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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  My safari - 1997 GMC Safari
  By mamoke - April 28 - 2:00 am

  Love everything about it but it has become difficult for me to get in and out of it because of my short legs and arthrities.

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  Safari Rocks - 1993 GMC Safari
  By Miller - April 28 - 2:00 am

  We have owned a GMC Safari for seven years and still love it. My only complaint is the space for the passengers feet in the front. The van is spacious and comfortable. I love the built in coolers in the back.

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  Very nice drive with some issues. - 2016 GMC Yukon
  By Seth - April 27 - 9:56 pm

  I love the feeling I get driving this, great looking SUV. I have owned it 6 months and I would buy it again. My issues are minor quality concerns mostly. The underside of the hood on the front edge had a paint drop from the factory that could be felt when I opened the hood. All the body panels (fenders and doors mostly) needed to be adjusted so the body lines matched and the gaps looked equal. Rear bumper Fascia needed to be replaced because the gap to the tailgate wasnt even. The interior quality seems to match my Toyota but its more comfortable to drive the Yukon. Apple CarPlay is a great feature and find myself using Siri for navigation more then factory installed one. Seats are very comfortable and controls are easy to adjust on the dash. One entertainment feature I wish the car had was a HDMI port for the TV.

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  Richs Youkon - 1994 GMC Yukon
  By RLKelley - April 27 - 2:00 am

  I have never owned a truck that is more dependable.

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  Never Again.!!!! - 1998 GMC Envoy
  By confused - April 25 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle had been a finacial nightmare for this family.Within one week the Cat covert. had to be replaced.Now the Valve Body in the Trans has gone bad.!!40,000 miles.!! Make sure you are aware of any problems before you get out your check book. We have had this SUV for less then 6months.......Beware.!!!!!

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  Worst car so far - 2002 GMC Yukon XL
  By clb7 - April 23 - 3:50 pm

  I bought my Yukon a little over 2 years ago and used to love it until recently, I have had to replace the rear end, 2 waterpumps, and the air conditioning. I thought I was all done but now my catalytic converter has gone out and I am sure that is not all that is going to go wrong. My back window is slowly quiting when you roll it up and my emergency brake has quit working all together. This is by far the worst car I have ever had, and the most expensive. I will not buy another one just for these reasons. Other than that, it is a great car, when it is running! I find that is great for the whole family and even pets and groceries but the reliabity just isnt there.

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  Love of my life - 2005 GMC Sierra 2500HD
  By Roger - April 23 - 7:23 am

  Love the truck. Drove the Ford and the GMC and fell in love. Drives sweet. Tow a 10,000 lbs 5th wheel and dont even know it is there. Transmission is great uphill and down. Bose stereo is great. Heated leather seats and dual climate control are sweet. Would recomend this truck to anyone.

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  Dons review - 1995 GMC Yukon
  By thdon - April 23 - 2:00 am

  My experience has been excellent. The Yukon has been a dependable workhorse with a minimum of problems. And the problems were worked out very well by the dealer.

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  My Jimmy Stinks! - 1997 GMC Jimmy
  By Tami Bohman - April 22 - 2:00 am

  We have multiple problems with the dex- cool coolant. It turns into clay and ruins the radiator. We have to have it flushed every 3-6 months. Weve had 2 major transmission problems. The windshield wipers work only when they feel like it! It sounds like the back window is open at all times. Something is wrong with it every 2-3 months! Do not buy

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  My 2005 3500 Xtend Cab 4x4 SRW 8.1L - 2005 GMC Sierra 3500
  By Dale - April 21 - 4:13 pm

  Ride seems very smooth. Some wind noise through the extended cab doors. Very powerful with the 8.1L V-8