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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  07 Yukon Denali - 2007 GMC Yukon
  By Denali lover - May 2 - 3:59 pm

  I swore off all American vehicles but then realized I needed the room so I looked at the Denali..what a surprise!! This SUV is awesome.. blows away the other two Fords I have owned. I dont feel like I am driving a truck. This redesign is nothing like the previous model and a loaded Denali is no different then the Escalade without the price tag and bling factor. I LOVE this SUV!!

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  Shockingly Nice Truck - 2010 GMC Sierra 1500
  By DRB - May 1 - 10:00 am

  I am one of those horrible people who only review things that are really bad or really good, those truck is definitely the latter. I got the 5.3 extended cab, leather, basically everything. This nicer than most cars Ive been in and its as quiet as my wifes Honda Accord. GM has come a long way, the interior no longer feels cheap and flimsy. The sound from the engine when you accelerate sounds like a symphony. If you are considering a truck, I would recommend at least driving one and with all the discounts on the 2010s it was hard to pass up, 10 grand off the sticker. I would buy this truck again in a heartbeat.

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  Up-to-date technology in a great ride - 2018 GMC Terrain
  By D Eddy - April 29 - 8:58 am

  I downsized from a medium-sized SUV - so this has less cargo space and passenger capacity. But I rarely used the third row seating in my previous vehicle (rated at 7 passengers - but that counts 3 in the third row which would be difficult to get into and far too cramped) so this 5 passenger compact SUV more tha meets my needs, and with the ability to fold down flat all of the second row, and even the passenger front seat, it will meet all my cargo needs. Also downsized from a 6 cylinder to this 4 cylinder turbo - and with the reduced weight, and extra transmission speeds, dont miss the bigger engine at all - this has even more pickup, and the braking is very good, and the mileage improvement more than offsets the extra cost for premium gas. Start-Stop technology easy to get used to, as is the push-pull transmission selectors. Much improved navigation system; great intuitive controls. Excellent safety features - crash avoidance, parking assist; birdseye view cameras. Excellent sound system and lighting package. Start of the art dash board displays and steering wheel controls. Very comfortable seats.

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  Good Truck - 2006 GMC Canyon
  By AdamJ - April 26 - 9:29 am

  Finally bought my first truck in Feb. 2006 and love it. It rides great and is fun to drive. So far I have added a hard lockable tonneau cover and a spray in bed liner. The tonneau cover improved the gas mileage so I would recommend buying one. I have about 3,000 miles on it so far and have been very impressed with everything. I have the I5 3.5 engine and it has plenty of power for a mid-size truck. Have not towed anything yet, but dont foresee any problems. Other options I have is 4WD, auto, power everything and I have not had a problem with anything thus far. I am looking forward to having and enjoying this truck for a very long time. Great product, you get a lot truck for a good price.

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  Very Happy - 2002 GMC Yukon XL
  By WJL - April 26 - 2:00 am

  No problems in 24k. Tows 5500lb trailer well. Very nimble handling for a large vehicle. Outstanding acceleration. Ride is excellent and comfortable. Tremendous difference in ride/handling from 96 & 99 Suburbans. Fuel economy 16-17hwy/12city.

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  Wonderful driving experience - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By SandiSanderson - April 24 - 5:43 pm

  I have had several high end Toyotas and Mercedes, this car has been one surprise after another. We get great gas mileage, it is extrememly comfortable (I have ridden in all seats). The performance is equal to our Solara convertable. We have taken several long trips and plan another around Christmas. My husband and I both love driving the car. I am stopped regularly and asked about the car.

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  1st Time GMC Owner - 2007 GMC Sierra 1500
  By 1st Time GMC Owner - April 22 - 2:16 pm

  All of my life I have owned Chevrolets and never considered buying a GMC because of the price difference. I splurged this year and paid the extra cost for the GMC and I now see the difference. The cab is so much quieter, the ride is so much better, and you can definitely see the "Professional Grade" that is advertised! I reccommend this truck to everyone but their is a considerable price increase over the standard Chevy truck.

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  Great vehicle - 2010 GMC Terrain
  By Kory - April 21 - 3:30 pm

  I purchased a Terrain after looking at the Chev Equinox. My wife and I decided on the Terrain because we could get the options we wanted for less than the other. Its been a great vehicle. Wonderful interior and I love the exterior styling. I would recommend it to anyone.

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  Best truck made - 1995 GMC Sierra 1500
  By mdn - April 21 - 2:00 am

  has 196500 miles, only thing I have had to do is: a/c compressor, rear bearings, rear main seal in engine...knock on wood, not even a water pump yet or alternator...no tranny problems EVER...put chip in as soon as I got it..got 21 mpg w/350 engine on vacation trips!!!!I tow trailers and haul often...best truck I ever owned..I wish I could buy another same model new!!!!

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  We love our Yukon XL ! - 2003 GMC Yukon XL
  By Texas SUV owner - April 21 - 2:00 am

  This is a great vehicle. We upgraded from the shorter older bodystyle Tahoe. I have 3 girls and it is a peice of mind that my family is riding in safety. I love the all the gizmos and gadgets like heated seats/steering controls and Onstar. I love how the Radio stations are set to each driver! My wife drives is most of the time and I know my family is ALWAYS safe! Dont skimp on the Envoy XL if you have a family of 4 or more, pricewise, you are not far from the Yukon XL, Get It !