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 have it - 2000 GMC Jimmy
  By R Buck - July 31 - 3:24 pm

  Bought new in late 2000. Have driven it back and forth from FL to NH without problems. I see others have had battery problems like me. Fuel pump went just after warranty expired. GM did pay for parts, but there was $300 labor paid by me. Still only have less than 40,000 mi on it. Highway mileage has been as high as 23mpg. Averages about 20. Pickup is very good. Paint and finish still like new, but then this car is stored inside winters. It is 2wd, but we take it everywhere on dirt roads and such in NH. Has never stranded us yet. Ours has overabundance of factory cladding and running boards. With that good finish, and those extras it passes as a new vehicle as no-one is sure what it is.

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  A long 5 years - 2002 GMC Envoy
  By Maryland - July 30 - 9:10 am

  I bought this in late 2002 new with a custom Denali grille. I had to choose between the Envoy, Acura MDX and Honda Pilot. I decided I did not want to buy that Asian rubbish and went for the Envoy. At 4500 miles I had severe engine failure. I needed a rental for four months. After that, everything was fine. On premium gas all I was got 11mpg! The interior is not that functional especially the seatbelts. Windnoise is tremendous. Ride is very comfortable though. I would not consider it a bad experience, I would gladly take this over an Asian car. I finally traded it in for a BMW X3 which is also a great car.

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  I Love My Jimmy - 2000 GMC Jimmy
  By burrningrubber - July 28 - 11:23 pm

  The SUV is very reliable. All the parts are cheap. The SUV has 128,000 miles on it and the transmission hasnt shown any wear. The engine was build to last and no leaks or smoke out the exhaust. It doesn’t fall apart like the Blazer.

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  2001 GMC Sierra 4WD SLE LB 5.3 Liter - 2001 GMC Sierra 1500
  By DEBORAH NICKE - July 21 - 2:23 pm

  I gave lower scores on the interior design only because of the seat belts. All GM seat belts are really poorly designed for comfort. Also, all GM vehicles seem to have some kind of electrical problems or "glitches". Otherwise, this is an awesome vehicle with little or no problems. This truck does seem to lose about 1 quart of oil within the first 1,000 miles after each oil change, for some reason. I was told this is normal, however. Even if the synthetic oil is used, it will lose about a quart & needs to be added before next change schedule after about 3,000 miles.

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  2007s are using oil! Dont buy one! - 2007 GMC Yukon XL
  By 2007GMCYukon - July 11 - 4:53 am

  I love my Yukon before 40,000 miles. Since then it has been nothing but trouble. It began using oil and has only gotten worse. I have taken it to our Local GMC/Chevy Dealer every 3000 miles since for oil consumption tests, replacing heads, lifters, engine cleaning, to only prolong the problem but definitely not repair it. I have found at least 3-4 other people in my small town who are having the exact same issue. When I go to the dealer now they ask "Now which was is this, what all have we tried on it?" Why doesnt GMC just bite the bullet and replace the motor? I am now at 70,000miles! I guess they are trying to wait until the 100,000 mile warranty expires! Dont but one!

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  Our Acadia Views - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By Anne P McLaughlin - July 10 - 1:53 am

  Traded off Honda Odyssey which did not add up to expectations. Started off with Yukon and decided on Acadia after test drives of both vehicles. In my openion this is a wonderful handeling auto with plenty of room and a very comfortable ride. Mileage is not the best in the world however if driven with "respect" one can live with it. Keep up the good work on the US made vehicles.

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  Has been good to us - 2001 GMC Safari
  By Finzphan - July 7 - 4:15 pm

  This van is set up to haul the family and its cargo. Has been good both in town and on the highway. Not the best looking vehicle on the road, but it does what is asked of it. Regular maintenance keeps it in shape.

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  Beast of an SUV - 1999 GMC Jimmy
  By Klesel - June 30 - 9:50 pm

  Ive had my Jimmy for quite a while now and Im extremely pleased. Im a 17 year old kid, and I can honestly say Ive put my SUV through things that no vehicle should live through. Off roading, highway speeding, mudding, drag races, you name it, Ive beat on this truck for over a year and nothing has gone out yet! Very safe and reliable. Only problem is horrible gas mileage!

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  My little GMC work truck - 2011 GMC Sierra 1500
  By krausee - June 28 - 1:40 am

  I love my little work truck, short bed, 4.3 engine. Why? Because I paid 15,900 for it minus a 750 dollar USAA rebate. Its my third new GMC/Chevy in 10 years and I expect it to be as reliable as the previous trucks.

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  6 years later and i still love it - 2001 GMC Yukon
  By brian - June 25 - 12:03 am

  I love the interior with its attention to detail. The exterior just commands attention and it has plenty of power. I pull a 6200 lb. camper with ease. In 136,437 miles I’ve had two problems. One with the drive line ($500) and the other with the air conditioner ($900). And the Bose system is one of the best factory sound systems that I have ever heard.