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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  Vehicle Ownership - 2003 GMC Envoy
  By SteveD - July 30 - 9:48 pm

  I really like my 2003 GMC Envoy. It has a good ride especially with the 17" Michelin tires. I can get sometimes between 22-23 MPG highway driving. Combined city and highway is about 16 MPG. No problems so far with this SUV.

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  2500 HD SLT - 2004 GMC Sierra 2500HD
  By rws88 - July 27 - 10:00 am

  During the first 3 months my truck was in the shop 6 times. Radio would not return CD, without it for 3 days. Once for extending camper mirrors, passenger side motor bad. Once for A/C, recall part not replaced prior to purchase. Three times for 4 WD, computer chip keeps going out and shifting into 4WD low on its own regardless of speed. Ill go back to the Ford F-250 with the V-10. More power, better gas mileage and reliability.

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  pretty good truck overall - 2013 GMC Sierra 1500
  By gmcdriver2 - July 26 - 10:41 am

  paid probably $3K too much, but got what I wanted; a really great looking fully optioned truck that can hold its own in a pasture or heading to a nice dinner all dressed up. A few minor and sometimes annoying negatives are far out-weighed by the pros and overall satisfaction with this great truck. Ive driven 7K miles since bought new in June 2013, but terrain and weather conditions since then have been pretty varied, so I fell like the review reflects a fair perspective from a guy who has driven lots of trucks. This is the nicest one so far for me. Granted I look forward to driving the new 2014 and experiencing those upgrades too, but the 2013 model stands its ground pretty well.

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  i love my truck - 2009 GMC Sierra 1500
  By djgmc - July 15 - 7:07 pm

  today my truck reached 20,000 miles i bought it in august 2009 it is a great truck i never had a problem with it , it runs smoothly on the freeway the a/c is ice cold , everyone loves my truck still looks like new . the only bad thing is that gas is too expencive right now .

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  Suburbans the only way to go - 2000 GMC Yukon XL
  By burbs4me - July 15 - 2:00 am

  Im now on my 5th suburban/yukon... they are just the greatest..my most recent purchase, 2000 gmc/xl model, w/quad 4 seating is fantastic.. these vehicles can do it all, and with great reliability. i dont think ill never not own one...

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  Good value for your money. - 2007 GMC Envoy
  By curtis love - July 13 - 8:12 pm

  I think this SUV for the money is very well built. If you look at other American SUVs costing way more, I think the SLT 4x4 Envoys are about the best out.

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  Functional but boring - 2006 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Keith - July 12 - 9:53 am

  I drive this vehicle for business, and typically turn a vehicle over every two years after putting on about 100,000 miles of gravel, off road and hwy driving. Past truck was 05 F150. I picked the GMC for its gas mileage which is quite good for a full sized truck, definitely better than my experiance with Ford and Dodge. Unfortunately this is the only area where the GMC exceeds the other American brands. I found the GMC has a lot more interior noise at hwy speeds than the new model F150. The GMC trailer towing capacity is clearly less than the F150, cant really put the GMC in cruise as it will rev so high. On uneven roads the GMC has so much body flex, it creaks like a covered wagon.

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  8 Years Ownership Experience - 1992 GMC Jimmy
  By Brad Beckwith - July 10 - 10:35 am

  Purchased in 1998 for $10,000. Excellent condition except for paint. Painted in 1998. Has always been a reliable vehicle. Repairs and replacements: starter motor 2/2000 driver window motor 7/2000 electronic door lock switches (not replaced) 7/2000 3 tires, rear brake shoes 3/2001 fuel pump 4/2001 2 tires 7/2001 a/c selector switch 12/2001 serpentine belt, plug wires 5/2002 starter motor 12/2002 blower motor 6/2003 A/C converted 6/2003 ignition cylinder 4/2005 rear hatch openers 5/2005 water pump 6/2005 alternator 6/2005. Paint has deteriorated to previous 1998 condition. Engine, transmission, power steering have never needed overhaul.

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  Solid Truck but needs Refining - 2003 GMC Yukon XL
  By Darien Rodriguez - July 4 - 10:00 am

  Took it on 5 long distance trips (over 3500 miles. Truck does everything you need, comfortable for the most part, and looks great. Easy to drive. No real problems except the following: 3 times gauges went out of wack. Restart truck, problem went away. XM radio does not display all XM information. Too much Roadnoise for a luxury truck at speeds over 65mph. More room in second row and needs fold flat rear seat. Dash acc,intirior panels and bumpers scratch too easy/paint comes off. Move front seat heater buttons (too sensitive). Adjustable seat belts (shoulder area). Add 500w power inverter and game console hookups/acc audio inputs on radio. Add Backup sensor.

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  The Tanker - 1999 GMC Suburban
  By Steve - June 25 - 6:37 am

  We purchased our 99 Burb via internet from a TX dealer in 2003. We have added 40,000 miles. A wonderful comfortable, safe, general purpose vehicle. We can move stuff or carry 7 people with golf equimpement in comfort. Gas milage for 5.7L is 15c/18.5hwy. With a 44gallon tank we can make nearly 800 miles if needed which is important in FL for evacuations. Due to GM under engineering the rear drum brakes were very poor, (this was the last year GM used drums on the burb) so we upgraded to Stillen rear disks.