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 it! - 2002 GMC Yukon
  By AJ - October 15 - 9:08 pm

  I would definitely purchased another Denali. It is a nice looking, well built GM vehicle!

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  Nice Truck - 2003 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Truck Man - October 15 - 11:56 am

  Excellent truck. Electronic controls replaced under warrenty. Get 19.5 mpg on a 30 mile trip to work one way. Great sound and very comfortable ride. 5.3L engine that would pull a house up a hill.

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  2008 Sierra 1500 - 2008 GMC Sierra 1500
  By K. Hays - October 15 - 12:36 am

  I have owned this truck for three weeks. This is my first truck and am loving it. We chose the Sierra over the Tundra. Both trucks are very quiet with smooth car-like ride and handling. Sierra got the nod because of ease of access and interior design. So far, I have averaged 16 mpg in non-freeway driving.

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  Awesome Ride - 2004 GMC Yukon
  By cnmciver - October 14 - 2:00 am

  Awesome Ride! Love all the extras. Good for family vehicle. Wish i would have purchased the XL for the extra space in the back for groceries, stroller, etc.

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  Awesome! - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By Jim - October 11 - 3:06 am

  We looked at all the current cross-overs, in the end this is the largest and in terms of efficiency, same or better as the rest. In comparison to imports, it runs on regular which is a huge plus, fuel econ better than MDX & X5. Versitility is tops; 2nd row captains and 3rd row bench easily accomodate adults and any kind of gear you want to store. Switched from smaller car, still adjusting to size. On the road, feel as big or bigger than minivans, but not as large as full size SUVs and some mid size SUVs. Getting 19.5 overall with a mix of 60% highway and 40% city. Driving close to posted limit, long highway trips getting 21, hope to improve once the AC goes off this fall.

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  Love it - 2007 GMC Sierra 2500HD
  By DM - October 10 - 7:10 am

  One of the best trucks Ive owned. Was looking at another brand until someone told me how good the fuel mileage was with this truck. Somewhere around 18 to 20 mpg highway driving. The 6.6 Duramax diesel/6speed Allision trans is one awesome drive train. Plenty of power to spare. Shifting is very smooth. Interior comfort is excellent. The dual zone auto temp. control, leather power bucket seats keeps comfort at the front in this vehicle.I would highly recommend this truck to anyone wanting muscle and comfort.

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  2003 Denali XL - Excellent vehicle - 2003 GMC Yukon XL
  By wvufan5 - October 9 - 10:00 am

  Overall, an excellent vehicle. I took it on a 8500 mile cross-country trip last summer. Lots of room, plenty of power. Performed well in all types of terrain. Drove it through Death Valley with myself, 5 passengers, and enough luggage for a three week trip. Didnt experience any problems. It now has 40000 miles with only very minor repairs being made (one air conditioning switch). I plan on buying the same vehicle next time.

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  Impressed! - 2007 GMC Sierra 1500
  By TSully - October 8 - 10:50 pm

  I think this vehicle is a bargain. The only other vehicle that you can compare to is the Escalade. I had an 04 Sierra 4wd extended cab. The new Sierra drives so much smoother and feels more solid. The steering feel is improved as well. Not so soft. I like the 6 speed transmission. It shifts smoothly. Except out of 1st gear. There is a little push there that makes you feel there is a lot of power here. I like not having to mess with the 4wd stuff. All wheel drive does it better. The looks are a surprise improvement to me. I receive a lot of compliments on the looks. The gas mileage isnt a bad as I expected. Same as last truck.

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  GM Got This One Right - 2014 GMC Sierra 1500
  By john178 - October 7 - 7:51 am

  Picked up my 2014 GMC SLT Sierra (Z71) today. It is black with black leather interior and chrome galore- including 6 inch running boards. I also put Line-X in bed of truck. The truck is a head turner for sure. There is additional room in the backseat, improved door seals make this even quieter than the 2011 Chevy Silverado I taded in for the GMC. Ive driven around all day and cannot come to grips with how comfortable the ride is. GM hit a homerun on this newly designed 2014 truck.

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  GMC Duramax 2500HD SLT - 2006 GMC Sierra 2500HD
  By alybry4 - October 6 - 1:50 am

  Looked a long time for a new truck and this one was the best. The Dodge MegaCab has a larger interior but the GMC has nicer creature comforts. Tremendous acceleration and quiet ride. I got the rear seat entertainment package with the DVD and the kids are having a great time.