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:

• 

  1998 Jimmy - 1998 GMC Jimmy
  By John Weber - March 2 - 6:41 pm

  Im very happy with my vehicle

• 

  I Love this car - 2001 GMC Jimmy
  By JimmyFun - March 2 - 2:24 pm

  I really like this car, would definitely recommend it to anyone looking for a midsize SUV.

• 

  Great truck - 2000 GMC Sierra 1500
  By ajmcd64 - February 28 - 9:40 pm

  I bought this truck from my next door neighbor with 14K miles on it. This truck has been relatively problem- free. The only problems Ive had is the fuel gauge fluctuates. I was told by the dealer that the float switch deteriorates due to additives in the gas. The power seat switch sometimes wont move the seat more than an inch at a time. I have had some slip in the rear end from a stop, but it only happens once a month or so. Truck has a great ride when it has some cargo in the bed. I took it on a 1600 mile vacation with the wife and 2 kids. Great Trip! Other than that, no complaints. Heated mirrors are probably a waste, unless you plan on plowing snow, then they are a must

• 

  This GMC should be called POS - 2000 GMC Jimmy
  By pmoore - February 28 - 8:20 pm

  What a piece of %^&*( this vehicle has been. The first six months we owned it, it was in the shop for 8 weeks total because of nagging problems with the anti theft system locking up and making the engine shut dow or not start at all. Loads of rattles, brake noise and squeeks. Plus the infamous "vortec" engine sounds worse than a John Deere tractor...lots of metalic thrashing when under acceleration.

• 

  Yukon 4WD Great Vehicle - 2002 GMC Yukon
  By BrianB11 - February 27 - 8:59 pm

  After 2 months of ownership, I must say that I am very pleased with my Yukon. Build quality is supperior to my expectations and the amount of cargo capacity cant be beat.

• 

  Great Compfort and Handling - 2002 GMC Yukon
  By former ford driver - February 27 - 12:36 pm

  We used to drive and Expedition but its not even in the same league as the Yukon. Great comfort and handles like a dream compared to the Expedition. Easily the best full size SUV on the market.

• 

  Go on a Safari...in a Safari - 1993 GMC Safari
  By DrShadow - February 26 - 8:30 pm

  This van is the absolute motherload. With over 202000 miles, it is still tickin away...no rust, mind you. Van driven to Canada, Florida, North Carolina, Connecticut, NYC, New Mexico, Kansas, Texas, and all those in between there. Ever break down?...dont think so. This is precisely why GM sells more cars that Ford and DaimChrysBenz.

• 

  This is the one - 2001 GMC Yukon
  By Noel Ikoku - February 26 - 12:39 pm

  This is the perfect SUV...and Ive owned a few. The ride is great, the utility with the optional 3rd Row seat is second to none, the build quality, despite all the toyota freaks out there, is first rate. The leather seats in this thing ought to be given a design award themsleves...just about perfect. Room to spare in all directions yet goes in my garage without a fuss...awsesome. GM has to be congratulated!!!

• 

  Daily Driver - 2000 GMC Sierra Classic 2500
  By Grant - February 23 - 5:50 pm

  Bought this truck to replace a 97 Chevy 1500 extended cab. Family was getting older and it made sense to get evry body their own door. Full size rear seat. Tons of room between back of front seat and front of back seat. I checked a bunch of crew cab trucks and this one really had a full sized back seat with lots of knee room. We take the boys with the local scout troop on outings sometimes and the boys refer to it as "the boat" . you can sit in the back and marvel at how far away the front seat is. A 6 footer can sit in back and cross their legs! A 30 ft travel trailer, 2 bikes, 2 kayaks and a sunfish sailboat and theres still room for more.

• 

  Luving this thing - 2003 GMC Yukon XL
  By YukLuver - February 23 - 2:00 am

  Traded up from minivan. This SUV has more room, more power, more cool points. The drive is smooth and not very trucklike. It has been a pure pleasure.