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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  Great Truck - 1996 GMC Sonoma
  By I love this truck - March 10 - 5:43 pm

  I cant say anything bad about this truck. I have owned this GMC for 4 years and now I have over 193,000 miles and still going strong. The 4 wheel drive works perfectly and other than standard maintenance, and the replacement of the wiper motor I havent had any problems. I have the oil changed every 3000 to 4000 miles. I would trust this truck to go from Ohio to California and back without any hesitation. I will definitely be purchasing another GMC truck in the future. I still get about 19 to 21 miles to a gallon on the highway with this truck.

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  Nice truck - 1996 GMC Sonoma
  By GMC Sonoma 4x4 - March 10 - 3:15 pm

  I have had this truck for 4 years and I purchsed it with 79,000 miles on it and I have nothing but a great experience with this truck. I now have over 193,000 miles on it and it runs almost like new. I change the oil every 3000 miles and the ride isnt bad for a truck. The only thing I had to do to this truck was install a new wiper motor which I installed and thats about it. I like how reliable this trucks been and the 4 wheel drive works perfectly.

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  2003 GMC Safari - 2003 GMC Safari
  By Brian Schneider - March 4 - 1:22 pm

  This is the second Safari we have owned. While dated in style and design- the AWD, spaciousness, towing capacity and fuctionality make it a good good value for the price. Very functional for hauling kids, towing the boat and packing full of gear for hunting/fishing trips. Both of our vehicle have been reliable w/ minimal need for service other than routine maintenance.

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  no regrets - 2009 GMC Sierra 1500
  By peter - March 4 - 6:53 am

  Get the 5.3L for sure! The six speed is great for 2009. However, adding a cold intake really helped with gear hunting at higher speeds,alltitude and hills. No problems except I had a creaking noise from the undeside since new. Turns out I needed a whole new drive shaft. Have over 8K on it now and dont regret a thing. More room than Japanese trucks espcially in head room department. Never feels underpowered. I did add ICON DYNAMICS coil overs/rear shocks and they make it handle amazingly with no ride loss. Get them, you wont regret it. They leveled out the front too!

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  Sickening MPG - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By Matthew - February 22 - 1:23 pm

  Boght the car with future plans on bigger family. Gas mileage and prices have killed that idea! Average about 12/16 city/highway in Hawaii. Love the truck almost as much as anything I have ever owned and never would think I could find a better designed or planned American built vehicle in this class. It sits in the garage most of the time however due to the very poor mileage but when we do drive it, it is almost as much fun than the actual destination. If you love comfort, space, quality and having peoples heads turn this is the vehicle for you. If you hate paying out the yang for gas, dont even entertain it.

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  Bring on the foreign cars! - 2002 GMC Envoy
  By japanese4me - February 20 - 5:33 pm

  Owned this vehicle since it was new and have had many little problems with it. The A/C went out for a week, the brake rotors were changed twice (covered by warranty), rubber casings around windows began to wilt, and there were countless factory recalls. I just traded the vehicle in with 7,500 miles (2/2005) and was only able to get $13,000 for a $39,000 vehicle! According to KBB, the most I could have got would be $16,000. Very dissapointed. Stay away from this SUV unless you get it for a really good price and own a gas station.

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  Denali - 2001 GMC Yukon XL
  By meakin - February 18 - 2:00 am

  This is the best vehicle I have ever owned. It is comfortable to drive and you feel safe in it as you travel down the road. The fuel economy is poor and I have had some mechanical problems with it that was not pleasant.

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  My Envoy - 2005 GMC Envoy
  By James Britland - February 17 - 3:25 pm

  On February 10th, 2005 I forgot to remove a coffee mug from the rear bumper where I left it. Later, I drove 16 miles round trip to visit a relative in the hospital. A short time later my son walked in with the mug asking how long I was going to leave it on the bumper of my Envoy. That is a true test of a smooth ride and handling. I would add that there are a lot of potholes in New England in February.

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  Many great characteristics but a few annoying ones - 2016 GMC Terrain
  By Sensible - February 16 - 10:26 pm

  This is an SUV. Supposed to be suitable for sports and utility use, right? The materials in the cargo area need to be better suited for that use. Even with the factory cargo mat, burrs, dirt, sawdust etc impregnates into the surrounding carpet like on the seat back. Its like Velcro! Vacuuming only pushes it deeper into the fabric. The plastic in the cargo area dents and scratches too easily - materials should be more resilient. Inside of the tailgate should be faced with rubber not semi-hard plastic that is easily damaged. Mechanically this SUV is great. 11k mile and zero issues. Quiet, comfortable ride. Once the 4 cyl engine was broken in, it has adequate power for everyday driving. Controls are easy to see, Bluetooth phone connection was simple. Handle for tilting drivers seat is award to reach when door is closed. Very nice vehicle for road trips. When folded, rear seat has an angle to it which makes loading long items problematic. Should fold flat. I have to go to a side door and pull cargo the rest of the way into the area.

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  Recommend the new GMC Envoy - 2002 GMC Envoy
  By TomRector - February 15 - 2:00 am

  I previously had a 1996 Chevrolet Blazer and moving up to the new Envoy was a great choice for me. I considered the Dodge Durango and Land Rover Discovery. I also, looked at the TrailBlazer, just to compare before I bought the Envoy and found that the Envoy came with more standard options, for your money. So far, after having the vehicle for 3 weeks, Ive only one problem, the OnStar had to be re-programmed since OnStar could not establish a connection with my vehicle. The Envoy rides smooth and has great accelleration and power.