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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  Well boys..... - 1999 GMC Sierra 1500
  By twuck - August 20 - 10:53 am

  bought 2wd SLE, 5.3L V8 new in may 1999. still using the orignal brake pads and spark plugs. starter dead at 110K. Started leaking oil at rear seal about 60K. Let leak for the next 60K miles before I had a mechanic replace the seal for $572.00. enough said - its ok to top off with fresh oil. Ive actually drove it around for quite a few days with the check oil message and then had to add 1 full qt. This truck takes my abuse. Trucks gets 15mpg, no matter what. Interior headliner is starting to peel, pass side electronic window cable broke-who designed this??? AC blows as cols as ice. Friends who have newer Chevys have more problems that I. CD player skips now. Very happy with it so far!

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  Garys 2007 Yukon - 2007 GMC Yukon
  By gary - August 18 - 7:53 pm

  I love my Yukon. Had 2 little problems but was fixed very promptly.. (nothing big) Has all the room I need for comfort, drives great, handles great. Great GMC

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  best one yet - 2004 GMC Sierra 2500HD
  By BIGGS - August 15 - 2:00 am

  2003,like the truck.already done ford and dodge,full power and towing is effortless

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  Built on Wednesday! - 1995 GMC Sonoma
  By Jeff va - August 13 - 9:45 pm

  One tough ole bird! Bought the truck in 2000 with 96K miles from my brother. Got 215K out of her before I put her up for sale. Various maintenance items replaced along the way, water pump at 118K, clutch at 126K, alternator at 127K, fuel pump at 179K, radiator at 214K due a cracked tank. Never had to go into the motor. Origional timing chain was still in service when it sold! Truck had tow package with engine oil cooler. I think that and a healthy diet of Amsoil and Mobil 1 greatly contributed to trucks longevity. Would buy another one in a minute!

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  Nice Engine! - 2007 GMC Yukon XL
  By Pinchme - August 11 - 10:10 pm

  Just traded our 06 Denali in for the 07, loved the new body style just couldnt afford it in 07. We had few problems with the 06 so had no reservations about buying another one. The 07 is great (havent had it long)...the engine is even more powerful than previous one...and I raved about that one. The passing gear is amazing. Exhaust bellow is music to my ears. Domestic build quality always leaves something to be desired when compared to imports...but thats always the case. Fuel eco is great considering the near 400 hp engine and massive vehicle size, its better than my Nissan Titan. If your looking for a serious people mover I would highly recommend looking at these.

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  Great Car - 2005 GMC Envoy
  By Pauld - August 10 - 8:44 am

  Coming from a Honda fan, I couldnt have been more surprised to how much I have grown to love this vehicle. I purchased it when you couldnt pass up the deals and I have been glad ever since. Only back to the dealer once for a very small squeak that was taken care of. Tows our travel trailer as if it wasnt there. Quiet, smooth, powerful, very comfortable, good looking. I believe GM has won me back for future consideration of cars.

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  My Work truck - 2003 GMC Sonoma
  By joe - August 8 - 11:37 pm

  Since I have had my Sonoma, I have gotten avg. of 26mpg. The power of the 4 cyl engine leaves to be desired, however, it is a good crusing truck and rides very nice. It is sporty looking and really fun to drive.

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  I absolutely Recommend the Envoy - 2003 GMC Envoy
  By Colombiano - August 8 - 10:00 am

  Rides great. Looks great. Fun to drive. Had two problems and dealer fixed both repairs with no problems to me. Feels and looks like it is built tough and sturdy. The gas mileage is bad. GMC states it gets 15/20, but I get only 12- 13 driving around my town and 15-16 on the expressway to work. Insurance is cheap. I feel that Onstar is too expensive. Would like to use it and the telephone , but it is cheaper to just have a cedular phone instead. GM should lower the prices for everthing related with Onstar and I am sure they would get more customers. Wind noise not that noticable.

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  I must be one of the lucky ones - 1998 GMC Jimmy
  By e5husmc - August 5 - 5:49 pm

  Bought vehicle with 5000 miles on it in 98. We have used it to pull a 2600 lbs bass boat and my wife drives it everyday. Replaced alternator around 80,000, replaced A/C compressor and right front wheel hub around 127000, and I am now putting in my 4th battery. These are normal problems with a vehicle with high mileage. Also had to take out turn signal switch a clean it to make it stop clicking. Rides nice, back seats are big enough for children but kinda tight for adults. Overall has been a good vehicle.

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  Great lil truck - 1991 GMC Sonoma
  By dxfhd - August 3 - 1:59 am

  I had it only a little while now but its going great. I had a short on the oil pressure sensor but aside that its perfect. Keep an eye out for rotten beds, the boxes that bolt the cab to the frame and the rear of the front wheel wells. They also have a habit of the door pins wearing out but thats only about 5$ to fix. If you dont have winter you should be all good. If youre not 4x4 be careful on wet roads as the truck wants to let the back hang loose on left turns snow dont matter much with a couple of sandbags. Ive driven a few trucks and this has to be my favorite. Good on gas, acceleration, and hauling heavy loads.