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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  Envoy - 2005 GMC Envoy
  By cowboy - July 29 - 7:46 pm

  Marshmallow springs, licorice whip sway bars...maybe with hot fudge it would be a treat, but for driving down the interstate or up a two-lane mountain road, this thing is scary.

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  WORST SUV EVER OWNED - 2005 GMC Envoy
  By Anincrv - November 17 - 7:07 pm

  BEING A LONG TIME OWNER OF SUVS I find my new envoy to be the worst one yet. The front bumper cover doesnt sit straight,back to dealer 4 times in less than a month for that. It rattles and makes all kind of strange noises. It is really underpowered with that 4200 6 cyl. that feels like a 4 cylinder under my foot. It is being serviced more than it is in my garage ! all this trouble and only driven it 275 miles and owned it less than a month. I am VERY disappointed with it and my selling dealer will do nothing about it !!

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  gmc builds junk - 2004 GMC Sonoma
  By bad truck - October 22 - 2:00 am

  third door handle broke - twice. power window came unriveted from door mount. alternator went bad ,as a result had to reset radio at a cost of $80. tailgate bolts came loose on right and left side. tailgate cable broke. rear axke bearing passenger side went bad. windshield cracked twice no rocks sitiing still and heard a loud crack. auto transmision seems like it downshifts way to much like there is no power and it has to downshift to keep momentum on even the smallest of grades. recommend -dont buy

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  Epitomy of Planned Obsolescence - 1996 GMC Savana
  By TabulaRasa - June 24 - 2:00 am

  This is a typical GM product. It looks alright on paper, but in real world use, it falls flat on its face. This vehicle has been beset by problems from day one. The built-in TV/VCP will short out the rest of the interior lights. It is on its 3rd transmission. The rear differential is going out (clack clack clack!). The intake manifold has cracked. The fuel pump has died. The brakes are garbage. Even the oil dipstick is rusty. Thats sad.

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  Worst car Ive ever owned - 2010 GMC Terrain
  By Kimberx3 - November 17 - 6:51 am

  This is the worst car Ive ever owned! So many problems! Transmission replaced at 101,000 miles. Constantly burning through oil, blew a hole in the transfer case, chugging and during at stop lights, have replaced a rotor 6 times in the past 3 years. Getting rid of this vehicle the first chance I get!!

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  Oil burner! Avoid! - 2017 GMC Terrain
  By Mastertech - January 25 - 7:52 pm

  2.4L Ecotec engine consumed 3 quarts of oil in the first 3600 miles! Oil minder read 87% life, yet when I checked the dipstick before a trip it read no oil. Added 1 quart still no reading, added 2nd quart, still no reading, added 3rd quart, dipstick read 1/2 to full line. Engine requires full synthetic "Dexos" spec 5w-30 motor oil. GM has known of the issue with oil consumption of this engine for many years, has issued a Technical Service Bulletin requesting dealers to document excessive oil consumption, then authorizes installation of new pistons and rings. 2011 documented as worst model year. Uninformed owners running the engine low on oil are not warned of the deficiency, the engines timing chains and guides fail, the lack of lubrication takes its toll on bearings and parts depending on sufficient oil to cool and lubricate them. Engines can fail or seize creating a significant safety hazard. Internet search this issue, many horror stories. If failure occurs out of warranty or you are the second owner you are on your own...Where is the outrage?

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  Do not even consider buying a GMC - 2001 GMC Jimmy
  By mali1022 - September 4 - 2:00 am

  Worst experience in my life, is only 15 months old and it throttle, jumps, has electrical and ignition problems and is not fun at all to drive. Still under warranty but most of the problems (of course) are not covered by GMC. (Bumper to Bumper 36k or 3 yrs, it refers to the bumpers only.)

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  Will never purchase another one. - 2000 GMC Sonoma
  By ASI FD - June 21 - 2:00 am

  I have had nothing but problems with this vehicle. The first year that I owned it, it spent a total of 46 days in the shop for multiple repairs. I contacted GMC to discuss my concerns about the vehicle and they have yet to offer any type of an solution. The problem is that the Maryland Lemon Law is only good for the first 10,000 miles on the vehicle. I put 10,000 miles on the truck in the first 6 months that I owned it. Just another case of a company taking advantage of a consumer, how is one person going to make a difference to out total sales?

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  The Sierra, #1 Pick - 2001 GMC Sierra 1500
  By CRSTPR - November 9 - 2:00 am

  If youre looking for something larger than a S-10 that will pin you in your seat when you want it too then the 5.3 Sierra should be a top choice for the consumer. With the proper trim, you think youre riding in a Escalade

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  Poor Ride with wheel vibration - 2003 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Timmcp - October 30 - 10:00 am

  After about one week of driving, the truck began to vibrate excessivly especially on concrete freeways. Took it in 4 times, each time the wheels were way out of balance. They cant figure it out. They think that maybe the tires are moving on the rim. These are Bridgestones on aluminum wheels. It turns out that you may get Bridgestones or Firestones(same ones recalled by Ford) depending on what they have laying around at GM. It is made worse by a poor suspension design that does not perform well at highway speeds. At this point the tires are still out of balance and the dealer doesnt know what to do or what is happening.