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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  electrical hell - 1997 GMC Safari
  By Rick Earl - September 11 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle has been expensive to operate. It had electrical problems from the start. It continues to eat fuses like candy. The lighter, fuel gauge, and power windows have not worked in 2 years. Its on its 4th battery and 3rd set of front brakes. The front end wears tires quickly, even with it properly aligned. In short buyer beware. There is very little head or leg room in the front seats.

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  It keeps rollin - 1994 GMC Jimmy
  By ademmon - September 11 - 2:00 am

  It is a great SUV. This is the one that I have always wanted since I was a Teenager.

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  Sonoma the truck of many problems - 2002 GMC Sonoma
  By Robert Godfrey - September 11 - 2:00 am

  Ive had problems with the rear, then the transmission, then the engine. Body panels were out of alignment and body rattles. A harsh ride, thats so bad that when you hit a series of small bumps the truck skates sideways, making it the most dangerous pick-up truck Ive ever driven. Low unconfortable seats with very poor visibility of the front end, and large blind spots. Makes me sorry I bought a GM vehicle, but Im stuck with it, maybe this will steer others to another manufacturer.

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  Drive Train OK - 1994 GMC Suburban
  By Michigan - September 10 - 2:00 am

  My truck has a 454 in it so you can imagine the gas that it chugs. I like the old 454 for their cast iron blocks. However, replacing the pitman arm, left front wheel bearing, alternator, starter, water pump, hydro boost pump, rear drums, valve cover gaskets, and more to come, I think am begining to lose confidence that I can actually drive this truck "till the wheels fall off" without spending far too much on keeping it on the road.

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  A nice Truck - 1999 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Sierra152 - September 10 - 2:00 am

  I just got this a few day s ago and here are my first reactions: I have the 5.3 V-8 and it preforms well. Although it doesnt have the power of my Z-28, it can move fast enough. The ride is better then the fords I looked at. The Auto 4WD is good, but you may want to turn it off for parking. It is very comfortable and fun to drive, it is a truck that you can do stuff with like moving and off road driving but it can be driven every day. I will try and write an update after i have drivin it for a while.

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  BUY ONE NOW!!! YOULL LOVE IT!!!!! - 2002 GMC Envoy
  By SKIP - September 10 - 2:00 am

  THIS IS ABSOLUTELY THE BEST VEHICLE I HAVE EVER OWNED! I HAVE HAD ABSOLUTLEY NOTHING TO COMPLAIN ABOUT IN THE SEVEN MONTHS OF OWNERSHIP. I WORK IN THE AUTO MOTIVE FIELD AND AM VERY PARTICULAR ABOUT CERTAIN THINGS. I SEE THE REVIEWS ON OTHER MAKES IE: BMW X5 4.6is AWD WITH A 340 HP MOTOR THAT HAS A MAXIMUM TOWING CAPACITY OF 6000 LBS. MY LITTLE INLINE SIX IS RATED @ 6100 LBS!! THE ENVOY IS BIGGER INSIDE AND OUT YET HAS A CURB WEIGHT THATS 224 LBS LESS, HAS A LONGER WHEELBASE , BUT HAS A TIGHTER TURNING RADIUS!! SURE ITS NOT GERMAN ENGINEERED ALL THIS AND I STILL SAVED $35,000 OVER THE BEEMER. AM I A HAPPY CAMPER??? YOU BET!!!-

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  Lots of Fun - 1999 GMC Jimmy
  By Happyrider - September 9 - 2:00 am

  I love my Jimmy. It has been reliable transportation and stylish as well. Its simply great fun to drive!

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  Just keeps on ticking - 1994 GMC Suburban
  By mike - September 8 - 2:00 am

  I bought this truck with 192,000 miles on it and it was clean as a whistle. I now have 233,000 miles on it and it just keeps going. It doesnt use any oil and its dry as a bone underneith. Im looking at buying a 96 model and its the same clean as a pin and it has 161,000 miles on it. I hope its as good as the other one. These are both GMC vehicles.

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  Lots of Bugs - 2002 GMC Yukon
  By totally - September 7 - 2:00 am

  Have had nothing but problems. With 4000 miles the car has been in the shop more then 5 times. Electrical problems are the most prevelent and the dealership has had a hard time replicating the problems. GM Customer Assist has been no help and the local reps concern was only that I was not stranded on the highway. Otherwise he concluded the warranty is working.

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  Canyon 2.8L Duramax SLE With All Terrain Package - 2016 GMC Canyon
  By Grahamwoz - September 6 - 11:23 pm

  Needed something with more room and better carrying capability than the Jeep I was driving. Walked in to the dealer and saw they had 2 of the new Canyons with the 2.8L Duramax engine. Was an expensive up grade from the 3.6L gas BUT having owned it a month totally worth it: 1. Around town/highway getting 25 mpg avg 2. On a recent drive from Portland OR to San Francisco it did it on one tank of diesel (it must hold more than 21 gallons when topped off) and with it showing 30 mpg at highway speeds all the way (plus its 4WD) 3. Fully loaded with 5 adults and 5 sets of camping gear in the Mountains you would think it was hauling just me, the engine and gear box are fantasic. My wife did not like the ride or roughness of the Jeep so when I bought this I did not tell her it was a diesel, it was only a week later, having riden in it a number of times, she was stood next to it when I used the remote start that she said "your engine is making a funny noise" Over all car like ride on the open road, pick up truck for carrying loads (same length but slightly narrow than a full size truck) and an engine that as all the power I need and then more but makes me smile when I see the price of diesel is $0.50 lower than gas where I live.