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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  Great truck for the money - 1999 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Don in St. Louis - June 2 - 2:00 am

  I have owned this truck for five years and put over 70000 miles on it. It has loads of power and I have towed a trailer with a car for 1000 miles at least four times with the small V8. The underside of the truck could be stronger as the tow hitch tore loose from the rails! The throttle was sticking and had to be cleaned by the dealer which was expensive. The digital dash has gone out and a mechanic said it might just be a ground wire is loose. The third (rear door) rattles badly which is a design flaw. The daylight running lights have both gone out (7.50 each to replace!)There were two recalls.

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  Best Truck to get - 2004 GMC Sierra 2500HD
  By Robert Mackison - June 2 - 2:00 am

  This is the best truck I have ever owned.

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  03 GMC Sierra SLT Z-71 - 2004 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Papa John Jr. - June 2 - 2:00 am

  Great to drive. I am on the road 40- 45,000 miles annually so this truck serves as my office. The only thing that rides better is my 02 Yukon.

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  ENVOY GMC - 2002 GMC Envoy
  By MULL - June 1 - 10:00 am

  THE STYLING IS GREAT INSIDE AND OUT. I HAD A 99 JIMMY BEFORE AND IT IS A DEFINETE IMPROVEMENT. I DO WISH THERE WERE SIDE POCKETS ON THE REAR DOORS AND THAT THE OUTSIDE TEMP WAS ON THE REAR VIEW MIRROR. ANOTHER SUGGESTION WOULD BE THE HEADS UP DISPLAY LIKE SOME OTHER GM VEHICLES. THE POWER IS IMPORVED AND WITH THE ALLWHEEL OPTION, THE HANDLING IS VERY GOOD.

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  Better than my last two Navigators. - 2004 GMC Yukon XL
  By ajplastics - May 28 - 10:00 am

  We drive a lot of long distance trips with 2 to 4 kids and believe me the extra room and the dvd player make these trips enjoyable. Plenty of room for everyone.

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  Do yourself a favor! - 2007 GMC Yukon
  By Mike - May 28 - 6:51 am

  We test drove several different SUVs even the Tahoe and the Yukon was by far the best! This truck rides on air, beautiful interior, excells in power, braking and comfort. We purchased the SLT model with sunroof and leather. We have always had Fords but,this vehicle blows them away! Do yourself a favor and check out a Yukon you wont be dissapointed.

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  Good all round truck - 2006 GMC Canyon
  By Jay - May 26 - 2:42 pm

  I went from a 2001 Lincoln Navigator to this and only thing I miss is the outside temp reading. The truck is fun to drive and handles well. I have the hard tonneau cover and spray in bed liner.

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  Love my Denali! - 2007 GMC Yukon XL
  By Mom2Four - May 26 - 3:20 am

  Needed a larger vehicle (had an 05 Sequoia) so we bought the Denali. I have four kids ranging in ages from 17 to 9. I tote kids around for soccer, volleyball, baseball, football, and dance - there is always plenty of room for everyone + friends. And it sounds awesome too!

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  Drive It Till the Wheels Fall Off - 1996 GMC Yukon
  By gofigure - May 22 - 1:45 pm

  Bought my 96 GMC Yukon in 98 with 36,000 miles on it. I now have 165,000 on the odometer and it still is the most dependable vehicle I own. I have replaced the transmission at 125,000 miles. Uses no oil and never fails to start and run. New trucks should be made like this. I intend to drive it till it dies or the wheels fall off.

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  GMC Rules - 2005 GMC Canyon
  By Truck Man - May 20 - 7:09 pm

  So far this has been the best truck I have ever had. I have the inline 5 and it has more than enough power. Great for work or play. Wouldnt buy anything else. Great truck!!!