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:

• 

  Great truck so far - 2008 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Jaxman - August 5 - 3:30 am

  Really enjoy the overall look and comfort of this truck. The only real problem that I have had with the truck is the reoccurring "clunking" from the rear u-joint on the drive shaft. Dealer told me that GM is aware of the problem but has not issued a bulletin to properly correct it. Dealer fills it with grease and corrects the cluck for 30-60 days.

• 

  GMC Sierra Sharp and Long Lasting - 2004 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Jerry - August 1 - 8:50 pm

  I have this truck four years now and not one problem. Mine is a sport side in black with added chrome. It looks and rides great. Instead of a heavy duty package, I have the easy ride suspension. It handles and feels great. On the open road it rides like a luxury car.

• 

  QUALITY PLUS - 2004 GMC Yukon
  By ROBERT T. SHAW - July 30 - 10:00 am

  IVE OWNED THREE EXPLORERS SINCE 1992. IVE BEEN A VICTIM OF THE FIRESTONE/FORD TIRE FIASCO. IVE SPENT MORE $$$ IN ONE YEAR ON FORDS SERVICE MISDIAGNOSISTHAN THE COST OF REGULAR MAINTENANCE ON MY WIFES 1995 HONDA ACCORD FOR THE ENTIRE TIME THAT WEVE OWNED THE HONDA.IT IS FINALLY A RELIEF TO GET A VEHICLE THAT CAME RIGHT - "OUT- OF-THE-BOX"

• 

  Nice but not trouble free. - 2004 GMC Yukon XL
  By Josh - July 29 - 9:03 pm

  We bought this to pull our travel trailer and haul the four kids around. Towing power is nice but the interior is not nearly as useful as the Honda Odyssey we traded in. In the last 4 months we have had to change the thermostat, have the gauge cluster replace, and have an air bag light coming on and off. Not trouble free by any standard. This is a really nice vehicle but the quality is not all that great. Just make sure to have money set aside for repairs!

• 

  Lemon Envoy - 2006 GMC Envoy
  By Darwin M. - July 29 - 2:47 am

  Dont buy this SUV, Had already bought before finding out that there are many many owners having the same problem with vehicle shutting down, left GMC dealer today after service request for problem with no fix as their mechanic said he cant figure out what electrical parts are bad as code did not tell him, He said he could start replacing electrical parts but no guaranty that the problem would be fixed. Called GMC customer complaint line and told to call National Traffic Saftey to register complaint, Everybody that owns an Envoy with this shutting down problem has to file a complaint with them before a recall can take place. Please call to file.

• 

  Collapsed Lifter 5.3L AFM - 2008 GMC Sierra 1500
  By ricosha3 - July 26 - 8:48 am

  There appears to be a problem with the lifters in these 5.3L AFM engines that GM wont admit. At 87K miles and 5.5 years old GM garage says lifter is collapsed & wants to replace all 16 @ $3400 & @ my expense. There are lots of posts from drivers with this problem but GM wont admit and GM Customer Service is only lip service... "out of warranty sucks to be you". GM & the dealers dont care... take my advice and buy a Ford. Im stuck with this piece of crap cause I just paid it off and cant afford to buy another $40,000 mistake. BTW: this AFM engine is the same as in current models... beware!

• 

  Cool - 2000 GMC Yukon XL
  By fff - July 22 - 2:00 am

  Cool

• 

  MOVE OVER FORD - 2002 GMC Sierra 1500
  By PHILR - July 22 - 2:00 am

  BEST TRUCK ON THE PLANET

• 

  Sierra Duramax/Allison - 2005 GMC Sierra 2500HD
  By SMD - July 20 - 1:46 am

  Fuel mileage is poor at best. Engine surge and hesitation. Driveability is very eratic. Vehicle runs hot, fan runs excessively. Tranny and engine temp gauges always show 210 or better. All this while running vehicle empty. When towing all of the above is off the charts. GM answer is that all is normal.

• 

  new owner - 2004 GMC Envoy
  By wheeler,m - July 18 - 2:00 am

  Im a first time GMC buyer and purchased the 2004 Envoy EX after driving multiple suvs in the same class. It is a quality suv and i am well pleased so far in all aspects. I was afraid it would be to big and bulky for every day driving but have found it to handle great in all types of road conditions. Does well in snow and rain. My grandchildren love the dvd and with their car seats placed in the 3rd seat i can see them well through the rear view mirror. This is a plus for me.