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:

• 

  Second 2014 Sierra - 2014 GMC Sierra 1500
  By qzationsa - September 22 - 9:39 am

  I wrote a few articles now "looks good drives poor" Unfortunately I need to make a third. After GM bought back my 14 z71 and I ordered a Denali, more problems. The steering wheel was off from the factory. If you hold it straight you will crash. It is currently in the shop for a faulty gas pedal. Once again the drivers seat has broken. The backup camera and audio only works when it wants. Drive like whip lash and a throttle response that is poor at best. The 2013 rental Tahoe I currently have drives like a dream compared to this truck. I like the idea of the truck, but the execution is awful. A new truck should not require me to have an outside company tune the computer. Get a F15

• 

  kind of bitter - 1996 GMC Sonoma
  By Jdog - September 20 - 2:00 am

  Is a 5-speed manual. The transmission went out, was impossible to find a used replacement. A new one will cost me 2500.00 not including labor.

• 

  no more Jimmy - 1999 GMC Jimmy
  By no more Jimmy - September 17 - 2:00 am

  A new water pump, heater core flushed twice, replaced heater core, replaced radiator, replaced wheel barring casing and $2300 later I have had enough of the Jimmy. I like the look of the vehicle but the repair bills are killing me. This started happening at 50,000 miles. I had the vehicle serviced as recommended, flushed and changed everything. Just a very poor coolant system. Time for another vehicle.

• 

  Sonoma the truck of many problems - 2002 GMC Sonoma
  By Robert Godfrey - September 11 - 2:00 am

  Ive had problems with the rear, then the transmission, then the engine. Body panels were out of alignment and body rattles. A harsh ride, thats so bad that when you hit a series of small bumps the truck skates sideways, making it the most dangerous pick-up truck Ive ever driven. Low unconfortable seats with very poor visibility of the front end, and large blind spots. Makes me sorry I bought a GM vehicle, but Im stuck with it, maybe this will steer others to another manufacturer.

• 

  Drive Train OK - 1994 GMC Suburban
  By Michigan - September 10 - 2:00 am

  My truck has a 454 in it so you can imagine the gas that it chugs. I like the old 454 for their cast iron blocks. However, replacing the pitman arm, left front wheel bearing, alternator, starter, water pump, hydro boost pump, rear drums, valve cover gaskets, and more to come, I think am begining to lose confidence that I can actually drive this truck "till the wheels fall off" without spending far too much on keeping it on the road.

• 

  Lots of Bugs - 2002 GMC Yukon
  By totally - September 7 - 2:00 am

  Have had nothing but problems. With 4000 miles the car has been in the shop more then 5 times. Electrical problems are the most prevelent and the dealership has had a hard time replicating the problems. GM Customer Assist has been no help and the local reps concern was only that I was not stranded on the highway. Otherwise he concluded the warranty is working.

• 

  Never Again - 2000 GMC Yukon XL
  By riser - September 1 - 4:03 am

  Bought it brand new. 3 days after driving off the power windows failed and dealer said they already knew of the problem. 6k miles, front tires wore out, 4 sets of tires by 20k miles before warranty replaced the entire front end and steering column, 1st year - fuel pump failed, starter failed, elect system shorted - 4 sets of ball joints, 3 sets of tie rods and transmission failed within 97k miles, rear end is failing now at 202k, great gas mileage though and comfortable when its running - dealer service abysmal, 1st answer from them on tires was "that is a big vehicle and youre going to have some tire wear", warranty on transmission was GMCs own and poor - never again for GMC

• 

  A good compromise - 1999 GMC Jimmy
  By jimmydriver - August 19 - 2:00 am

  The GMC Jimmy (and my 1999) is a good compromise for those who dont wish to pay more. In general, the craftsmanship isnt very good, but acceptable. Bumpers etc. will move out of alignment with time. The car handles very nicely and you can take corners at the advertised caution speed or slightly above with no feeling of tipping over. A major problem is the turning radius, which is horrible) and the ball joints which frequently fail.

• 

  Death At 47,000 Miles! - 1997 GMC Jimmy
  By TwoPutt - August 17 - 2:00 am

  The list of problems include quirky windshield wipers, faulty gas tank guage, ball joints, air conditioning broke, water pump leaked, and contamination of engine coolant. The biggest problem, which eventually caused us to get rid of it, was the coolant turning rusty mud and over heating every couple of weeks. Although the dealer tried to help out with many of the problems by having GMC pay for the parts, we were left paying for the labor. We were also left without the vehicle on many occasions. The other complaint I have is the turning radius is very poor.

• 

  My 5th and last GMC - 2005 GMC Sierra 1500
  By yellowdog - August 10 - 12:16 pm

  Air conditioner took three dealer visits to repair. Drive train problems have been present in this truck since the first 700 miles. Lack of towing power and loud whining noise has been present when towing a small boat. And to top it all off, the service manager at the dealership refuses to give me a necessary third visit so I can file a Lemon Law complaint. I have had 5 full size GMC(all from the same dealer) and this one will be my last.