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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  somewhat disapointed - 2004 GMC Yukon
  By Stu456 - January 18 - 2:00 am

  Body fit and finish disappoiinting for upscale vehicle. Lacks simple inexpensive features found on my 1002. No key locked compartments within the vehicle. Rear light swich eliminated, console compartment small and lacks booklet holder underside of cover. Just some items that were of a convienence no longer available. Would NOT buy another or from that dealership.

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  Sierra Upgrade - 2004 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Schodack Bassman - January 13 - 10:00 am

  Upgraded from a 01 Z71 SLE to the 04 Z71 SLT. I like a lot about the new one. The leather, adjustable seats, sound system, XM, looks, HVAC, dimming outside mirror, heated mirrors (live in upstate NY). What I miss-inside storage my 01 had, the overhead console, the extended chrome accent on the side, the red gmc on the wheels. Some short cuts were taken I think. The last thing is the wind blows this one around while the 01 was rock solid. Different front maybe? I still love the truck and would buy no other make.

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  Yukons are Great ! - 2002 GMC Yukon
  By scrawford11 - January 11 - 2:00 am

  Outstanding, solid vehicle. 19 MPG on the highway was a nice surprise as well for a vehicle this weight and size.

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  Yukon for Life - 2000 GMC Yukon
  By dls053147 - January 10 - 2:00 am

  Had 98 Pontiac Gran Prix and 94 Ford Bronco (full size). Sold both and bought the Yukon. Dont know why didnt do it sooner. Drives as well as the Gran Prix, rides actually better, and is tough enough for off road fun and use, but not abuse. Love it!!

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  My Jimmy - 1996 GMC Jimmy
  By Sheilah99 - January 9 - 2:00 am

  My Jimmy has been a great SUV to date. I have used the roomy storage for both work and play (moved several times, outdoor activities, etc). The seats fold down easily to provide flat loading area. Although the 2DR can be an obsticle to some, I still prefer it over smaller 4dr SUVs like a Jeep-- much more leg room in back! AC, brakes, and 4WD have been problamatic at times. Spare tire on rear has increased cost of rear-end accidents and burdensome over time. Interior and comfort features have maintained well over time.

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  great vehicle - 2003 GMC Yukon
  By TANDL - January 9 - 2:00 am

  We had a 2002 Toyota Seqouia with 800 miles with vibrations which from what I hear is not uncommon to the Seqouia. We purchased the GMC Yukon and we have had no problems at all so far. It rides like a Cadillac and the cabin is very quiet. We love the truck. TANDL

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  Best vehicle for the money - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By acadiaowner - December 24 - 4:13 am

  The Acadia is a good value for a 6000 pound crossover SUV. It has a good ride and decent performanace. I came out of a Tahoe and had to get used to the V6, but I must admit GMC did a pretty good job with the 275 available horses.

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  Redbus - 1999 GMC Suburban
  By bluecobra122 - December 22 - 2:00 am

  Our experience with our suburban has been exellent, it has been a top performer among suvs, this is my fourth suv and my favorite, it has ran flawless with the exception of a bad coupling at the intake manifold,leaking a small amount of anti-freeze which was an easy and painless fix. its made many trips from michigan to virgina and with my wife and three children i dont think i could feel comfortable in anything else. if your considering an suv the gmc suburban should be your first choice.

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  poor gas mileage - 2003 GMC Envoy
  By elvis presley - December 20 - 2:00 am

  terrible when air is on for long trips.

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  I Like My Jimmy - 1995 GMC Jimmy
  By Not Bad - December 17 - 2:00 am

  I purchased this vehicle used with approx 85K miles on it in 5/01 in VG cond. Since the purchase I have replaced only normal maintanence items such as tires, brakes, muffler which the vehicle needed when purchased anyways. Overall the vehicle has been very dependable and has needed nothing replaced other than the previous mentioned items even with 127K miles on it!