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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  junk-! - 1995 GMC Jimmy
  By savage59 - October 30 - 2:00 am

  more problems then its worth. blown master cynder bad brakes, o2 sensor and erg senser blown CATALIC CONVERTER BAD . this was suppose to be a gmc top of the line suv. total junk. every week somthing new. cant wait to unload-!

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  I love this truck - 2001 GMC Sierra 1500
  By drgroth1 - October 29 - 3:00 am

  I have driven this truck cross country several times, a few of these trips required towing another car behind. I went through Colorado and had no trouble keeping up with the rest of the traffic even though I was fully loaded and towing a loaded car behind me up the mountains. I have driven in snow in Minnesota and even though I do not have four wheel drive I did not have any problems, I did have snow tires installed. I get 20mpg, which is great for a truck. I cannot say enough good about this vehicle.

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  Ultimate Family Ride - 2001 GMC Yukon XL
  By DAVID C - October 28 - 9:16 am

  This is one of the best family size SUV I have found. It has plenty of room for 3 children in car seats and all needed accessories. Gas mileage is very good for what you get. Over 325 horsepower and safety features for children. It is not for everyone. Only people who need one should buy one then you wont have to gripe about the gas mileage. Like I said you get what you pay for. It is built for comfort strength and safety. When I wear this one out I will buy another

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  Love it but some issues - 2007 GMC Yukon XL
  By timber - October 27 - 5:13 pm

  This is a great family vehicle. Love its style and comfort. We got a good deal 10,000 off msrp. Only problem is a phantom rattle or vibration in front at low coasting speeds. Dealer cant seem to figure it out. Also we did not get leather so the seats are a terrible lint trap. They collect everything from lint to hair. Towing is great. The fake chrome interior door handles are bad, had to be replaced due to chipping. At that price you think it would be cheaper to do it right the first time.

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  Fun Four Wheel Drive - 1992 GMC Sonoma
  By jtpaletti - October 27 - 1:00 am

  The truck is great. I havent had any major problems with it yet. I absolutly love the four wheel drive.

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  Im So Sorry I Bought This Vehicle - 2000 GMC Jimmy
  By BethPrice - October 27 - 1:00 am

  Starting at 20000 miles, my 2000 Jimmy has had nothing but problems: front wheel bearings, both sides ($450 but GMC covered this even though I was out of warrenty for one of them because this vehicle has had so many problems), ignition switch, front and rear pinion seals TWICE recurrent problem every 18000 miles or so), electrical problems. Now my brakes are making a strange creaking and groaning noise if applied with any force. Here I paid $28000 two years ago for a truck that is now worth only $12000 trade in and I cannot with good conscience sell it to a private buyer without revealing all the problems, then who in their right mind would buy it!

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  my xl - 2004 GMC Yukon XL
  By ssaammiieellaa - October 26 - 10:00 am

  it is a great car 2 own

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  GMC Sierra Crew Cab - 2004 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Dcg - October 26 - 10:00 am

  The vehicle itself is great. I would stay clear of Midway Nissan/GMC if you want to leave with any dignity. I am still trying to figure out how they added every maint service/Logard/theft gaurd/etc, etc, etc onto my contract without me wanting it. They have given me no follow up communication depite 2 very pointed letters. The GMC Sierra truck however is great. My family loves it this far.

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  My Lemon - 1998 GMC Suburban
  By dgalliga - October 24 - 2:00 am

  I have always liked GM vehicles. Previous to this suburban I had one I purchased in 1992 that I traded on this vehicle with 165,000 miles. It was a great rig. This one however has been nothing but problems since we purchased it. 2 months after we bought it, it needed a new transmission fluid pump, to the tune of $3000. It then had a period of good working for about a year. In the last three months I have had to replace the alternator, the starter, the water pump, the battery, and just learned that I need a brand new transmission today. While the suburban has been an industry standard, I wouldnt recommend this model year.

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  sick little ride - 1992 GMC Typhoon
  By gat - October 23 - 2:00 am

  This has been the best auto i have ever owned. It is the best pullen up to kids in there trans ams or z28s and blowin them off the roadthey usually have a funny look on there face when i beat them they think its a blazer. It is so rare people dont evan know what they are anymore.If you find one you better buy it.