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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  body goeth before engine - 1995 GMC Jimmy
  By Ms Tru Indeed - June 21 - 2:58 am

  I bought my truck from a auction, expecting it to run for a year@16500 miles to get me over. Im hitting 200,000. The body is rusting the inside is falling apart, but the dern engine is still going. i want to trade it in, but I cant let it go. Since im good with maintanance on older vehicle (be it that Im 33 yrs old and female) I think I can get another 40,000. What the heck, its paid for, and im saving money (not on gas though) for that GMC Tahoe. GO GM!!!

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  Unreliable - 1997 GMC Suburban
  By sandyle03 - June 20 - 4:18 pm

  I have had my truck for 5 years. Although I havent had to replace the fuel pump, I am having some electrical issues. The starter is not bad, but sometimes I will drive some place, get out, and get back in the truck...it wont say a sound, no turn over or nothing but everything in the truck still works. I took it to GMC and they refused to dig into the problem because it would not stall there (no wonder they are in bankrupt). They put a $356 wire on it, and it did it again as soon as I stopped to the store leaving. No one would come up the road to help me.(maybe 5 blocks) Great vehicle but the gas cost is killing me! If I can get it to stop stalling, it would be even better!

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  Nice truck, but has some shortcomings - 2008 GMC Yukon Hybrid
  By RJ - June 20 - 6:26 am

  Bought this truck new on New Years Eve 2008. After 7 months and 12k miles, Im a bit disappointed with the mileage. Were only getting around 17 MPG. I have a lead foot, but my wife doesnt and she is the primary driver. Dont see how other reviewers are getting 20+. Have also had to take it to the dealer twice for brake issues. Covered under warranty, but still a hassle. Interior is laid out nicely, but materials seem really cheap. Drivers seat has great leg and head room, but comfort of seat is lacking on long trips. Overall, pretty happy with it. Has a very good ride even at 75-85 MPH. With 3rd row seats out, cargo area is spacious. Cant use NAV without radio on.

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  Great truck & mileage after recall - 2008 GMC Yukon Hybrid
  By mwells - June 19 - 4:16 pm

  Love this truck for it can idling when parked and no carbon foot print. The truck was receiving poor gas mileage, but after the transmission recall it is getting what is estimated. I love the fact it gets around 20 miles per gallon and I have a lead foot. Wondering if GM will credit me the fuel cost from their error?

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  BEST SUV EVER BUILT FOR THE MONEY - 2010 GMC Terrain
  By MW_NY - June 19 - 5:20 am

  This vehicle is unreal. I test drove 12 cars before going with this one. The 4 cyl model drives like a 6 cyl car with all the benefits of a 4 cyl sedan gas mileage. I am getting around 25 mpg in the NYC / Metro area, which is pretty good but not the 32 mpg they boast. It took me 3 months to get this car and it was well worth it. There is NO car that comes close for all the features it contains. I would recommend only the SLE-2 and not the SLE-1. There is a big difference in the amenities and the seat cushions between both. I previously drove a BMW X3 and the amenities on this car are better and the drive is comparable. GMC really did a great job with this car. Get the 18 inch wheels

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  Love This Truck - 2004 GMC Sierra 2500
  By Brian Eichler - June 19 - 12:10 am

  I have the 2500HD 6.6L Diesel 4x4 Crew Cab SB. This is my third GM 4x4 truck, but first diesel. I tow an RV and put dirt bikes in the back and it drives like I have nothing attached and nothing in the back. I can accelerate going up hills on the freeway fully loaded towing the RV. The interior noise is quieter than my wifes Chevy Blazer. The stereo absolutely rocks, and the seat heaters are so nice - even in San Diego CA! This is the best truck ever made.

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  road noise - 2010 GMC Sierra 1500
  By gary warren - June 18 - 7:23 pm

  Drove G.M. trucks for 30 years, this is noisy one. No insulation on floor under back seat.G.M. will not fix so look before you sign papers because after you sign you are on your own.Going to buy ear plugs,another bad investment.

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  Great Truck - 1999 GMC Suburban
  By Dennis - June 18 - 5:00 pm

  This is a great truck. For its size it handles and drives well. Good power and acceleration. I bought this truck new. It has been driven every where from the DC beltway to gravel roads (and off road) through every kind of weather from rain, sun, and blizzards. It has hauled kids, dogs, lumber, rocks etc. Always reliable and built like a tank. I have had a couple of accidents with little or no damage and the other car having major damage.

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  Nice Looking - but Poor Quality - 2007 GMC Yukon
  By Marty Simms - June 16 - 8:15 pm

  I bought this vehicle in Sept of 06 and thought it was going to be the best purchase ever. I have only had problems with this Yukon since the day I bought it. Problems with the battery, heater, arm rests and more. I was so disappointed as the vehicle looks sooo nice on the outside. Inside is great, lots of room...but poorly made with cheap parts. Time to move onto something else.

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  99 2wd reg cab 4 cyl first truck owned - 1999 GMC Sonoma
  By brian - June 16 - 11:24 am

  I got this truck a few months ago and it was a good price compared to other trucks. I had to recharge air and works great very cold and its 10 years old. I have drove many other trucks and this drives great. Needs new fuel regulator so gas gauge dont work so the only problem is that, and the fact we figured it out to only get about 19-20 mpg mf sticker in glove box says 19-28mpg it would not get 28 mpg on the best day. drivers door rust spot on bottom and wheel undercarriages and very squeaky when driving I heard people say that about gm,my grandpa worked there 34 years so beside 2 mustangs all i ever owned was gm this only one that squeaky, bought w 99950 miles will get probably 200,000