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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  Best full size ever - 2002 GMC Yukon XL
  By Pbear - May 29 - 2:00 am

  I have owned my Yukon for 3 years and 30,000 miles. I love the power, handling and comfort this vehicle offers. I have had to do only regular maintenance which usually includes the front hubs at around 100,000 miles. This thing fits 4 foot by 8 ft sheets of plywood inside and is still is capable of 19 mpg on the highway!I average 16 overall with mostly rural driving in the mountains. This vehicle is just as well built and reliable as my Honda Accord!

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  nice surprise - 1999 GMC Yukon
  By gamer05 - May 29 - 2:00 am

  I read a review on this site that said their yukon shakes at around 70mph. Mine does too. There is no evidence of abnormal tire wear though. Other than that this vehicle has been remarkable. It is a dependable, secure ride. Very smooth ride for an SUV. Press the accelarator with slow and steady pressure for the best acceleration...

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  Good truck if you are OK with the MPG - 2007 GMC Sierra 1500
  By tr709 - May 29 - 2:00 am

  I originally wasnt interested in the Denali, but I stumbled upon a killer lease deal ($399 mo), so I went for it. My only complaint with the build quality was with the exterior door handles in which both fronts came loose. Im currently getting 15.5 mpg in 80% highway driving and with my recent move and longer commute, Im paying for it. You will need to rotate the tires on schedule as the fronts will wear by 25k if you dont, But that is common with most trucks. Overall I have been satisfied with my truck and the reliability has been very good, routine maint, tires and 1 headlight bulb have been it. I now have 38k miles on it.

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  My first used vehicle - 2000 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Daves Truck - May 27 - 12:33 am

  I recently purchased a 2000 GMC Sierra SLT Ext. Cab from my local dealership and I couldnt be happier. All Ive ever bought before were new vehicles, but I couldnt pass up this truck when I saw it. I found a fully loaded GMC, (leather, heated seats, overhead console, fog lights, seat memory position, 5.3L V8 engine) with almost 24,000 miles on it for less than $21,000. I drove off the lot for about $24,000, including ext. warranty. The vehicle was certified.

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  Strong Performer and Easy to Drive - 2005 GMC Yukon XL
  By WLS - May 26 - 9:36 pm

  I purchased this vehicle because I needed enough space for my three boys, and because I needed a competent tow vehicle with 4 wheel drive. This vehicle has exceeded my expectation! Its easy and enjoyable to drive, it has plently of power, and the mileage is fair. (If you can call 14 MPG fair.) Surprisingly, the vehicle is also easy to park and has a tighter turning radius then my much smaller and more sporty 4-door sedan. If you need a big vehicle, and I do mean BIG, and you can live with the "Wow! Thats a BIG car!" jokes and the poor mileage this vehicle is for you. If I could relive this vehicles purchase, I would still buy the vehicle again. Overall, its a great vehicle with bad MPG.

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  susanj12 review - 2004 GMC Envoy
  By SusanJ12 - May 25 - 2:00 am

  Easy to drive and very comfortable

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  Good Overall - 1995 GMC Suburban
  By mack2 - May 24 - 2:00 am

  I have 142,000 miles on my Suburban now. Other than the brakes needing regular maintenance, this vehicle has been quite good. The plastics on the interior are now starting to break, this is likely due to the hot summers here in Sacramento.

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  Denali - - 2003 GMC Yukon
  By Dag - May 24 - 2:00 am

  Bought the truck new in Feb 2003. Loved it for the first 500 miles, then it started falling apart, Everything has been repaired but it took numerous.. did I say numerious, I meant countless trips to the service dept. From 500 - 25000 nothing but service. From 25000 - Now. much better. Very nice look, sweet! Like it enought not to part with it yet, wouldt buy another one.

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  Transmission Problems - 2004 GMC Yukon
  By Homer - May 21 - 2:00 am

  My Yukon as a whole is wonderful. However, after less than 8000 miles I had to have the transmission rebuilt. This truck came with a TOW/HAUL mode and has never had a trailer hitch installed.

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  My GMC 4x4 - 2009 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Rusty - May 19 - 1:20 pm

  I enjoy driving it but dont like the tires that it came with, no bite to the road really lousy traction, looks like just street tires anyway. Dont care for onstar and the satellite radio, always blanks out with the trees and some hills around here. Also the paint job is really thin, should be better with a good clear coat.