016 Acadia Denali, but I have spent way too much time at the dealers service dept. Yes it is all covered under warranty, but it is a hassle to make time to get to the dealer..... 3000 miles in 7 weeks and I have had it into the service dept. 5 times. 1) & 2) Parked my new $50,000 SUV in my garage and noticed window washer fluid leaking out onto the floor. Took it to the dealer they couldnt find it. Rose hell and took it to the dealer again. they found the leak and fixed it. 3) check engine light, new gas cap, problem solved. 4) one week later check engine light again. Replaced some pressure sensor (emissions related), problem solved. 5) Side mouldings on both drivers doors is falling off. To the dealer again.

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  Buy Toyota - 1996 GMC Jimmy
  By APL - May 14 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car from a GMC dealer with extended warranty. the dealer sucked. They refused to change any parts. So I took the vehicle to a private garage. Within the first year I had to have the ABS brake sytem replaced, the fuel gauge replaced then the ball joints started to go. At 114000 miles I had to have the intake gasket replaced, the mechanic said hes never seen a gasket deteriate like this before. I used to buy toyotas and I decided to try GMC my next SUV will be a toyota again.

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  ???? - 1995 GMC Suburban
  By Buttmunch - May 1 - 2:00 am

  This Is A Good All A round SUV

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  A wonderful TRUCK not a CAR - 2003 GMC Yukon
  By mgoblue2 - April 30 - 2:00 am

  Overall a great truck. No real complaints just that the interior is in very bad need of an update. Needs more lux!!!

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  wuz up with the low resale value - 2001 GMC Safari
  By jess barger - April 28 - 2:00 am

  a nice van for people to ride a short distance but on a long trip it is very small in the front seats and the gas mileage is very low 12 in the city and 15 on the highway when the sticker show 16 to 20 it is a little bit deceiving.

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  NEVER AGAIN - 2003 GMC Envoy
  By Not for me - April 17 - 2:00 am

  The engine is great but the mileage is awful. Fun to drive but you cant talk to the person next to you because of all the wind/road noise. The stereo is pitiful especially if you have a window open. CD was eaten by player, lites flashed on/off first week, had to have door realigned , seatbelt locks up, ticking from tailgate unfound,loose weatherstripping and sagging headliner around sunroof....all this for too much money!! I am off to the Honda dealer for an Odessey or Pilot. Sorry America, I tried.

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  Dont Buy IT - 1995 GMC Sonoma
  By John co8O - April 12 - 2:00 am

  Replaced 3 starters, cooling fan, radiator, 3 fly wheels, Air condition compressor, transmission at 122,000 miles, catalitic converter just to name some of the problems. The drivers seat stop working at 70,000 miles. The vehicle is not built for a large amount of

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  03 GMC Z71 REVIEW - 2003 GMC Sierra 1500
  By 03 Z71 - April 12 - 2:00 am

  It has had too many problems for a truck that costs as much as it does, with only 6000miles. First the tailgate had to be replaced b/c it had holes in it, not sure from what. Next the mirror display(comp.& temp.)went out, had to be replaced, then I found that the passenger side a/c gets stuck on hot when you turn it all the way up, still working on it, now the front axle housing is leaking oil. This truck has never been in the mud, or ragged. What a waste of my time and money, I will never buy again or recomend a GMC product to anyone.