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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  My Jimmy Stinks! - 1997 GMC Jimmy
  By Tami Bohman - April 22 - 2:00 am

  We have multiple problems with the dex- cool coolant. It turns into clay and ruins the radiator. We have to have it flushed every 3-6 months. Weve had 2 major transmission problems. The windshield wipers work only when they feel like it! It sounds like the back window is open at all times. Something is wrong with it every 2-3 months! Do not buy

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  Worst vehicle I ever owned - 1992 GMC Safari
  By sem - April 19 - 2:00 am

  Vehicle was about 14 months old w/43000 miles when we bought it. Held up ok for about 18 mon. Its been an albatross ever since. Its 10 yrs old & still no rust, but thats the least of our problems...2 engines, 2 trannies, 2 complete A/C systems (front & back), and a myriad of other costly repairs. To make a long story short, about 6 mons after we bought it, Consumer Reports Used Car Buying Guide had this vehicle @ the top of their list of VEHICLES TO AVOID - They were right! PS: The engine is a REAL pain to work on.

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  This is one Gas-Burning Dinasour! - 2005 GMC Yukon XL
  By Alfredo - April 2 - 10:33 pm

  Weve owned 2 in a row. I thought the 1st one was a lemon.This truck is the reason for GM troubles! If you plan on towing a heavy trailer 100% of the time, this is one solid vehicle. The other 99.9% of the consumers, stay away from it! If you transport 7 passengers, go buy a minivan. This truck will far exceed your monthly payment in gas consumption and will make you poor. Its hard to park, and believe me, youre not bragging to anyone by driving one. People feel sorry for you at the pump! Basically, a very expensive, low quality, gas-hogging beast all around. Buttons peel off, leather seats wear out in 12k miles. This car is 100% what a European or Asian car is not. Its a $45k shame!

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  New Car But Costly Repairs - 2016 GMC Acadia
  By argentine - February 5 - 3:17 am

  For some reason, GMC autos have a problem with headlamps going out. These are not covered by warranty and are very expensive to replace. A few months ago I had to replace one headlamp at a cost of $357. Last week the passenger side headlamp assembly went out and the cost was $1,621! How GMC can build a car with headlamps that expensive to replace is a mystery and does not speak highly of the quality or design of their product. The car is comfortable on the inside; driver and passenger seating is comfortable. The car handles adequately for a front wheel drive car but is very underpowered.

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  Great till new engine at 12000 miles - 2007 GMC Yukon XL
  By Rob - January 21 - 7:13 pm

  Great truck. With newborn twins and two older kids along with 2 dogs this truck fit our needs very well. Was very happy with the truck until the 12000 mile service. There is already a TSB. If you get any knocking in the engine, engine warning lights, traction control or stabilitrack error messages- go to your dealer! Cylinder #3 was self-destructing and they will not let me drive it due to safety concerns. Will see how long a new engine takes and am concerned that the new one will have the same issues.

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  Not likley to ge back to GM - 2003 GMC Yukon XL
  By DavidB - January 8 - 11:43 am

  This vehicle has been, without a doubt, the worst value for money that I have spent. I have purchased 8 NEW GM products. This is the most that I have spent and the most dissapointed that I have been (35% of purchase price on repairs, not maintenance). Head gasket leaked at 70,000 km. Random electrical failures from the onset have resulted in more than 35 dead battery incidents. Random sluggish performance due to fuel issues (new pump has not fixed the problem). Recently has been dieing on the road with 3/4 tank of gas!! This vehicle had great potential but the quality of the components has really killed my opinion. At least OnStar works when these things happened to my wife!

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  Multiple Repairs - 2000 GMC Yukon XL
  By neveragain - January 5 - 7:53 pm

  Fuel pump left us stranded 700 mls from home$1000, abs module replaced $1000, it has since gone out again and dealer has no record of fixing it the first time. Brakes wear unevenly, cuts out at stop light, multiple visits to dealer never corrected. Doors make terrible noise, no amount of oil, wd 40 helps. Window motors stopped working. Not a dependable vehicle at all. Cheap interior coming to pieces

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  HOT IN THE BACK SEAT! - 2017 GMC Terrain
  By Betty - December 4 - 11:35 am

  No air vents in the back seat. You have to freeze in the front in order for the back seat to have air. HOT HOT HOT...IT IS AN SLT. ITS NOT THE CHEAPEST TERRAIN. BUT IS IS HOT IN THE BACK.

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  Snowy rear end - 2017 GMC Terrain
  By Countryfolk - November 21 - 9:52 am

  When traveling on snow covered roads, all the rear lights become snow covered. Was almost rear ended due to following car unable to see any brake lights. I drive back country roads delivering meals on wheels and have to constantly brush snow off all brake lights. Very frustrating. I noticed that the Chevy equinox also has this problem.

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  So far So Good - 2003 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Joe - November 2 - 10:26 pm

  Bought used for 10,500. Low miles 56k. My first real truck. I didnt want to afford a Tundra so this fell in my exact range of price. Drives like a truck and runs like a truck. Its been strong for the couple months of ownership. The seatbelt squeked but some wd-40 after taking off the plastic clip cleaned it right up. BEWARE of installing aftermarket cd players in here. I had to pay 120 dollars for a wire harness do my air bags and door chime worked! The truck is roomy and fits side and rear passengers very well. The spare tire holder under the truck wont work but hey, for the price could not beat it. Looking forward to 4wd this winter and owning a nice big truck.