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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  final fix - 2002 GMC Envoy
  By ron jones - October 23 - 2:00 am

  The only thing we did not like about the vehicle was that the passengers seat belt would always lock up and not release. The dealer fixed this with a seat belt extension.

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  GMC Envoy Review - 2002 GMC Envoy
  By D.C. - October 23 - 2:00 am

  Great SUV! Love the stereo system,and having kids the DVD system dramatically reduces the "Are we there yet?" questions.

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  Great little truck! - 1996 GMC Sonoma
  By stevedb - October 22 - 2:00 am

  Truck has over 117,000 miles and has never let me down. Made mostly short and day trips. V-6 had great power for passing and hauling. V-6 & auto trans got 22 city and 25 highway mpg (better than L4/Maunal was rated. Only did regular maintenance, no other $$$ were spent. Only complaint ss lack of good lumbar support on seat. I am buying another one now due to the great rebates and my GM Card points.

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  A Life Saved - 1990 GMC Safari
  By Rachel Terpstra - October 20 - 2:00 am

  My fiances family has had this van in the family since new. He got it from his parents. We loved that van. It saved my fiances life 3 weeks efore our wedding. Three days ago though my fiance got into a seriouse car wreck. A cement truck pulled out in front of him across 2 lanes of traffic while he was going 45 (55 speed limit on a rainy day) he couldnt stop in time and the van colided into the truck. He is alive and if you looked at the tractor trailer you woldnt believe it.The police say that if not for that van he would be dead. We loved our van and plan to get another.GMC has my vote for best cars around!

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  Great little truck - 1994 GMC Jimmy
  By Bill The Cat - October 19 - 2:00 am

  Bought truck in 1997 with 42K on it. Have made numerous trips to Ohio and Back 600 miles one way. Only major problem is well known EGR valve. Fixed and have had no problems since. Didnt have to replace water pump until 135K. Vortec 4.3L V6 is very powerful and strong motor, brakes are good. Interior has held up fairly. No leaks @ 135K impressive! Still running strong and plan to drive it until the wheels fall off.

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  good - 1993 GMC Jimmy
  By franlee - October 18 - 2:00 am

  it has been a pleasure to have driven a jimmy gmc 4wd truck loved the color and the way its built and also the way it runs.

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  Best Truck for the Money - 2008 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Matt - October 17 - 6:30 am

  I have been looking at buying a new truck for a while and the Sierra Denali is by far the best bang for the buck, that is if you can afford it. The truck has the best ride and handling of any truck I have ever driven. Gas mileage is not to great, so far I have average 15 mpg in the city and I got up to 22 mpg on the highway, but that is not to bad considering you have 403 HP on tap. The truck has excellent fit and finish and the exhaust note is very nice. If you pay sticker for this truck you will be paying way too much, I managed the get the 2WD model with the upgraded 20" chrome wheels for $35,900 (retailed for a little over 42). Bottom line, a great truck for the money.

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  A great truck - 2002 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Bob Woods - October 17 - 2:00 am

  This is a great truck, it performs as advertised and delivers 20 MPG at 70 MPH. It has the 5.3 and drags my 20 foot fifth wheel like its not back there. Will repost after one year. This is my third GM truck, my last one was an 88 and before that a 67.

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  Relatively average - 1998 GMC Sonoma
  By gatorguy - October 16 - 2:00 am

  I have found the truck to be simply that-nothing special

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  Best truck yet - 2006 GMC Sierra 1500
  By WJ - October 16 - 12:13 am

  I dont need a lot of whistles and bells in a truck. What I need is reliability and function, fuel economy was a surprise (19.7 average) city/highway!! Its a great solid reliable truck, the best Ive owned. Before this my Toyota Tundra was tops, and its a great truck, just not a solid as my GMC.