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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  Electronic Nightmare - 2003 GMC Envoy
  By Terry Jackson - September 6 - 11:25 pm

  The vehicle has been one electrical problem after another. I have had two starter ignition switches replaced, the starter, two batteries, the ACcontrol panel driverside thermostat is bad. Theres aclicking sound under the dashboard (have yet to troubleshoot that as well as a clicking sound on the right aft side of the truck when I turn the defrost on. This is the worst vehicle I have ever own and I swear I will never buy GMC again. The interior is cheaply put together rattles far too much and the interior lighting is poor lit.

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  Are you kidding me! - 2001 GMC Jimmy
  By missle711 - September 6 - 6:01 pm

  Wow, and I thought I was the only person who absolutely hates this SUV! Single mom trying to make it and this suv keeps putting me further in the whole. When my transmission went out the repair shop told me they replace at least two or more of these models of transmissions every week. They recommend that you buy a new transmission and have it rebuilt. Yeah $1500.00 and 1 1/2 years later the transmission is just about shot again. I have replaced almost all front end parts 2-3 times (yes, the same parts) I was told after buying it that it is a high maintenance suv. Wish someone would have told me that before I bought it...lol ABS/brake lights stay on wipers always break I could go on for days

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  Buyer Beware - 2003 GMC Yukon XL
  By UpsetYukonOwner - September 5 - 9:53 pm

  To all who want to know how GM takes care of its customers I suggest you read my post. I am a 2003 Yukon XL owner, owned a 97 GMC Suburban prior. Be forewarned to anyone who puts miles on the 03 and forward Yukons and Chevy equals. There is NOTHING Professional Grade about these vehicles!!! To date my vehicle has had to have both front hubs replaced. I have 4 friends with a total of 7 YukonÂ’s including mine. On these vehicles 5 hubs have had to be replaced. Sounds like an issue to me. If the truck was used in city driving or off road I would understand but for an on the road truck this is not an acceptable quality level for a $48,000. truck.

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  bought American-GMC Loyalty customer - 2009 GMC Canyon
  By 355nation believer - September 4 - 9:36 pm

  less than 2K mi. just got it, but I Cash for Clunkersed a GMC Sierra 1500 w. 156K mi. The improvements in this truck over my 90s era truck are amazing! Its NOT the 4x4 model I have, its the 4X2. The site doesnt allow the inline 5 cyl. engine 4X2 choice for the crew cab. The power of the 225 c.i. engine is great, much better than my old 4.3 liter V-6 could muster. It has passing power! I have had a Taco (Toyota Tacoma) left in the dust after a traffic merging. Mileage is about 17-18 mpg in mostly city driving, not really broken-in yet. Interior comfort is high. The truck drives like a car more-than a truck. The crew cab is spacious-enough for two adults in the rear.

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  OUR TRUCK - 2000 GMC Sierra 1500
  By TRR - September 4 - 10:00 am

  WE HAVE HAD THIS TRUCK SINCE IT WAS NEW WITH NO MAJOR PROBLEMS AT ALL. ENGINE BELT SQUEEK UNTIL WARMED UP WOULD BE MY ONLY COMPLAINT.

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  Great Vehicle - 2004 GMC Yukon
  By Mikcor - September 4 - 10:00 am

  Have only owned this vehicle for 6 weeks but we are very pleased with the comfort and performance so far.

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  Franks GMC Envoy - 2004 GMC Envoy
  By Frank Ciasnocha - September 4 - 10:00 am

  Had problem after 5 months where air conditioning did not work. Ride is kind of rough, could be smoother although this is my first SUV. Gas mileage is alot less than I expected. Is only getting about 14 in the city and 19 on the highway, less than window said and I an not a lead foot driver.

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  1999 GMC Yukon SLT 4WD - 1999 GMC Yukon
  By Charlie - September 4 - 2:11 am

  I bought my Yukon New and have owned it for 10 years now with 165,000 Miles. It was purchased for the four wheel drive. The drive train has performed flawless. Early repairs were leaky heater hose eng. block nipple Exhaust gaskets RR tightened the oil filter/cooler engine mounting. The original brakes are undersized and I replaced the front rotors with cryogenic cooled/hardened “Praise” units at 20k along with their stage III pads, rear brakes just the “Praise” shoes. These rotors lasted 120,000 miles. One problem engine not starting after a foggy nite or sitting awhile...The security light is on. OK after setting awhile. Overall the vehicle is stable with lower than Honda maint. costs.

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  Works Great for Us. - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By bgfred - September 3 - 5:39 pm

  We have now driven our 2008 Acadia more than 30,000 miles. This is by far the best road-trip vehicle weve ever owned, and we have been delighted with its performance and comfort under a wide variety of conditions. Labors a bit with heavy trailers, but handles very well when towing. No repair issues aside from transmission reprogramming to improve shifting responsiveness, which resolved issue. Gas mileage had been pretty good for vehicle of this size, but is VERY sensitive to driving style (highway range from 11mpg towing heavy trailer to 23mpg with moderate load/high speed). Find controls and switches to be laid out very intuitively, seats flip/fold very easily. Would buy again.

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  Best Cross-Over Out - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By Robert - September 3 - 11:56 am

  The new GMC Acadia is absolutely the best new crossover out there right now. Whichever trim level you decide you will not be disappointed. I have been looking to by a new vehicle for 6 months and at first i thought the price range was just too much. But after comparing the features and standards to other similar vehicles i kept coming back to the acadia. I thought about buying the honda pilot, but after test driving them both i purchased the Acadia. No regrets here.