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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  My GMC - 1999 GMC Sonoma
  By SonomaBuyer - November 10 - 2:00 am

  I just bought a 99 GMC Sonoma a little while ago and I love my truck so far no problems or major mechanical stuff so far. I have always loved trucks. How they handle, engine etc and having an american made truck is even better!!

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  Excellent SUV - 2002 GMC Yukon
  By walywrld1 - November 10 - 2:00 am

  Cannot overstate how pleased I am with my Yukon. Traded a 00 Expedition and without hesitation, the Yukon is a far superior. It is more powerful and responsive, excellent engine (5.3L). It rides firmer (a positive) and handles better. It gives better gas mileage with a larger engine. I say again, excellent engine. Transmission shifts are un-noticable. Great room, front and back (dont have the 3rd seat, didnt want, my 3rd seat in my Expy stayed in the basement all the time). I like the dash and interior, great seats. This is a comfortable truck that is solid as a rock. I even compared to the 03 Expy and found the Yukon still superior.

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  My Sonoma - 2003 GMC Sonoma
  By f41driver - November 10 - 2:00 am

  I actually own a 2000 Sonoma SLS 3dr ZQ8 V6/automatic, but its the same exact truck as a 2003 sans the wheel style and radio. I bought this truck on a whim, and I regret it. I like the looks, and when it was new it was the sweetest thing I could find for $21K, so I got it. My truck seems to be the worst Sonoma ever built because everyone I know with one has never had a problem, but mine rattles, creeks, and is slow and gets 16mpg no matter how you drive it. The seats became a little uncomfortable after a year or so, but thats just me.

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  roomy option with good mileage - 2010 GMC Terrain
  By mom w/ teenagers - November 9 - 2:33 pm

  replaced beloved Mazda 3. Needed more room for growing teenage boys. Like the interior, sound system, ride and handling. Looked at many makes and models, thought I wanted an Equinox, but dealer got in this Terrain with the features I wanted...absolutely love it!

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  Great Idea, built on a Friday - 2002 GMC Envoy
  By Moquin - November 8 - 2:00 am

  We have had a lot of problems with this vehicle. From the windows getting scratched from opening and closing them to the power mirrors not going into place or moving on their own. The rear passenger window had to be fixed/would not open. The hatchback handle has been replaced. The rear end differential ruptured and needed to be replaced.

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  Nice looks, but quite a step backwards... - 2014 GMC Sierra 1500
  By csviper - November 6 - 3:10 am

  Just purchased my new 2014 GMC Sierra with all the bells and whistles just a step below a Denali and wow, this thing looks nice, but really it is very similar to a truck I had many years ago. There are a few pieces of technology that are a nice upgrade (when they work), but they also skimped on some of the basics. As shown below some of the items that were standard items years ago are not even options today. The iPhone USB interface is hit or miss with IOS 8.0.2. Sometimes when making/receiving calls you get hand free, sometimes you have to use the phone itself. Also the heads up display is just a red flashing light, no information shown. Maybe next year...

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  not up to par - 2001 GMC Safari
  By hrsepor31 - November 5 - 2:00 am

  this is a slopply put together van rattles not repairable in side door fuel mileage very poor 17 highway 13 city the cloth interior is not very durable shows stains easily brakes wear out quickly third set already at 30000 rotors warpped from factory throttle service is expensive and unaffordable

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  So Sorry I Bought It - 2000 GMC Jimmy
  By GotAHonda - November 5 - 2:00 am

  Eight trips to the dealership for repeated repairs including wheel bearings, pinion seals, electrical, ignition switch, brakes, the list is endless. Finally took a beating and traded it in (with 3 more problems) for a Honda CRV and what a world of difference. I am sorry I every bought the Jimmy (an expensive lesson). Very poor quality.

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  Love My Truck - 2007 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Pat - November 4 - 6:56 am

  Just bought this truck. Already love it. Nothing like a GMC vehicle and love the Vortec engines. Still have a Bravada with a 178,000 miles on it doesnt use a drop of oil and runs like a champ. This 2007 is comfortable and has a great ride. Just hope it gives the same service my old Blazer and Bravada have given.

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  So Far, So Great - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By Kelly RN - November 4 - 2:06 am

  This vehicle is the perfect alternative to the dreaded minivan. Great gas mileage. Lots of room for the kids and everything else we tote. Eye catching style. GM finally came out with something Ive been looking for for a long time. So impressed I actually bought this one.