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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  Execellent work or road truck - 2007 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Johnel Gray - September 6 - 9:24 pm

  Great fuel mileage, dependable, reliable, clean title.

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  Execellent work or road truck - 2007 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Johnel Gray - September 6 - 9:24 pm

  Great fuel mileage, dependable, reliable, clean title.

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  Excellent Full Sized SUV - 2003 GMC Yukon XL
  By Tennyson Lee - September 6 - 2:00 am

  Ive been quite pleased with my new Yukon XL. The ride with the autoride suspension is very smooth and it handles very well, particularly for a 3 ton vehicle. My only significant gripe was with the Firestone tires that came standard with the vehicle. These tires generated an increasing amount of road noise and squealed readily in the rain. I upgraded to Michelin Cross Terrain tires and was surprised by the dramatic reduction in road noise and noticeable improvement in the ride quality.

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  Rating GMC Yukon XL Denali - 2003 GMC Yukon
  By Taboma - September 6 - 2:00 am

  The vehicle performs very well. Its very comfortable and roomy. I would prefer better gas mileage.

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  nice SUV - good value - 2003 GMC Envoy
  By iolguy - September 6 - 2:00 am

  Nice ride for an SUV and Ive had 5 Explorers before this car. Step up from the Chevy Trailblazer in looks and details, but essentially the same vehicle.

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  All around good vehicle - 1998 GMC Safari
  By westone - September 5 - 2:00 am

  Our experience with this van has been excellent. It hauls 7 people plus ample luggage, averages 21 mpg (RWD), and we tow up to 6,000 lbs with it (rated for 5,000). No other vehicle we are aware of offers this kind of utility AND gets this kind of gas mileage. After 5 years and 100k miles, it has never left us stranded. We take care of it, and plan to drive it as far as it will go. We love it.

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  excellent - 2003 GMC Yukon
  By DON,OREGON - September 2 - 2:00 am

  I rated this vehicle as Excellent, The disadvantage is in comfort, GMC should design the two front seats larger to accomidate larger-heaver customers, same as the seat design in the Buick Regal. They have plenty of room. Also, they should inprove the wood design and color on the dash board.

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  02 Envoy a nice surprise - 2002 GMC Envoy
  By Steve101 - September 1 - 2:00 am

  Overall a very nice vehicle. 02 Engine warranty extended to 7yr 100,000 for specific problems.

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  A workhorse that keeps on pushing! - 1994 GMC Jimmy
  By Dan Arturi - August 31 - 2:00 am

  The Jimmy I have has 121800 miles on it, and still is extremely reliable. It starts right up and gets me where I need to go. It is not the most fuel efficient vehicle ever, but it does get about 17mpg average overall. As an outside sales rep, I am on the L. A. freeways constantly, and the truck puts up with all kinds of heat and start/stop conditions gracefully. It still has plenty of power when I need it.

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  Interior Rating - 2003 GMC Yukon
  By Robert Engelhardt - August 28 - 2:00 am

  Just purchased the Yukon. Rated the build quality lower than I wouldve had the interior buttons and workmanship been of a little higher quality. I have to go with the editor on this one. Cheap is the first word that comes to mind, unfortunately, when you buy one youll find that it aint that at all!!