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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  Love My Envoy - 2005 GMC Envoy
  By Jane - August 1 - 8:56 pm

  This was my first SUV and after test driving it, I was hooked. The ride is so smooth and it handles so well. Parking in tight places was very hard to get used to, and I usually park way out from where I am going to keep other people from banging it with their doors. I am very protective of it because I love it.

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  I love this truck - 2008 GMC Sierra 1500
  By R Taylor - July 31 - 5:06 pm

  I decided to buy a new truck and chose the new body GMC for several reasons. The overall design is great! The interior is nicer than ever and everything is within easy reach. The big bold grille stands out in a crowd.

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  Totally decent, what we wanted - 2003 GMC Yukon XL
  By drdrevans - July 29 - 10:00 am

  This is a good car (ours is an 02), ctually gets OK mileage (15 in town, 17+ on the road), not that much worse (only 1 MPG) than our 97 4 litre 4wd Explorer. Comfortable and quiet, good deal, and holds as much as one can imagine.

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  Great American made truck - 1998 GMC Suburban
  By Imateetoo - July 28 - 9:22 am

  We bought this truck used at 60,000 miles and have had very little trouble with it. I wanted something that could pull my horse trailer over mountains with no problem and it more than delivers. The 2500 model / 454hp engine is outstanding! Having the rear A/C is essential with people in the third seat in the summer. We are and will remain a Suburban family! My last Suburban (a 1979) went to almost 300,000 miles on the original engine. GMC certainly does make a GREAT truck!

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  gmc Professional Grade? ? ? - 2007 GMC Envoy
  By Jim Garrett - July 27 - 1:30 pm

  Drastic improvements needed with cup holders - terrible wind noise - larger brake pedal - seat belt B pillar should be adjustable. Good power good audio difficult GPS system throw it out and start over. Use Mapqwest as a model. Nice interior fit and finish. Easy to drive and park. Inadequate sn visor size Use same as Tahoe. In general its a pretty good car with all the goodies but definitely NOT professional grade.

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  Best ever - 1990 GMC Suburban
  By Sandra - July 27 - 8:06 am

  I purchased this car new from the factory 19 years ago, have over 200,000 miles on it with only expected repairs, one new transmission. Minimum rust, however paint peeled on this model. Seats nine with bench seats. If the new ones were this good, Id buy one. Gets 14 MPG according to gov. website but I always felt I got more. New ones are only small increase. Love to drive it. Kids loved it... held seven of them! They dont make them like this anymore. Hang on to them as long as possible. Worked well for towing. Size makes curb parking harder but I got used to it. If you can find a good one, buy it!

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  Very Pleased - 2007 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Belpre Ohio - Dave - July 26 - 6:46 pm

  Ive had my truck for 2 months and 2000 miles. Early indications are this truck is truly outstanding. I had a 2003 Silverado and this truck is much improved. It is fun to drive -- steering is great and power is super. The interior is extremely convenient and has a pleasing appearance. The truck is very quiet. My biggest complaints with the 2003 have been addressed. The fuel mileage is very good considering the size and power, 18 mpg overall. I didnt think Id go GM again, but after test driving I decided to try again. I am glad I did. I really expect Ill be able to say that many miles later.

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  Very Disappointed - 2009 GMC Acadia
  By Disappointed - July 26 - 5:35 pm

  I bought 2009 Acadia in March 2009 and have had nothing but problems. The dealership has tried to fix the air conditioning and pick up with no resolve of problem. LV is very hot and w/o good air, it is impossible. Freeway driving is terrible when a Prius passes you up with no acceleration. Car has been in shop several times with no fix. I would not recommend this car if they all drive the same way. No one wants to actually fix the problem. It may be a LEMON. GMC does not seem to care. So GM cars with all their problems may best be avoided to buy until they resolve to take care of customer problems or replace their LEMONS. Milage has averaged less than 17 miles to gallon more like 15 even HWY

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  Not a favorite - 2000 GMC Jimmy
  By HEIDI - July 24 - 1:49 pm

  Bought this used. Had a 1995 Villager that need some money be put into it so figured would be better off with a newer vehicle. Well I was wrong. In the year since I have purchased this I have spent more money in repairs then I would have had to do to the Villager. Plus now a monthly payment. Fuel pump, hubs both sides, passenger needs it done again. Ball joints, brakes done right before I bought, needs COMPLETE brake job again. Its nice looking and good in the snow but thats about it. Dont buy. They are horrible.

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  GMC wanna be - 2005 GMC Envoy
  By Marty - July 23 - 3:32 pm

  After year 3 an oil pressure sensor went out, idling issue, not sure why. Dealer could never tell me why either. Since there is no fuel filter, i am wondering if there could have been something restricting the fuel flow!!!. Year 4, tensioner pulley bearing went out, Year 4.5 traded the Envoy in for a Jeep Wrangler Unlimited. Probably never buy this model again, it was transportation and cheap. Sticker was $29,500, after discounts and rebates i paid $19,500. it was a good price on a SUV to haul my kids around.