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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  problems - 2002 GMC Sonoma
  By problems - December 20 - 2:00 am

  nothing but problems The fuel gauge sending unit has been replaced twice the four wheel drive is out and still waiting on a second round of parts the power drivers seat will make dinging noises when going over bumps all problems have not been solved still hoping I enjoy driving the truck but if this continues may have to dump it.

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  I switch to this from FORD - 2001 GMC Jimmy
  By Donald E Gorton - December 18 - 2:00 am

  This auto has been maintained by a GMC dealer since new. It has been the shop 4 times for minor engine problems. Service engine light comes on. an air pump has been replaced twice under warrenty. The ball joints were replaced under warrenty The battery went bad after out of warrenty. Know I have a problem that the shop says is $800 to fix out of warranty of course.

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  Envoy for sale ! - 2002 GMC Envoy
  By JTEnvoy - December 17 - 2:00 am

  These are the most uncomfortable seats ever! What about the 16 gallon tank? great idea! After 500 miles, the check engine light Then 1,000 miles later, the driver seat started coming apart. Then my family noticed that the passenger doors had to be slammed in order to close properly. GMC fixed the seat, could not fix the doors. Until once again something went wrong. The driver side seat belt became jammed. I brought it in again! They now have a new one on order for me. Wonderful right? I have more.... Now, EVERY DAY at 1800 RPMs, the engine makes a "whinning" type sound This is not normal. Im done with this LEMON.....Its now for sale.

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  NOT SO PROFESSIONAL GRADE - 2002 GMC Envoy
  By envoyjewel - December 13 - 2:00 am

  Ive had my envoy for a year now, and it has been in the shop more times than Ive ever visited a dealer in my whole life with other cars. Ive had noise problems, fan clutch problems, loud noise in the motor area, it turned off on me on the freeway. Ive also had sensor lights for SERVICE ENGINE and AIRBAGS come on a couple of times. I also wonder if the paint quality is not that great. I have more chips on this brand new car, than on my previous 13year old car.

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  Transmission trouble - 2003 GMC Yukon XL
  By shane45 - December 11 - 11:21 pm

  I have had my 2003 yukon xl 2wd for five and a half years.I bought it used with 22000 miles on it.It now has 103000 miles. At 65000 miles the transmission went out,a $2200 repair. At 77000 miles the instrument cluster lost gauge function one by one,this is a recalled issue up to 75000miles. The dealer wanted $800 to repair it.I purchased a used repaired one on ebay for $150. At 90000 miles the transmission went out again,another $1800 for repair. The power window motor went out on passenger side,drivers side is now moving slowly,so if I do it myself $300 repair. It seats 9,handles mountian roads great,but repair costs has lost my faith in GM. Save up for repair costs,you may need it.

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  Wish I hadnt bought it - 2000 GMC Safari
  By J McCluskky - December 9 - 2:00 am

  I have a 90 Chevy Astro van, so I thought a 2000 Safari would be better. Not so. Had transmissions at 8500 mi. and at 22000 mi. A/C compressor has been replaced at 5000 mi. Engine has a random stumble and sometimes dies, but dealer cannot duplicate and repair. The exhaust tone in the rear of the van is obnoxious. I also find the drivability of the drive train less than it should be.

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  2000 Envoy - 2000 GMC Envoy
  By DAPAR - December 2 - 2:00 am

  Beautiful interior /exterior, all the little extras on this model made it seem almost too good to be true. Unfortunately performance hasnt been that great. When I bought the vehicle I thought it only needed a front end alignment and was given $30 by dealership to fix, I bought it out of state). I found later it really needed upper & lower ball joints, idler arm and front end alignment (cost over $1000). After having it under 5 weeks the transmission went out... very disappointing. Doors also should lock when in motion, but dont. Temperature control needs improvement - doesnt seem to reach temperature setting inside vehicle.

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  GMC Safari SLE - 1999 GMC Safari
  By Clifford53 - November 30 - 2:00 am

  as listed in the review section Not bad for an American car

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  2007 GMC Acadia - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By fino - November 28 - 6:43 pm

  Great ride solid 8 out of 10 for large family. Handles well and is confortable on the frwy. I have been fortunate to drive all new vehicles with full factory warranties. I have purchased them all new and have never had service issues or at least not one I can recall. This is my first GM and its been in 4 times in the first 4 months Ive owned it. The issues are never ending. The time before last I p/u from service and it stalled at the next intersection. I did not know it could be this bad. I have absolutely without doubt have purcheased a lemon. Its presently at the dealer with a long list of issues.

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  Iffy... - 2000 GMC Jimmy
  By Tash - November 22 - 2:00 am

  Well thank goodness Ive only a few months left with this vehicle. This vehicle from the begining had problems. Starting with the recurring brake problems(ABS), to electrical problems. The ignition went out after a year. The serpentine belt went out. Headlights mysteriously went out while driving home one night. The past 5 months have been pretty uneventful fortunately. I still wont have peace of mind until I get a new car. And of course it wont be a GM car. Bad experience overall.