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:

• 

  Will never purchase another one. - 2000 GMC Sonoma
  By ASI FD - June 21 - 2:00 am

  I have had nothing but problems with this vehicle. The first year that I owned it, it spent a total of 46 days in the shop for multiple repairs. I contacted GMC to discuss my concerns about the vehicle and they have yet to offer any type of an solution. The problem is that the Maryland Lemon Law is only good for the first 10,000 miles on the vehicle. I put 10,000 miles on the truck in the first 6 months that I owned it. Just another case of a company taking advantage of a consumer, how is one person going to make a difference to out total sales?

• 

  GMC HD - 2001 GMC Sierra 2500HD
  By Harris - June 20 - 4:10 am

  Best vehicle I have ever owned. Still smooth and powerful after 150,000 absolutly trouble free miles. Ford and Dodge probably have as good an engine, but no way can they match the Allison/Duramax as a package. I used to trade trucks every year, but I still enjoy this one so much I want to see just how long it will go.

• 

  Great Vehicle!!! - 2001 GMC Yukon
  By walt - June 20 - 2:00 am

  Love it....Recomend it to whoever wants to purchase an SUV....On four wheel drive it does squeak a bit on turns.,..but has great pick up, wonderful handling, and not bad to look at either....

• 

  GMC 1500 Lemon - 2002 GMC Sierra 1500
  By SC - June 19 - 10:43 am

  The truck ran and performed fine up to the point to where I had about 8000 miles on it. After that, engine knocks, transmission slips, steering problems, brake problems, gas mileage dropped, tires were wearing funny, brake light electrical problems all surfaced. Maintenance shop was cluless on fixing problems and didnt know how to fix anything. I was accused of 4 wheeling the truck when I have never even had it off road. Then I was told that the steering problems, brake problems, and tire problems were not covered under warranty past 1500 miles. Worst truck I have ever owned and Ill never own another.

• 

  Great Ride - 2001 GMC Yukon
  By tn803 - June 19 - 2:00 am

  Excellent Choice of SUV. Top of the Line in its class. Blows away Sequoia in power and price.

• 

  Love Our Van - 1994 GMC Safari
  By Steve W. - June 18 - 2:00 am

  What a great vehicle! Bigger than a minivan but not as big and lumbering as a fullsize. Ours now has right at 150,000 miles and weve had very few problems. Had to replace the AC compressor at 62K miles, and other than that, have just performed regular maintenance. This is the second Safari weve owned and both have been trouble- free. When the time comes to replace ours, I know well be buying another Safari.

• 

  GMC Jimmy Envoy 2000 - 2000 GMC Envoy
  By Ladystrdst - June 18 - 2:00 am

  Exellent vehicle, handles well, quiet smooth ride. This is my third Jimmy, previously owned a 95. The 2000 has come a long way compared to the 95.

• 

  Vibration buy-back - 2002 GMC Sonoma
  By N. J. - June 15 - 2:00 am

  This is a follow-up to my earlier rating. The truck IS unrepairable. It has taken GMC TWO MONTHS to admit this and authorize a buy back. They started to charge me useage for the 400 miserable miles I drove it. Unmitigated gall! Now Im told they dont want to re-imburse me for the sales tax. Im out of patience and looking at other brands, GM card be damned.

• 

  MIni-Van Killer - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By Clinton - June 14 - 1:20 pm

  Just bought the vehicle a week ago, and it has been great. We live in the mountains of Salt Lake and it has no problem with power. Love the fit and finish of the vehicle, as well as the car like drive.This really is the perfect vehicle if your wife hates the mini-van, but needs a mini-van. This car has mini-van advantages without the image abusing looks of a van.

• 

  2 Year Old Denali - 2002 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Suzcrew - June 14 - 10:00 am

  I have owned my Denali for 2 years now. Up until the warranty ran out I did not have any problems. Now problems with the drive shaft, steering, and transmission. I am have taken excellent care of my truck and wouldnt think of even getting it muddy. However, now I am thinking about trading it in on something with fewer problems. Your adverage Joe will not touch this truck for repairs. Getting parts has been impossible and even dealers cant order the right ones (parts). I love the look, the comfort, the whole package of this truck and hate to part with it. This truck gets more attention than I do!