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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  Cool Looking And Fun To Drive - 2007 GMC Yukon XL
  By ruben - May 20 - 5:16 am

  Best looking SUV for the money. Great at the pump without sacrificing performance and comfort.

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  Hot truck - 2007 GMC Sierra 1500
  By lonewolf904 - May 18 - 10:03 am

  Love this truck. Power, comfort, styling. Have added super chip programmer cold air intake and magna flow muffler. Maybe future mods will be gears and a supercharger

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  Huge Step up - 2009 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Milt in FL - May 16 - 10:40 pm

  I got this truck in July 09. It was a replacement for a 06 Lincoln Mark LT that was nothing but trouble. I said Id never buy another ford so I went back to the GMC dealer(previous vehicle was an 03 avalanche). got the all terrain package, sunroof, 4X4, bluetooth, rear sliding window and rain sense wipers for less than a silverado! I had a lift on the LT and lifted the Sierra. Just drove it to NC from FL and got over 13 MPG with 6" lift! doing 75-80. 6spd tranny is a little clunky at times but I noticed it a lot less with the lift and it helps with gas mileage. Lincoln could never get over 9MPG. every brand has problems but GMC beats ford any day. pulled my buds F250 out of the mud to

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  2007 Denali - 2007 GMC Yukon
  By hobbes442 - May 14 - 1:42 pm

  I traded 2001 Denali for this one ordered in Feb . Has 20 in wheels and loaded with everything but sunroof. I liked the old Denali seats better and ind DIC info center also . I wish you could have 6 cd changer and navigation but I will live with that . 6.2 motor is great and overall is heads above my old Denali. This one GM actually did do right for 95% of it . Mileage 15+ so far which averages about 1 mpg over old before break in . I would recommend these to anyone. Do not need all the chrome wheels and handles , I would prefer black handles and polish wheels but they haev to do what sells.

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  New GM purchaser - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By JJK - May 14 - 7:20 am

  Previous to this purchase, the last GM car I owned was 1963 Corvair given to me by my father. Since then, I have owned a Honda Prelude, a Madza RX-7, an Infiniti G20, and a Jeep Grand Cherokee (a very good SUV). This GMC Acadia is the best road vehicle I have ever owned and proves that Detroit is back on the block. Now, I need GMC to create a sports car for my short city drives, although I might consider the Pontiac or Sky.

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  I Love to drive this beauty - 2007 GMC Yukon
  By Sandy - May 12 - 7:27 pm

  I have only owned this truck for a week, and I love it. It is my third Yukon, and this one drives much better then the other years. I am only getting 13.1 miles a gallon right now. I hope this will improve as the vehicle wears in. But overall I am in love with this Yukon.

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  Denali is a great vehicle - 2001 GMC Yukon
  By Dennis - May 11 - 8:26 pm

  I have had my Denali now for 5 years and it is the most reliable and solid vehicle I have owned (except for my Tundra!). You can tour in the vehicle for hours and not tire out. Its ride is quiet and secure, and the seats are very supportive. Even for such a substantial vehicle its fuel mileage is reasonable, averaging about 17 MPG combined city/highway. All systems (brakes, engine, powertrain)work great together. It is a top notch "professional grade" vehicle--as advertised. Oh, and after 65,000 miles, it still has the original Michelin Crossterrain tires with no abnormal wear, and the amazing part is, I have only rotated them twice! I am very conscientious, it just hasnt needed it.

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  GREAT SUV! - 2005 GMC Envoy
  By mkquigs - May 11 - 2:37 pm

  I have had my Envoy for about a year and other than one glitch with the fuel gauge, it has been a pleasure to own. It drives great, looks awesome, has great space and the fuel consumption really isnt that bad. Note to people who want great fuel efficiency: Dont buy an SUV!! Duh! I love my Envoy and would recommend one to anyone. This is coming from a guy who swore he would never buy an American car!

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  Great truck - 2001 GMC Sierra 3500
  By N.E. TM RPR - May 11 - 8:23 am

  Bought this truck end of July. Installed Una-Goose ball hitch in bed and drive it every day. I have 29,000 plus miles and have no reason to take it to dealer yet. I do all my own general service. I have towed loads as heavy as 16,000 without any problems. Trans handles all loads with ease with the grade braking. Only problem is keeping speed down,lots of power and I find myself going too fast.

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  2500hd - 2009 GMC Sierra 2500HD
  By Drew - May 4 - 7:23 pm

  Was missing my truck and the GMC 2500HD was the fit for what was ailing me.I looked at fords dodges and toyotas and the GMC just looked and felt like it meant business. Ride is good for a HD and the acceleration is great.I seam to be able to achieve approx 18-20 mpg with mixed driving,However this goes down quick when you feel the need to drive spirited.Seats are plenty big enough for 6 foot tall 260pnd man.Sits up higher than most in class and on a wt comes with quite a good bunch of features,XM,Onstar PWR,WIN,LOCK. Mine has heavy duty everything and is pretty much a rolling mountain of solid steel.