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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  awesome power for a big truck - 2004 GMC Yukon XL
  By gaston - February 22 - 10:00 am

  so far so good love the power everything,seat,windows,also like the differt setting for the entire truck from door locks to seat settings.exterior styling is nice without being as flashy as a cadillac.

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  Luv My SUV Yukon XL - 2004 GMC Yukon XL
  By Ms Elli - February 22 - 10:00 am

  With four sons that all have dirt bikes to haul, this vehicle is the best! For me too, shopping and taking the family out! Perfection to the MAX!!!

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  Piece of Junk - 2006 GMC Yukon XL
  By bill rose - February 22 - 4:46 am

  We have had numerous repairs to brake system rotors pads to no avail. Brakes squeak like crazy. Tires wore out at less than 15,000 miles. Replaced with Michelins and rotors warped and brakes still squeak. GM says brake noise is normal. Not for what I paid for this piece of junk!

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  2009 gmc sierra 2500HD slt - 2009 GMC Sierra 2500HD
  By Brian - February 20 - 2:43 pm

  I have owned my gmc for 2 weeks now and i am glad to say i have made this decision. I have gotten the duramax and sllison combonation and it is unbelievable. I owned a 2002 chevrolet silverado 2500HD and needed to get a diesel. With this type of economy i figured that this is the time to act.We have gotten it for a respectable price. This truck is great to go through the dirt or just to drive around the city.

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  Not quite professional grade - 2005 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Brian - February 19 - 6:46 am

  Doors/cab seals are too tight, shouldnt have to slam the door. Only 18 mpg, not the 20 as the window sticker says. I get better gas mileage from my 98 Suburban. Knock in the steering. AC vent door noise. Front windshield not sealed correctly. Cheap radio and even cheaper speakers sound terrible. Very uncomfortable driver seat- No adjustments. Fuse box in the way of your left foot. Very disappointed in the engineering and material quality. Very little thought went into designing this truck, only profit. The whole truck is fake, proven by the fake chrome rims. I bought this truck planning to keep it 10+ years, now I cant wait to get rid of it, ASAP.

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  No better full size SUV - 2005 GMC Yukon XL
  By Joy - February 18 - 10:10 pm

  Its a great car/truck. More space than I now know what to do with. All the pros of a truck with the driving ability and comfort of a car. This is my second Yukon XL SLT. You can get just about anything into this vehicle and have room to spare. Gas mileage is great for a full size SUV. I have two young boys so the leather is great, making clean-up a breeze. No complaints here!

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  This vehicle saved our lives - 2002 GMC Envoy
  By mommyof2boys - February 18 - 8:00 pm

  We bought our Envoy when I was expecting our 2nd child. I am so thankful we did. In December of this past year we were in an accident. My Envoy was totaled but we all survived. My 4 year old had to have 3 stitches above his eye and my 7 year old walked away without a scratch. I had internal bruising from the airbag. We hit at 50MPH. It was a front impact then the other car spun around hitting my 4 year old directly in his door. This vehicle crumbled, but the inside structure stayed perfectly intact. Only 1 door would open. It was a bad wreck. We knew we wanted another vehicle like this and searched until we decided on an 06 Trailblazer EXT. I pray its as good as the Envoy.

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  So far so good - 2009 GMC Acadia
  By Va Mom - February 17 - 7:33 pm

  I just bought the Acadia but so far I absolutely love this vehicle! I traded in a Honda CRV because I wanted more room. I love the way this truck handles and its so comfortable to sit in / drive. Its amazing how much space there really is on the inside. Its very deceiving from the outside.

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  Nice Truck - 2006 GMC Canyon
  By High Mileage - February 17 - 7:02 pm

  Bought this truck in January 2009 with just under 150,000 kms. I assume it was dependable for the previous owner. So far I really like the ride, the design and the interior does not look or feel cheap at all. The controls are old school which i dont mind. Some better newer technology would be nice though. Like a heated steering wheel (to go with the heated seats), auto-up and down capabilities for the front windows from the drivers seat would be nice as well.

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  Great Truck! - 2005 GMC Yukon XL
  By Nik - February 17 - 7:00 pm

  This is our 3rd Yukon and I love it! It is very dependable which is important when you have kids. The amount of space is great and it drives so comfortably. I will continue to buy these SUVs and recommend them to my friends!