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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  Sport machine! - 2001 GMC Jimmy
  By MJC333 - March 7 - 11:47 pm

  I purchased my Jimmy just under three months ago, and Ive loved every minute Ive spent driving it since. The handling is incredible, the V6 has impressive power, and the ride is extremely quiet and comfortable. I just couldnt ask for anything more...except a little better gas mileage. All in all...a true winner. The excellent 4wd, powerful v6, high ground clearance, and sporty suspension makes for a great driving experience offroad or on.

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  poor quality parts supplier - 1998 GMC Safari
  By Bob Blackwood - March 7 - 10:04 pm

  Nice vehicle very expensive rugged for towing boat etc. very dissappointed in brakes & front end .had to replace front brakes & rotors @ 20000 miles , rotors to far gone to turn. should have been warr, dealer said no. general tires were gone @ 30000 miles & had to put new Idler arms on @ 36000, still not warr. 4yr old. Im ret vehicle only used only for pleasure. & tow boat less than 20 miles a year.

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  SLS Crew Cab 4WD - 2001 GMC Sonoma
  By CareyM - March 6 - 11:57 pm

  Overall I think this is a very nice truck. Roomy back seat when compared to other small crew cab trucks. Powerful V6 engine - a bit noisy but very high torque and towing power for a small truck. Very quiet cabin and smooth ride for a truck. Edmunds must have been looking at a lesser trim package. My loaded SLS Crew Cab has a very nice interior, very nice upholstery and I always receive compliments from people.

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  No problems...period. - 2000 GMC Jimmy
  By txrngr34 - March 6 - 1:54 am

  I love mine, its problem-free (so far [knock on wood]) and is fun to drive. Wouldve liked to have the 4wd, but oh well, such is life. I didnt see paying the extra $$$ for it when I probably wouldnt use it for anything practical. Its still a great 2dr SUV. I test drove several others out there before buying. This one made me want to purchase right there (which I did).

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  Jimmy Slt 97 - 1997 GMC Jimmy
  By LeahJay - March 4 - 10:30 pm

  Great car we love it. Just bought new tires. Serviced regularly. Fully loaded, gorgeous body, charcoal interior. Third baby on the way forces sale.

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  Clunk - 2000 GMC Yukon
  By pkunisch - March 3 - 9:44 pm

  Im having a problem locating the cause and the cure for the cars insistance on clunking when changing gears. It happens only when the air conditioner in on and the condenser is causing a load to the engine. The clunking happens when I brake to take a corner or slow down in traffic and then accelerate. Also, as I approach a complete stop, the clunking happens as the car shifts down through the gears. It is driving me crazy. I NEED HELP!

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  sonoma zr2 review - 2002 GMC Sonoma
  By sonomazr2 - March 3 - 6:31 pm

  This is by far the best mid-size p/u you can get. Its suspension is far beyond its competetion & if you like the Dakota you must like driving loaners because your getting a lot of transmission work done. The Ford Ranger is just cheesy. Those who rate this truck poorly need to get their head out of places it shouldnt be. There are foriegn trucks, but im a real American.

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  1996Jimmy - 1996 GMC Jimmy
  By whitedove - March 3 - 5:45 pm

  The Jimmy is Red, nice condition. It aversages around 22mpg, all maintaince up to date,goog tires

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  UUUggghhhhhh!!! - 1994 GMC Safari
  By Cleckster1 - March 2 - 11:44 pm

  Have had nothing but problems with this vehicle since day 1. Two weeks after I purchased, it broke down half way over the Mackinac Bridge while on vacation. I have put over $1000.00 into it in less than six months because of course nothing was covered under the two seperate warrantys purchased. Also I will never buy anything from Mount Clemens Dodge ever again and I would tell everyone possible not to go there either. Really Bad service and completly dishonest!

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  Rattle Box - 2000 GMC Jimmy
  By BigDad77 - March 2 - 8:12 pm

  I leases this SUV new in 2000. All I can say is it spark knox, every piece of cheap plastic inside rattles, the tailgate release broke, the steering makes a popping snap sound, the handle to recline the front seat snapped off. I only have 13,000 miles and I should of kept my 7 year old Explorer.