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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  AWESOME TRUCK!!! - 2000 GMC Sonoma
  By Turtle82783 - April 24 - 9:03 pm

  This was my 1st truck. I bought it in 2003, and now in 2009 and trading it in. I absolutely love this truck and it is breaking my heart to get rid of it, but it is time. I have put a lot of work into keeping it in top condition with normal maintenance. This truck was always there for me and I highly reccomend it to anyone who loves trucks and is looking for a smaller one.

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  First time SUV owner - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By ysashacat - April 24 - 5:18 pm

  Down side: Fuel economy no where near advertized (12/20mpg), side view mirrors inadequate for viewing, poor visability out back (had to add after market camera),down shifts frequently in small hilly areas. Up side: good ride, roomy, large cargo capacity, heads-up display great. Added Sherwood wood grain kit to interior really makes the interior elegant.

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  wish I would have waited for the V8 - 2008 GMC Canyon
  By Mark S - April 24 - 1:31 pm

  I have had my 2008 I4 Canyon 2Wd Ext Cab since June 2008. I have over 41,000 miles on it. Most of the miles are hwy driving. 18-20 city 25-27 Hwy. I wish the V8 option would have been available when I purchased. I couldnt wait because I was driving a 2006 GMC HD2500 with the 496 Big Block and allison trans. 15 mpg Hwy at best. I love my Canyon I just wish It had the V8 option. I added after market wheels and micheland tires, best thing I could have done. The only issue I have had is during starting it used to shake and cause the check engine light to come on. The dealership reprogrammed the computer and its fine now. I also had ghost wipes from the wipers, they had to reprogram again.

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  Wanting just a bit more - 2006 GMC Sierra 2500HD
  By Steve - April 24 - 8:36 am

  I use this for trailering, hauling wood, pulling trees, hunting and fishing trips, and occassional weekend trips with the wife and friends. Most everyone loves the truck and the way it looks. I love the 4x4 rear end as it takes me nearly anywhere. Plenty of power, plenty of leg room, and I like the visibility (less blind spots than my 97). Im not afriad to take it anywhere. I have been in 10" of new snow and on muddy paths in the woods and it just goes. The AC is great and the warms up fast in the winter. I get about 12-13 mpg in town, and 15 on the highway. It does a good job driving with a cross wind. It looks like a truck that is designed to work - not pretty, but tough.

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  Great Surburban - 2008 GMC Yukon
  By d - April 24 - 12:34 am

  Yes I said Surburban, because after 25 Chevrolets I traded up to a GMC- I liked the Styling better, This is a quantum leap in vehicle quality, styling and interor design. Its quiet, comfortable and roomy. The 5.3 with multi displacement is smmoth- cant even tell when its in 4 cyl mode. Remote start is a hit and the tri zone AC is a winner- everyone gets their temp selection

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  01 Sonoma SLS - 2001 GMC Sonoma
  By Icebox - April 23 - 2:07 pm

  I own a 2001 GMC Sonoma SLS, 2.2L 5spd Reg. Cab with the short-Stepside bed. Its a great little truck, a bit on the small side if youre a bigger person, (Im 63", 280lbs) but I still seem to fit in there alright. It handles pretty well in town and its easy to park because of its size, but when youre traveling at high speeds or going down windy roads, you can tell its a light truck. Repair bills arent usually too steep because the Sonoma shares parts with the Blazer, Jimmy and S-10 so getting cheap parts is easy. All and all, its a pretty good little truck.

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  gmc - 2004 GMC Sierra 1500
  By tom gt - April 23 - 10:00 am

  excellent quality smooth ride should have got the 5.3 engine for more low end the 4.8 likes to rev and power comes on strong getting 20 plus miles per gallon with auto and 3.42 gears

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  2002 Denali - 2002 GMC Yukon XL
  By jmoriarty - April 21 - 7:56 pm

  Needs more feautures for price category...Need front and rear sensors..Need to know when children leave the door ajar(that was an old feature I thought that was in ALL cars. Dashboard has plastic that is suppose to look like wood..The BMW X5(my wifes car) is much better with features and interior quality design. Computer is limited in capabilities..My old Dodge VAn told me more information. The power covers are weak and break off easily. Too much wind/highway noise on windshield.

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  Cautiously optimistic - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By Dave - April 20 - 1:33 pm

  Bought this as a left-over. Second day the battery was dead in the garage. The electronics on the car are overwhelming and I took an extended warranty. 1st GM car Ive owned in 30 years.

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  We know the good, heres the bad - 2007 GMC Yukon XL
  By Damn Yankee - April 19 - 10:50 pm

  Of course this Denalli is awesome in every way. I thought our 03 Yukon was the best thing since sliced bread, but the Denalli made it seem like a 2 for 1 deal at KIA. But have you ever removed your third row seats? If you dont have a chiropractor you better get one. Why are these not folding flat yet? It makes me cringe when we need the space! Wheres the hood light? Also a vehicle in this price range really should have air conditioned seats. And last but not least, as expected the stellar gas mileage. Obviously OPEC subsidises these vehicles in order to keep profits up, I mean this truck will outrun most sports cars on the road today but youll never pass a gas station.