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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  GMC 2500HD 4 years later - 2004 GMC Sierra 2500HD
  By Steve Coleman - September 15 - 1:53 pm

  Truck has been overall a good unit. Windsheild leak when new at passenger floorboard and behind dash. Took 1 year for local dealer to finally fix. Climate Control slow to activate fan, really noticable on hot days, seems I have to press brake pedal to start blower (wierd). Trans will sometimes start in 2nd gear, then shift to 1st. Usual problems with intermiediate steering shaft (now on 2nd fix), drivers seat belt and armrest broke, pass side also (wrty fixes). Also having wierd problem during cold months with intermittent dash light and guages recycling, no fix yet. Orig brakes are still strong at 90k miles, tire wear good, body still tight and quiet, engine strong with no oil usage

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  Loving it! - 2010 GMC Terrain
  By Gran 1 - September 13 - 2:46 pm

  Traded in 2005 Cadillac CTS -- Terrain runs "rings" around comfort; smoother more quiet ride; and 4 cyl. feels like 6 or above. This is my "dream" vehicle and Im very happy. Also have 2003 Chevy Venture and this is much smoother and more stable. XOXOXOX

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  Best bang for the buck...by far - 2004 GMC Yukon XL
  By Billy_C - September 13 - 10:00 am

  Want a big, luxury SUV? Deck out an XL with SLT trim and save some big $$. Lexus and Caddillac cannot show me 20+K worth of advantages over this ride. Its got big power, lots of room, all creature comforts and a feel- good vibe. Best vehicle Ive ever purchased.

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  Fine truck. Car like ride. - 2004 GMC Yukon XL
  By Marty Sodak - September 13 - 10:00 am

  This is my first Denali, coming off a 2001 Excursion. I do miss the interior room, but this is a much more advanced vehicle. It is comfortable, quiet, well appointed, and less expensive than the Escalade. Fuel economy is only 15, but not surprising with all that power. Also, the climte control with dual sided controls works quite well.

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  Quadrasteer Rocks!!! - 2004 GMC Sierra 1500
  By KellyA - September 13 - 10:00 am

  I got what may be the last 2WD Quadrasteer in the contry, 700 miles from home, and worth the trip to pick it up. I hear it will be available in 4WD only in 2005. This truck is a dream to drive. It is easier to park in a crowded parking lo than the Ford Ranger I had before. I am still amazed by how tight it will turn. GMCs commercials dont do it justice. The 5.3 liter engine is very powerful, but I still average 19 MPG highway, and just finished our first road trip pulling my 1500 lb boat trailer, we still averaged 17 MPG! The cab is very comfortable for day long drives, spacious and quiet.

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  I wish I bought a Dodge - 2005 GMC Sierra 1500
  By joe - September 13 - 8:20 am

  Was a decent truck when I bought it. But it wouldnt tow worth a dang, piston slap, horrible trans, creaks, squeaks, parts breaking, clunking from steering shaft, burnout lights, sound system, tires, brakes, and so much more wrong with it. My 2nd gm and last. Im buying a Dodge.

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  Right Size - 2000 GMC Jimmy
  By APRN - September 13 - 2:00 am

  My husband as a 2000 GMC Yukon which the family LOVES, so my little Jimmy is just used to haul me to work and back. Its just the right size for me (the Yukon is a little scary to drive for me). We had an oil leak from day one, and took 4 trips back to the dealer to fix, and the headlights were WAY out of wack, but other than that, no real issues. My lease is up in 8 months, and will probably turn it in. I have my heart set on the RX300

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  Tops - 2000 GMC Yukon
  By Stockbroker - September 13 - 2:00 am

  I have owned luxury cars that didnt ride this nice. We currently have a BMW 5 series, but this is the family vehicle of choice for everything from the weekly trip to the store, to our 835 mile trip back to our hometown. The only issue was a rattle in the driver door that was fixed with one visit for no fee. We opted for the bigger engine, and it has been wonderful. I stopped buying GM cars many years ago because of poor quality, but wife talked me into giving them one more try (wifes father worked for GM for over 20 years), and Im glad we did.

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  Problems - 1995 GMC Jimmy
  By usmcjoeg - September 12 - 2:00 am

  Fuel injector poppets $600 repair at 60K miles, Fuel Pump, A/C compressor x2, power door locks, $200 EGR valve x2, Transmission dump at 110k, never towed anything, perfect oil change schedule, good regular maintenance schedule. This vehicle has inherent problems not due to owner abuse! BUYER BEWARE!

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  So far, so good - 2002 GMC Envoy
  By bigtalllefty - September 12 - 2:00 am

  After 11 months of ownership, complaints are minor. Top of seat back is too low for 65" driver. With tilt steering wheel in comfortable position, cant read speedometer (blocked by top of steering wheel). Initially, fuel economy was horrid improved to reasonably close to EPA ratings after a few thousand miles. CD/cassette stereo and limited slip only options on our Envoy. No mechanical problems. Dont break a fancy headlight: cost a fortune to replace! Oil changes are expensive: SEVEN quarts of oil!