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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  The good and the bad - 2007 GMC Yukon
  By downhilldad - August 19 - 4:09 am

  traded in my 2001 yukon sle 4x4 (170,000 mi) for the 2007 yukon sle 4x4 (32,000 mi). I am a bit disappointed and wish for the old 2001. Miss the heated side mirrors, and have a different rear end gear. I get better highway mileage, but worse towing mileage. Have not had it in the mountains/snow yet, the front end has a nasty bounce when going over speed bumps and on the highway over irregular road surfaces (dealership cant find anything wrong).

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  2010 Acadia - 2010 GMC Acadia
  By jus10credible - August 18 - 3:45 pm

  Just bought the 2010 Acadia as a gift for my wife. We love the vehicle, it handles smooth, hugs the road, has a little get up and go when needed. Glad we added this vehicle to our garage.

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  Me and my big truck - 2002 GMC Yukon XL
  By Jeff Nichols - August 18 - 10:00 am

  Picked up my 2002 GMC Yukon XL and have never missed a beat. Truck is huge but handles like a smaller SUV. Surprised by the excellent engine performance. Many trips over mountain passes loaded with family and gear, nothing but passing other cars.

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  94000 miles of no repairs - 2004 GMC Envoy
  By ron9311 - August 17 - 11:15 pm

  Bought it new, 94k+ miles and no repairs 1st set of brakes @ 60K, 1 battery, 2 trans flushes. Its seen the dealer once for a small recall item and headlight bulb replacement. This vehicle has a dual personality. The body is a rugged truck-like body on frame design but the in-line 6 is more like a BMW engine. Its smooth and docile until you punch it. Once it downshifts all hell (and the 290 hp)breaks loose. Unlike most SUV engines its torque peaks @ 4700 rpm and it loves to rev. All and all its been a great vehicle.

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  Good Bye Jimmy - 1999 GMC Jimmy
  By DoneWithGMC - August 16 - 9:50 pm

  I will try not to repeat was has been said already, we have had 99 percent of the problems listed. The Jimmy was OK for the first 30K miles - and then it started acting like other GM products - everything started to fail, just when we would fix one thing for 600 buck the next thing would go wrong also for 600 bucks! It was so bad even our car repair guy told us to get rid of it (and we probably put his kid through college on the repair bills!) In short the problems can be broken into 2 lists - Big problems that slow/stop the car in its tracks and small problems like levers breaking that are just plain annoying - especially since this was the top end flagship Jimmy model. Avoid this clunk!

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  leaking lemon - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By Lemon owner - August 16 - 6:13 pm

  Car has been in shop with 4 SEPARATE leaks-sunroofs, windows etc, in first 6 months. Gas mileage considerably less than advertised. Stabilitrak kicks in, on corners locking up brakes. Car smells like mold. GMC very unhelpful refusing to do anything more than supply me with a rental for the 30 days its been in the shop. Going through arbitration process for replacement through lemon law. So much for the reliability I had hoped for in a brand new car. Shame on you GMC.

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  glad I waited! - 2003 GMC Yukon
  By mariah51 - August 15 - 10:00 am

  The 2003 Yukon was worth the wait! Every aspect of this vehicle has been well considered. The three individual automatic temperature controls, the steering wheel controls, the comfort, 17 mpg so far in the city with the 5.3L! I am very satisfied and glad I didnt grab a 02 for 0%!

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  Love my Truck - 2004 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Cheryl - August 15 - 3:26 am

  The Sierra has a comfortable ride with tons of room in the front seat and also in the back. I like the short box. It was just enough for everything I was hauling and kept the vehicle length shorter. The 8 cyl give the Sierra great pick up. However the gas mileage is quite low. I have owned it for three years (48,000 miles) and have not had one problem with it.

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  Best Car Ever by GMC - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By John - August 14 - 2:13 pm

  After having the Acadia for for 6 months still love it. Made 2 trips to NY from Flordia. was great too drive and was the most comfortable of all the vehicles Ive owned. GM definitely outdid all the competition with this crossover. Looking at getting a second Acadia when I trade My Pontiac GXP in early 2008. GM has put pride back in building and owning an American vehicle.

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  Very poor reliablity and GMC Service - 2015 GMC Yukon
  By Blueskies123 - August 14 - 3:14 am

  At 50,000 miles the transmission was replaced. At 55,000 the AC condenser was replaced costing $1000. At 60,000 miles the AC compressor went out costing another $1,000. My biggest fear is they are replacing the poor components with same design so they will all fail again at 50,000 to 60,000 miles. GMC service could car less when I talk to them about these problems on a $70,000 vehicle.