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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  very satisfied - 1992 GMC Jimmy
  By bill knop - November 13 - 2:00 am

  november, 2001: bought jimmy used from friend in jan. 1996. no major problems with it. has 175,000 miles on it now and does not burn any oil. the biggest expense so- far has been replacing heater core, exhaust system and cd player. body has some rust around wheel openings but not too bad for its age. would purchase another jimmy/blazer in a second.

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  98 Sonoma Reliability - 1998 GMC Sonoma
  By latimrm - November 13 - 2:00 am

  2-failed fuel pumps $ 730 failed rear axle & differential failed drive shaft $ 1430 failed suspension springs transmission slip codes failed wiper module

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  New Owner - 2002 GMC Yukon
  By EGRICE - November 12 - 2:00 am

  Great driving vehicle both on the interstate and in city. very comfortable ride, great acceleration with 5.3L engine. Engine has a knock I dont like and lots of road noise for vehicle of this price.

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  Everything it should be, & then some - 2004 GMC Yukon XL
  By Gossett - November 12 - 2:00 am

  Ive owned & driven lagre SUVs for 30 years and now they really have it together. Its user freindly and most important, its a drivers SUV. Whether on the dry pavement of the interstate or charging through unplowed back roads of New Hampshire this vehicle handles very well and generally exceeds expectation.

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  Not too impressed - 1995 GMC Suburban
  By Sub Driver - November 11 - 2:00 am

  Bought the car with 115,000 miles on it. Alternator replaced, brakes replaced, Pitman arm replaced, idle arm replaced($550), AC compressor worn out ($950), T.P.S replaced, many lights out, Asside from poor quality, we love the ride and feel of the car. Others we have had have gone well into the 100,000s mile mark before needing so much maintenance.

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  !996 Yukon - 1996 GMC Yukon
  By macadoodle - November 11 - 2:00 am

  We have over 100,000 miles on our 1996 SLT and have driven it from coast to coast with no major problems other than brake replacement every 15 to 20 thousand miles. Its been a dream to drive and very comfortable for a large vehicle. Im looking forward to many more trouble free miles.

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  Love my XL! - 2001 GMC Yukon XL
  By AmyVolk - November 10 - 10:00 am

  If you are looking for a family vehicle that can tow easily. This is the one! Having the captains chairs makes it feel like a minivan on the inside, while we can still pull our boat and pack our gear with ease.

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  Great Buggy - 2002 GMC Envoy
  By clancy - November 10 - 10:00 am

  Great drive, good looks, plenty of power, and all kinds of neat bells and whistles.

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  Back to the Blue Oval for me - 1999 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Turtle316 - November 10 - 2:40 am

  My 1999 GMC Sierra 1500 is the first non Ford vehicle that I have ever purchased, and this truck alone has been enough to make me never buy a GM product again. The drivers side window stopped moving, so I took the door panel apart and the motor assembly is barely accessible and a nightmare of a design on top of that. My transmission has started to go out at only 65,000 miles and two wheel bearings went out at the same time. Not to mention that I get between 12 and 13 miles to the gallon driving in this ridiculous California traffic. One more thing, if the turning radius were any larger I would need one of those guys with the flashlights that direct the pilots when pulling into the terminal.

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  great first truck - 1992 GMC Sonoma
  By mike2003 - November 10 - 2:00 am

  If your looking for a small truck thats fun to drive and has lots of pep pick up a sonoma. Their solidly built and with the available vortec engine youll be layin rubber off every start