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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  GREAT SUV - 2003 GMC Envoy
  By RICHARD EDWARDS - January 16 - 2:00 am

  THIS IS THE BEST SUV I THINK ON THE MARKET .FEELS BETTER THAN ANY OF THE BMWS OR OTHER CARS THAT I HAVE EVER HAD.I DROVE MANY SUV S AND BY FAR THE ENVOY WAS THE BEST

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  Great for a Big SUV, Still Prefer a Minivan - 2011 GMC Yukon XL
  By undy6 - January 15 - 12:22 pm

  I buy new cars fairly often (every 1-2 yrs) and Ive been flipping back and forth between SUVs and Minivans for about 7 yrs now. Its because I cant get all the features I love in one or the other. As far as this SUV goes its my usual love/hate relationship. Ive had this vehicle for about 4 months now and highly doubt Ill keep it past 6 - 9 months bc I just hate big SUVs. If youre a big SUV or truck person I think its probably fantastic. I prefer more of a mid-size SUV or Minivan height myself. Yes, minivans are super goober and I swore I wouldnt be caught dead driving one ever. Four kids later and the practicality of minivans just turns me on!

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  creampuff sonoma - 1996 GMC Sonoma
  By majorgeneral - January 15 - 2:00 am

  An okay little truck that has served me well. Bought to replace my 81 Silverado. I like the economy and handling or the 4.3 vortec. The auto trans was ruined by a bad torque converter at only 73k pampered miles, too young for that kind of failure and forever ruined my long relationship with GMC. Brakes routinely fail when spindles get wet, owing to crackpot abs system that I despise. Too many relays and such that makes trouble shooting for the shade-tree mechanic impossible. Next truck will be a seventies vintage something, but definitely not GM.

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  NICKEL AND DIME TO DEATH - 1999 GMC Jimmy
  By LORA - January 15 - 2:00 am

  Where do I start, new ball joints,new plugs, wires, cap and rotor. new front stablizer bolts, c-v shaft and boot. All the above repairs still have not fixed the numerous problems and this vehicle has only 70,000 miles. I now have to replace the starter, throttle position sensor and possibly have the injectors flushed. I will be about $ 2000.00 up side down in my money pit. Do not recommend this vehicle to anyone.

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  NICKEL AND DIME TO DEATH - 1999 GMC Jimmy
  By Lora - January 15 - 2:00 am

  Where do I start, new ball joints,new plugs, wires, cap and rotor. new front stablizer bolts, c-v shaft and boot. All the above repairs still have not fixed the numerous problems and this vehicle has only 70,000 miles. I now have to replace the starter, throttle position sensor and possibly have the injectors flushed. I will be about $ 2000.00 up side down in my money pit. Do not recommend this vehicle to anyone.

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  It could have been a nice car - 1999 GMC Jimmy
  By AlexV - January 15 - 2:00 am

  Handles well, comfy, pleasant to drive, reasonable footprint when parking or for city driving, however .... The oil cooler lines had to be replaced three times (the Jimmy is 3 1/2 years old, and has 100,000 kms (70,000 miles). Add to that a head gasket that cracked (at 100,000 kms), a rear main seal that had to be replaced (in warranty) .. not the most pleasant experience. GMC is not acknowledging that they have a problem with the oil cooler lines, even though Ive been told by mechanics at three GMC dealerships that this is a known weakness.

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  CDBs Yukon - 1999 GMC Yukon
  By ChBobII - January 14 - 2:00 am

  Has 64,000 miles & no problems except 2 battery replacements. Ride on the open road excellent. Back seats comfortable in long trip. Clam shell doors would be better for some uses.

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  AWSOME - 1998 GMC Yukon
  By LES - January 13 - 2:00 am

  THE GMC YUKON OF 98 IS WITHOUT A DOUBT PROFESSIONAL GRADE! THE MOST WONDERFUL AUTOMOBILE IVE EVER OWNED. IF EVERYBODY COULD AFFORD ONE OF THESE THECAR DEALERS WOULD NEVER SALE A BLAZER OR EXPLORER. IM JUST TICKLED TO DEATH WITH THIS THING.

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  Good SUV - 1996 GMC Jimmy
  By firex - January 13 - 2:00 am

  I have had my Jimmy for 5 years and bought it used. Overall it is a very dependable vehicle. A downfall of the Jimmy is that the spare fullsize tire is mounted inside the rear cargo area. I have had to remove the tre to make room for hauling some bigger items.

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  2010 GMC Terrain - 2010 GMC Terrain
  By John - January 12 - 5:43 pm

  The wife and I are now expecting and we needed to trade in the Mustang GT for something a little more child friendly. We researched online and drove many vehicles before we decided on the Terrain. Perfect size. By far best looking SUV in its class. Great power for a 2.4 but a big difference from the GT in driving excitement and surprisingly not much difference in mileage. Highway trips in the GT 22- 24 and around town at 19mpg. So far the Terrains best is 23.5 on a 300 plus mile trip! The worst was 20.1 around town. Doesnt look like the stated mileage will even be close. Keep in mind, this is with my wife driving(Sunday driver).