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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  Love this truck - 2009 GMC Sierra 1500
  By ted - April 20 - 12:10 pm

  Traded in my 2007 Duramax classic body for this truck. It is the best truck I have driven. Its fun to drive, great build quality. Great highway ride and good off road (but sits a little low) Handles ice and snow like dry pavement. I would recommend this to anybody loking for a change from the rough riding poor handling truck of a few years back.

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  Great mid size truck - 2016 GMC Canyon
  By Andy - April 20 - 6:36 am

  Great ride ,very quiet cabin, good fuel economy for a truck, 6 cylinder has plenty of power. A pleasure to drive, you would not think you were driving a truck. A lot of tech features if you like that kind of stuff.

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  Real Happy after 3 years! - 2003 GMC Yukon XL
  By Mike - April 20 - 5:40 am

  I bought my Denali new and I do a lot of towing. At the ramp, it will jerk my 6,500 pound wet boat out of the water with ease. Never any skidding or hesitation. It has also held up much better than expected and has been exceptionally reliable. No problems except one battery in 3-years with 45k miles. Better than Japanese cars I have owned. I added an K&N free-flow air filter and acceleration has noticably improved. When punched, it really moves out. While no econo car, it will take me over 500 miles on one tank while cruising at 80+. I calculated it around 16 MPG. In pure city driving I get around 12 to 13. I would buy another without question; I just dont want to part with my 2003!

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  GREAT TRUCK - 2002 GMC Yukon XL
  By California Guy - April 19 - 10:00 am

  Just sold the Toyota Sapling (Sequia). Bought myself a realy SUV and not sorry for buying American. Already taken a few trip hualing and off road driving. It may be a big truck, but I have been over and thru stuff the Toyota would not think about trying. The best part of the purchase of the Yukon XL was the cost was cheaper then the Toyota, yet I got 100000% more truck, quality and abilities. This is a major keeper and will be in my garage for many years

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  Great Car! - 2002 GMC Envoy
  By tladavid - April 19 - 10:00 am

  We just purchased the vehicle and love it. The on star system is wonderful.

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  What a fun machine!!! - 2002 GMC Envoy
  By Larry406 - April 19 - 10:00 am

  My wife and I bought this for traveling and we are very happy with it. It is so easy to drive and so comfortable. If you need to pass there is plenty of power to do so. Gas milage is good to. Traveled to Canada going 75 and 80 miles per hour and got 22 miles per gallon.

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  Great Truck - 1990 GMC Jimmy
  By BobbyBarton - April 17 - 5:08 pm

  My truck has 182,000 original miles and runs pristine. I bought it with 41,000 and it has always treated me well and got be back home. I have replaced the battery and alternator and that is about it besides the muffler but that was aftermarket.

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  Great truck, dont want to get rid of it - 1991 GMC Jimmy
  By BillJohaneson - April 17 - 5:03 pm

  Well I bought my Jimmy new in 1990 right as they came in with the 1991s. Mine had 30 miles on it when I drove off with it. Now the odometer reads 743,251. This is the truth. I drive over 60,000 miles a year for business and have since 1985. Yes, most of these are highway but that is still impressive. I also take it fishing a lot and to the beach on occasion. I had the transmission done at 427,000 because it was leaking but it was shifting fine. I have just replaced the basics such as alternator, battery, water pump, and mufflers. And just last month I had my heads redone. That is what I call reliability.

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  Fully loaded model - 2006 GMC Yukon
  By david - April 17 - 12:20 pm

  First day that I purchased my Yukon, I had to drive it in a snow blizzard. The car handled great, its the best SUV that Ive owned. My SUV is has leather, xm radio, dvd player, bose speakers, third row seat, heated seats, car is very roomy and spacious. Would recommend to other prospective buyers. If you dont need a 4X where you live, buy a 2X, youll save money but have some the same features... Great CAR!!!

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  2007 GMC Yukon SLT-2 - 2007 GMC Yukon
  By Norm - April 16 - 10:42 pm

  After owning 2 Toyota Tundra access cab pickups, I was ready for a true 4+ passenger SUV. I explored all of the competition. At this point, I am totally satisfied with the GMC. Great Ride. Quiet, smooth and exceptionally agile for such a large SUV. The flex engine works well. I am already getting better MPG than either Tundra. GM has hit a home run if reliabiliy and depreciation fare better than in he past. Lets keep GM going. They are listening. Go USA !!!