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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  Loved it for 10 years. - 1992 GMC Sonoma
  By Scott Kahler - July 8 - 2:00 am

  Great and reliable vehicle.... Without any significant work, this vehicle lasted many cross-country trips and survived three years in Puerto Rico. My only complaint was the defective paint....

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  Wouldnt get another GMC - 2001 GMC Yukon
  By Julie1 - July 8 - 2:00 am

  This is the worst vehicle Ive ever had. In 15 mos of ownership its gotten 2 new sunroof switches, a new sunroof, a new clock, new radio, new controls in console for rear seat passengers, and has been in for several electrical probs. The dealership has been very accommodating and certainly embarassed. I spoke with the area rep who made it out to be my fault and said these problems could occur in any make of vehicle. Ive owned lots of different makes and have never had this many problems. Im just waiting for the next thing to go wrong.

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  SLT 2 6 Cyl Terrain - 2010 GMC Terrain
  By kelpie99 - July 6 - 8:13 pm

  When I went shopping for a new SUV, the Terrain had so many more features then the rest of the pack, that the purchase was a no brainer. I like that the navigation system is constantly updated and no disc is required. The car is quiet and feels solid. No rattles or noises at all. The interior leather and plastics are well done and of much higher quality then the GMs of the past.

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  Great overall family truck - 2002 GMC Sierra 2500HD
  By Mark Danley - July 6 - 2:00 am

  This has been an exceptional truck, plenty of power and quiet for a diesel. much quieter than either the Dodge or Ford. A very comfortable truck to drive. We pull a 10,000 lb 5th wheel and it pulls with little effort.

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  GM Quality - 2015 GMC Sierra 2500HD
  By Brad - July 5 - 7:50 pm

  only 1700 miles on the truck and had it in the dealer twice for an oil leak. The oil pan has surface cracking, apparently acceptable to GM as it is on every truck. The wax coating on the frame can be easily removed by a fingernail and already has rust coming through mainly on the joints as if it was not applied properly or the coating method is simply insufficient. I actually bought 2 of these trucks and both have had paint issues. the 1st truck had the 3.73 axle, which has a poor tow rating of only 9200 pounds or so. this information cannot be found on the website and the website shows you cant even get the 3.73 with the gas engine. sunglasses holder is oddly shaped and wont fit regular sunglasses. the manual shift mode doesnt allow you to shift up when coasting downhill or something. the truck always seams to be down one gear lower than it should be when coasting and tow mode is off. the passenger tow mirror is very poor for visibility and doesnt show the side of my trailer as my f150 did. the led lighting is cool but there are wires that can get snagged under the bed rails. ride is more firm than previous models which I like. Ipod playback is horrible. very slow to respond and often doesnt work at all. dealer said it works fine. air conditioner lowers for phone calls which is cool. towing uphill isnt very good. the truck bounces between 2 gears, one which is excessively high and the other is to low to maintain speed.

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  2002 Yukon by Otis - 2002 GMC Yukon
  By Otis - July 5 - 2:00 am

  This has been the best of the 3 previous SUVs that Ive owned. It has has meet all my expetations of great SUV.

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  Silervado to GMC - 2003 GMC Sierra 1500
  By wrench1 - July 4 - 7:10 am

  Traded in a 2002 Silverado for this 2003 Sierra. Got the color and options that I really wanted, plus improved performance with 2003 trucks. Build quality was poor with lots of visits to dealer for minor warranty repairs, but now the truck has been terrific. Looking now to downsize for a smaller truckk with almost same towing for fish/ski boat. Fuel mileage has been 21-23 with 5.3L and 3.42 rear, synthetic oil, tires pumped up to 44 lbs always.

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  behind the mask - 2002 GMC Envoy
  By Zorro - July 4 - 2:00 am

  I assume you are looking here because you are considering an Envoy..well I snuck in here as I own the Envoy twin, the Olds Bravada..5700 carefree miles and the 60,000 mile warrranty is the Big difference over the Envoy, not to mention the Olds dealers are selling them at invoice since they arent as popular nameplate as GMC "suv of the year"..Youll love the ride and quietness over the Explorer!

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  Dont buy it!!! - 1996 GMC Jimmy
  By kempc - July 3 - 2:00 am

  I bought an SLT from my mother at what I thought was a steal of a price. She was the only owner and believes in keeping a car well maintained. I got the car just below trade in value. Within 2 months of ownership, I replaced the transmission (60k miles) and the AC compressor. Not long after, I replaced the water pump, the alternator, and the battery twice. I am now considering buying a Car with 171,000 miles to replace it. The car is unreliable.

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  Great Van if you need the space - 2001 GMC Safari
  By dave - July 2 - 2:00 am

  This Van is excellent for space i really need it beCause i have 5 kids. love the features i love this van.