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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  Its fair for the price - 1998 GMC Envoy
  By willie - November 18 - 4:49 pm

  I got it on the 23rd of Dec. So far so good. Handles great. A little transmission problem but changed to oil. Also in the summer mounths it shifts really hard, but not in the cold months

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  Good Job G.M. - 2010 GMC Terrain
  By Sid Wombold - November 10 - 11:53 pm

  Now have 1,000 miles on the Terrain. Came from an Enclave and in my opinion this is a better built vehicle. With the 4cyl. it will shift less on the hills than the V6 Enclave. First tank full gave 25.1 m.p.g. and the DIC is showing over 26 on this tank. The looks is still growing on me. I preferred the Equinox and the better 1/2 preferred the Terrain. So we compromised and bought the Terrain. Decent seats and good room for 4 people. Better stereo than the Bose in the Enclave.

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  Silver & Gold No Idle Threat - 2007 GMC Yukon
  By Cornelius - November 7 - 11:00 am

  Yukon has exceeded my expectations in most areas save one. The engine idle is the roughest, most annoying setup I have ever experienced. If you arent moving, the engine idle will pitch and buck the truck giving the sensation of a coffee percolator. Too bad GM refuses to acknowledge the problem. It seems to me that a software upgrade would take care of the problem. That issue aside, this truck handles like a much smaller vehicle. Easy to steer around corners, good sight lines and excellent seating height. Fuel milage has been 16-17 mpg/city and 21-24 mpg/hwy. Pretty good in my book for a 320 hp/V8.

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  Nice ride - 2010 GMC Terrain
  By tim - November 6 - 11:16 pm

  The vehicle looks great and is a very smooth ride. The V-6 engine provides good performance and above average handling.

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  at least 1 problem - 2016 GMC Canyon
  By Gerald Schmidt - November 5 - 12:29 pm

  In really cold weather, I have had my power steering quit working. It happened to me twice. I shut the vehicle off, went in the store to purchase a few items, came back and started the vehicle. The steering was almost impossible, it also had a message to have the power steering serviced. I shut the vehicle off, restarted, and it was fine again. Kind of frightening to think if your steering went out while driving at high speed, eh? One more thing; I was getting 26mpg, but when cold weather hit, it dropped to 19mpg, which really sucks....

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  11 Months Dead Battery - 2016 GMC Terrain
  By D - November 4 - 6:58 pm

  This car is great. Ive had it for 11 months, have only driven 9000 miles and I really do love my car. However, my battery died. It should be covered under warranty but still.... it should not have died. I dont leave anything plugged in and none of my lights were on. It doesnt make sense.

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  Good Overall - 2005 GMC Envoy
  By nick - October 30 - 7:41 pm

  Since I purchased this SUV in March of 06 I really have enjoyed owning it. Yeah the gas mileage in city driving is horrendous (12mpg going easy on the gas pedal and the brakes), but you cant really expect much more from a 275 HP 6 cylinder. Gets about 17 on the highway. I really like the the comfort of this vehicle. Lots of room, great ride, and very quiet. It looks really nice as well. The power is also more than I expected it was going to be. Passing isnt a problem. Overall a really sound SUV.

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  Pros and Cons - 2001 GMC Yukon XL
  By Anthony Adigwe - October 27 - 10:00 am

  I was shocked when a perfectly well maintained and running vehicle just would not start up the next day. The problem was the fuel pump. The service consultant eluded to the fact that this will happen anytime anywhere. I then questioned the fact that so many sensors are available on this vehicle and wondered why GM has not figured out one for the fuel pump.

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  great design, but GM almost blows it... - 2003 GMC Sierra 1500
  By built for work - October 26 - 3:06 am

  I use mine as a strict work truck,; cloth seats, rubber floor mat and auto was only option. Easiest vehicle to drive I have own; very docile and predictable. But GM botched the steering shaft coupler; rattles across rough terrain.

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  Lots of life left - 1998 GMC Safari
  By Jeff - October 25 - 7:02 pm

  2nd owner of this AWD and I now have 120,000 miles on it. Took it to Colorado Springs (from Pa.) this summer and had no problems. Van got between 18 and 20 MPG going 70-80 MPH but would get 24.5 going 55. In cColorado Springs it got 16.5 MPG. Only problems I ever had with van was a water pump at 115,000. It has been a good Van. Outstanding AWD in the snow. Better than my 4X4 truck. 4.3 cyl. probably the best 6 cyl. on market but could get better MPG.