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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  Affordable comfort and luxury - 2006 GMC Envoy
  By Cindy Barranco - November 25 - 5:46 am

  It took me 3 years to find an SUV with the right price, comfort level, features, interior and exterior appearance and driving experience, but when I did, I knew that this was the car for me. Not once have I ever had buyers remorse. I hope this GM vehicle continues to make me proud.

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  Too old for an SUV - 2002 GMC Yukon
  By Charlotte Morean - November 22 - 5:29 pm

  This has served me well but need a smaller car. Im 75 years old and friends my age dont like to drive with me because they cant get into it. Also, the tailgate is getting to be too much for me.

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  Mileage - 1996 GMC Jimmy
  By kyle kastanek - November 22 - 4:12 pm

  I think this is a great SUV for a sixteen year old to drive. It gets around a 20 miles a gallon and with gas prices your kids will not be asking you for gas money. They are a fun truck to drive.

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  GMC Denali XL - 2005 GMC Yukon XL
  By Mark - November 21 - 8:46 pm

  If you have never actually spent any time in one of these vehicles, you owe it to yourself to drive one. This is a "Drivers SUV." We use this one in our business and that means there have been several long trips logged this past year, and that is really where the Denali shines. Long trips just dont "wear you out" like they would in a lesser vehicle. Its handling is awesome (for a vehicle of its size), and its power is strong - the thing will RUN! We love the styling and we feel very safe in it on the road. The kids love the DVD but we all love the comfort it provides. I fully intend to buy another one!

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  2 Adults/no kids - 2010 GMC Terrain
  By scooter - November 19 - 2:53 pm

  Waited 5 weeks to get an SLT-2 with a 6 cylinder and MSRP of $31,495 for my wife. Traded a Honda CRV and this beats it so far. Its small and simple like the CRV but the ride quality is far superior. With the back seat pushed forward (thats the way my dog likes it) the cargo area is bigger than the specs make it seem. This may seem crazy but I drive a 6 cylinder Porsche Cayenne and the Terrain, while not handling as nifty as the Porsche, has a ride quality and practicality that actually make it the vehicle of choice for driving excursions out of town. So far, I think GMC has hit a home run with this.

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  2005 1500 GMC Extended Cab - 2005 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Orlean - November 17 - 7:40 pm

  Except for the early tranny issue and the noise coming from my steering column, this truck has been spectacular! Thanks to a personal mechanic who was a GM mechanic, the steering column has become a non-issue. And, the dealership took GREAT care of the tranny issue. 140,000 miles into it and I STILL love this truck! Ive driven it to/from CA and TX several times, in both winter and summer, and its served me VERY well! MPG has deteriorated over the years, but thats to be expected. Started at 17MPG and now at 15! I miss that extra 2MPG!

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  Great little truck does a bunch well - 1998 GMC Sonoma
  By metuttle - November 15 - 5:39 pm

  Owned this truck from new and man I wish I could get a new one when this ones times up. About 110k and two repairs. One alternator at about75k ($250) and bad catalytic converter and tail pipe section about 110k ($400). Otherwise a great driving little truck.

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  I love my truck! - 1995 GMC Sierra 1500
  By ZakVortec95 - November 15 - 4:46 pm

  i have a 95 sierra long box 4x4 that i have done some modifications to. being 16 i like to add things to it like so far a visor avs bug visor and vent shades, cherry bomb extreme. i love it it has a lot of power it looks nice. i recomend it! btw it has a vortec 305

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  Bought cause it was cheap - 2006 GMC Canyon
  By faulknerhanover - November 14 - 1:27 pm

  I bought this truck because it was cheap and had a 0% finance rate, but I love the thing. It has a great ride and the 5 speed manual transmission shifts great. It is a truck to get me around for a,while, but I ended up loving it.

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  A truck you dont want to get rid of - 1994 GMC Yukon
  By Gmcwayoflife - November 10 - 10:30 am

  I have a 1994 Yukon GT and its been in the family for about 10 years now. My mom used to drive it and now I drive it. It has 228,000 miles on it. Ive used Mobil 1 the whole time through tough towing offroading and burnouts and yet it still runs like new. Not once has this vehicle ever broken down on us and left us stranded. Its an amazing truck. Powerful, well built, reliable. Its very safe in all weather conditions especially snow. It might not be the best on gas but theres just something about these trucks that all owners love. This truck will be in my family for the rest of my life. Its getting restored as soon as Im done with school.