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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  BIg Red - 1999 GMC Sierra 1500
  By the Big Red - June 30 - 2:00 am

  Got this veicle as a left over in 2000, didnt want red, but it has grown on me, the trucks styling is modern, but not over board like a Dodge, and does not look like the sheet metal was hung on the truck like Fords, it is what it is supposed to be a pick-up truck, not a tractor trailer or a car. Reliable with close to 50,000 miles, nothing more required but routine maintenance, and new tires. it looks good sitting in the driveway. I would recommend a GMC to anyone,it rides well, and looks good and works hard.

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  Love It - 2000 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Taber - June 29 - 8:10 pm

  This vehicle has been the best vehicle I have ever owned. It is dependable and has had no problems since I purchased it.

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  It is OK but sometimes you will hate it. - 1997 GMC Yukon
  By Phatts - June 29 - 2:00 am

  I really wanted one of these when they came out. I got mine in March 1997. I did not have any problems at all until July 1999. The transmission went out on a road trip. Since then it has 3 more transmission. Other than one little fact, this really has been a good vehicle to have. I am about to buy another vehicle but this time it will be a Tahoe insted of a Yukon. Peace Chris

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  dont really want to part with it... - 1995 GMC Sonoma
  By michael little - June 29 - 2:00 am

  I bought it brand new with 450mi on it, at about $14,500. I religiously have and continue to make the mechanics of the truck running smoothly, using only top of the line grade fluids, filters, plugs, etc. There was a head gasket leak about 3-4 years ago, and had to be completely re-worked, but has had no problems since...in fact, the engine runs like 50,000mi and has recently had a serp. belt replaced. There are minor faults such as the integrity of the body, some of which was fixed(rust), but only by the dealer.Ive never seen an accident(even minor)with this truck, and has proven good in the snowy weather(up to 2-3 feet).

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  So far so good... Love my Envoy - 2002 GMC Envoy
  By John26830 - June 28 - 10:00 am

  Only have had it a short time but love all aspects of it, Test drove 5 other suvs and this one fits my needs, The deal went smooth and I will watch out for the things others have been having trouble with, but none so far, Power and the handling are as expected, interior is very comfortable,The standard options are aplenty.

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  2008 Gold Mist SLT2 - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By mike - June 27 - 8:03 am

  At 6000 miles I am delighted with this vehicle. Loaded with just about all options. Room for all my wordly possessions! very comfortable to travel in. Mileage is as good as I expected; certainly good for a vehicle of this size and power. As noted by others, trans is sometimes a little "busy" but power is more than adequate.

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  Duramax Dually 2004 - 2004 GMC Sierra 3500
  By Gilles - June 25 - 11:26 pm

  I purchased the Sierra dually Duramax (LLY - 310hp & 605flbs) to pull a heavy fifth wheel and so far my experience has been trouble free. So far I am fully satisfied although I only have 30,000 km and time will provide more information on reliability of the Duramax. I find it fun to drive and fuel efficiency is good compared to the other diesel (Ford & Chrysler). It provide plenty of performance compare to a gas engine. The interior is perhaps blend as per the critics but it provides a price advantage compare to the Fords King Ranch. It does not take away from the performance.

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  GMC 2000 JIMMY - 2001 GMC Jimmy
  By JETSKI - June 25 - 2:00 am

  VERY DISAPPOINTED IN RELIABILITY OF PARTS ON THIS VEHICLE. AFTER WARRANTEE IS UP DEALER NOW TELLS YOU THIS SHOULD BE DONE, THAT SHOULD BE DONE, AND OH BY THE WAY ALL THE WHEEL BEARINGS NOW NEED TO BE REPLACED. AFTER 45,000 MILES THIS VEHICLE IS FALLING APART. THIS IS AFTER IS HAS BEEN FAITHFULLY SERVICED AT AT GMC DEALERSHIP SINCE BOUGHT THERE AND HAS BEEN DRIVEN BY A FEMALE THAT DOES NOT ABUSE VEHICLES.

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  BEWARE - 2003 GMC Envoy
  By finnj - June 24 - 10:00 am

  I have a 2002 GMC Envoy. The vehicle has been brought into the shop 4 times so far for a loud engine noise issue. They can not fix it. The vehicle is terrible on gas as well. Can not recommend this car..it looks nice, but does not perform well and GM can not seem to fix problems they know exist.

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  I Love My Acadia! - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By lmstancel - June 23 - 10:10 pm

  This is my dream car! I love it! The way it drives, the luxury feel to it, everything. This car has every bell and whistle I could ask for. The back cargo area is roomy and the rear seats fold down and back up easily. The steering collum has touch control for everything. Very deep, roomy consoles. We fit 6 large adults very comfortably with lots of room left. The driver assist backup camera is so helpful. I feel very safe and confident driving this SUV.