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:

• 

  AMERICANS ARE BACK - 2004 GMC Yukon
  By HARD SELL - December 8 - 10:00 am

  NEVER BOUGHT A NEW AMERICAN AUTO TIL NOW. WE LOOKED AT EVERYTHING FOR OUR FAMILY, AND COULD HAVE BOUGHT ANYTHING, THIS YUKON 5.3, 4- CAPTAINS, DVD, WHITE, TAN LEATHER, TOW, AND FINALLY A GREAT STEREO SYSTEM FROM GM, GREAT A.C. CHROME WHEELS. WOW GOOD JOB YOU AMERICANS, WATCH OUT REST OF THE WORLD. THE AMERICANS ARE BACK! BORN AND RAISED IN CALIF.

• 

  Great truck - 2007 GMC Yukon
  By Doug - December 7 - 5:29 pm

  This is my first GM product, and so far so good. Its comfortable, smooth, quiet and powerful. The features in the vehicle are vast, and I agree with another Edmunds reviewer that the dealers need to be more aware of the features and their functionality. They were clueless (first time Ive actually had to read an owners manual). Aside from that, Im very satisfied with the vehicle.

• 

  Best of breed - 2005 GMC Sierra 3500
  By Crusty Codger - December 4 - 8:30 am

  Except for the cruise control switch that failed early on and the really poor tires that were provided I have had zero problems with my GMC 3500 long bed duramax allison crew cab dually that I purchased in 2005. My GMC has largely been used for hauling trailers, including my 35 foot fifth wheel, a car hauler and a 20 foot box trailer. The diesel never falters, even on fairly sharp inclines. And compared to Ford or Dodge the engine remains quite quiet.

• 

  Most comfottable velicle Ive ever owned! - 2016 GMC Canyon
  By D.R. Steele - December 4 - 5:25 am

  2016 Models do not have a CD/MP3 player. I listen to a lot of books on CD. Now I have to convert to a thumb drive to listen. However, that is not to say that I dont love this truck. I travel extensively on business and hate airports - so...if its less that 12 hours, I drive. Ive owned Ford Tauruses in the past and I always thought they were a comfortable ride, until the Canyon. No fatigue, and I could drive it a long way without having a sore butt! Even my wife says it is more comfortable than her 2015 Buick Enclave! Im sold on this truck, even though I had wished that Ford had a mid-size! Fords loss!

• 

  The Works - 2006 GMC Canyon
  By we bought two - December 2 - 10:36 am

  Ive beaten this truck pretty good. It has the off-road package, so I did a little off-roading and the truck took it well. Plenty of clearance, handling is good, and more power than I needed to climb a 33 degree dirt hill with three other big guys in the cab. I have the I5 Vortec engine and a heavy foot my average mileage has been about 18.5. Straight highway is at 22 and city driving has been no worse than 17.5. I have read reviews where people say the interior feels cheap and I understand moving parts might feel that way, however, I think they misinterpret the molded plastic features that have a tight range of movement with little resistence adding to the fun and solid feel of the truck.

• 

  Owner - 2007 GMC Envoy
  By Ralph - November 30 - 9:30 pm

  An excellent all around vehicle. Very nice ride and very comfortable. Rides like a luxury car

• 

  Consider this - 2006 GMC Canyon
  By Larry - November 30 - 5:42 pm

  Americans have gotten way too obsessed and spoiled with huge engines and interior options. I wanted a basic truck with adequate power and simple interior appointments. Bigger and more luxurious isnt always better. I have owned other trucks with more cubic inches and a lot more bells and whistles and so far I enjoy this truck more. It reminds me of the first truck I owned, a base Toyota 4WD SR5, only the Canyon now costs a lot less than Toyota....less is more!

• 

  1995 Jimmy - 1995 GMC Jimmy
  By Craig Berlehner - November 27 - 1:56 am

  I abuse this vehicle. When it dies, I will buy a new GMC to replace it. It just doesnt seem it will ever happen. I confidently drive this vehicle from coast to coast.

• 

  Love My Canyon! - 2005 GMC Canyon
  By woofie - November 26 - 8:38 pm

  What a great truck to run around with and take out hunting! Its a little workhorse and it looks good no matter what we do with it. Consumer Reports doesnt rate this truck well at all but they dont know anything but Toyota,Honda, Nissan etc. Not every truck is perfect, but this truck suits us just fine!

• 

  Yukon - 2007 GMC Yukon
  By Don - November 25 - 4:19 pm

  This my third Yukon and the best so far. Rides like a car and pulls like mule. Nice SUV/car.