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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  Still not sold on vehicle - 2008 GMC Sierra 1500
  By north star - May 27 - 7:46 pm

  Bought pickup through GM Employee Pricing sale and got very good deal. Not quite sure about pickup, as you can feel the 4 and 8 cylinder activating and de-activating. I have experienced the tranny jerk from a complete stop as well. After changing oil I can smell oil in the cabin for at least the first 1,500 miles before going away, cannot find any leaks anywhere.

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  2014 Sierra Frame Rust - 2014 GMC Sierra 1500
  By 2014sierra - May 24 - 6:13 pm

  I have my 2014 Sierra now for six months, and the frame rails have RUST all over them! The black wax coating GM used is peeling right off! There is a TSB (technical service bulletin) out there for the dealership to repair. These rails are bare uncoated metal. There are rust areas starting all over the rails, so unless they strip off wax over 100 percent of frame, and redo, the spot fix the TSB describes is useless! Why would you use metal deemed Uncoated/Unexposed for a truck frame? $$$$ How did these frames pass corrosion testing / validation?... Very disappointed GM!

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  poor investment - 2010 GMC Terrain
  By ROBERT - May 24 - 3:13 pm

  the car rides rough, phone has a hollow sound, and the fuel economy does not do close to the sticker 32mpg.the car on highway at 55mph will only get 25.3 far cry from 32. would never buy another. car way over priced.

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  BadGMC - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By NoGMC - May 15 - 1:10 am

  Acadia in the shop 4 times in the first month of ownership. Finally got a New Transmission in a 400 mile vehicle. GMC would not buy back or help in any way. Sad b/c its a great concept with lots of room and decent gas milage to go along with its good looks.

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  troubles with Jimmy - 1997 GMC Jimmy
  By William C.Messer - May 13 - 2:00 am

  replace ignition switch at 27,000 replace transmission at 32,000 abs pump failure at 34,000 4wd failure at 53,000 no help frm GMC

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  Is This Another GMC Cover-Up - 2011 GMC Sierra 1500
  By cpaandcfsa - May 12 - 6:16 am

  My parents were driving N on I95 this weekend from FL to VA. The trucks door locks went up & down; the lights flashed on & off; and then, the trucks operating system shut down. The engine, power steering, power brakes nor anything else did not work. Couldnt steer the truck & barely able to stop from 70 mph. 300 miles later, it happened again. Fearing for their lives, they did not stop the rest of the way home. When they took it to the dealer, he said that the "positive post" had come "loose". This did not seem reasonable & far-fetched to my father since he had observed the battery posts that week himself. Is this another cover-up by GMC when more lives are at stake?

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  Darksides sonoma - 1998 GMC Sonoma
  By DArkside - May 6 - 2:00 am

  This truck is pretty peppy and fun to drive if you have a five speed in the 2.2 liter enine. the single cab model is way too small an cramped though and has caused me several back problems, two wheel drive models are horrible in the snow, if your going to get a sonoma make sure its an ext cab because im 57 and even for me the spacing is uncomfortable for long trips(more than an hour)

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  LemonMobile - 1998 GMC Safari
  By bmxpro789 - May 4 - 2:00 am

  If you are considering buying a Safari van my advice to you is DO NOT BUY THESE VEHICLES. GMC bought back my vehicle under the Lemon Law. It stalled in reverse, it would stall going forward while driving leaving you with no brakes. At 12,000 I had to replace the altenator after it got me stuck in an intersection. The a/c compressor started making noises. at 56,000 the fuel pump, fuel sender and fuel neck went bad. It would have cost me $950 without warranty. Always buy a warranty. The batery went bad at 18000 miles to.These cars are evil and all the dealer can tell you is "We cant find the problem" This is wha you get after paying $29,000 for these things.

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  My Van - 1990 GMC Safari
  By cb2girl - April 30 - 2:00 am

  I have had this vehicle for 10+ years & love it. It runs very well but has some rust.

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  Never Again.!!!! - 1998 GMC Envoy
  By confused - April 25 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle had been a finacial nightmare for this family.Within one week the Cat covert. had to be replaced.Now the Valve Body in the Trans has gone bad.!!40,000 miles.!! Make sure you are aware of any problems before you get out your check book. We have had this SUV for less then 6months.......Beware.!!!!!