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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  Some problems with my Yukon - 2001 GMC Yukon
  By cboshdave - July 1 - 8:06 pm

  Overall, it has been an decent vehicle. Although, my transmission went out at 42,000 miles requiring a replacement. My biggest gripe is the emergency brake. We need it on boat ramps and it just doesnt work. It is a weird system with separate ebrake pads. I usually do this work myself. I guess I am going to have to break down and take it in.

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  Love my Safari - 1993 GMC Safari
  By Lanceoah - July 1 - 9:56 am

  Have driven all over the States and Canada never let me down. 450000 km so far. Rocker panels have rusted out. The back door handle has disentigrated. Spark plugs are hard to replace. But fun to drive and Ill drive it into the ground

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  Not So Happy - 2007 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Tubbed67 - June 28 - 2:06 pm

  When I ordered this truck,it was my 3rd GMC.When it came off the truck,I was there and thought WOW,what a truck.And then after 7 visits to the dealer,and 20 different issues. My latest problem will be the end of my GM problems.It burns almost 2qts of oil in 1000 miles.And GM says there not sure why.Valvetrain noise,is also issue.They actualy asked me to do a oil consumtion test.And if that isnt strange enough,now they want my dealership to take it on a trip,to do there own test.

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  Impressive ride - 2001 GMC Jimmy
  By Al - June 27 - 4:32 pm

  Excellent vehicle for an outdoors type of guy. Handles well for the most part, leans a bit at high speeds in curves. The vehicle at times had a raddle in the rear, although not annoying. Gas mileage is typical for a SUV, not a Geo metro. If you are buying a SUV, isnt for the hybrid driver. Go out and buy this vehicle, mine has close to 100,000 miles and will make it to 200,000 miles!

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  Big and Beautiful - 2006 GMC Yukon XL
  By Kimmers - June 24 - 6:06 am

  This SUV rides so nice youd never know that you have all that car behind you. A pleasure to drive and own. Especially the heated seats. Thank you.

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  Lets be honest - 2004 GMC Yukon XL
  By TommyO - June 22 - 10:00 am

  I really like my Yukon XL. But it doesnt show up in the ratings. Its better than the Sequoia/Expedition types because of the cargo space behind the third seat and the ability to tow. I had a 97 Suburban and this new unit is much improved in ride and engine. But its the size coupled with the ease of operation that makes it the king of the road. It remains to be seen if reliability is any better - the Suburban was a little weak, but not so weak I didnt get another GM.

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  SLT-1 with 3.0 Engine - 2010 GMC Terrain
  By erj - June 21 - 3:36 am

  Very comfortable to drive, although a bit stiff on some roads. Quiet, sound system is excellent, love the USB capability (just set up thumb drive from your PC). After 2K miles, mileage on typical commute is about 21 mpg (DIC says 22.4, its wrong). Getting used to automatic downshift on glide to stop (kicks in at 45 and 35 mph). Big issue is the dead spot at about 35 mph when you want to accelerate into freeway traffic (a brief delay, then the engine kicks in). Visibility to the back corners not good. Went with Terrain since the trim levels were better aligned for me than the Equinox (for 3 months, couldnt find an Equinox anywhere close to my specs). Styling evokes strong responses!

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  Still a great SUV after 10 months - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By Hung - June 17 - 4:30 pm

  It has been a great SUV with spacious, smooth, sporty look. I have been happy for the decision that I have made to purchase this crossover SUV over "soccer mom" minivan. My whole family, especially my kids loving it. They dont want to ride on other vehicles exception this one. My kids ususally have nice sleep and they wouldnt get tired when wake-up after a long trip. I got average 16-18 in city and 22-24 on highway. I really dont like its 6-speed transmission shiftings. It easily gets into low gear at high RPM when going up hill even at 10 degree upward. It has made me feeling that there isnt enough power.

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  My James - 2000 GMC Jimmy
  By judi - June 15 - 7:02 pm

  I love my SUV, have always loved sitting up a little higher than in a low sedan style. I bought this one used with 52000 m. on it. Had some trouble with electrical. Hubby thinks it went thru Katrina flood but I dont! It has suddenly quit after on a couple instances of long trips-always during hot season- just all electrical quit, had to call AAA once--another time just waited side of the road 1 or 2 minutes, and it started right up and ran ok. Seemed like when it heated up, air running, etc. it happened. No one could ever explain or figure out the problem. So, consequestly, I do not have the confidence I should have in this particular Jimmy. Always loved them before.

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  A great ride - 1995 GMC Safari
  By Dave - June 5 - 3:56 pm

  This is the second one we have owned, first was an Astro we sold with 265000 miles. This has been extremely reliable. Bought it with 99000 miles, it now has 174000 and runs great. AWD feature is awesome in snow. We did have one problem which people should be aware of as there is no info in the owners manual. Always have the same size tires on all 4 corners. We used the spare after a flat (I use 60 series tires on it) and had to replace the front differential after driving it only 30 miles! $1600 repair. We tow a boat and utility trailer all the time and it works great. Just an excellent product.