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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  Like A Luxury Sedan - 2002 GMC Yukon XL
  By T Vandivort - April 4 - 3:50 am

  The main feature of a Yukon Denali XL is its size, which is very comodious. Weve taken trips of 400+ miles with six people and all their gear, including Christmas presents, and not filled the cargo area yet. The seats are comfortable with plenty of variation in lumbar and thigh support and lots of legroom. Other very surprising positives are the handling and ride, which are like a luxury passenger car.

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  Built rock solid, only detroit for me - 1991 GMC Jimmy
  By ryanmiller - April 4 - 12:12 am

  Well I bought this car with 19,000 miles on it and it will not stop running. Right now my odometer turned over to 277,000 and it runs like a new car with no oil burning. I have added many performance parts over the years and often take it to the mountains and beach. I hunt and fish with this as well as offroad alot. I have mine locked and geared raised on 38" TSL swampers.

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  I love my G-mc! - 1999 GMC Suburban
  By ImATXAggie - April 3 - 6:01 pm

  My family have been loyal GMC drivers/owners for as long as I can remember. I wouldnt want to own or drive anything else.

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  Canyon Review - 2006 GMC Canyon
  By diatribe - April 1 - 12:56 am

  I purchased this truck for use in my courier business and have been very pleased with it so far. The interior comfort is good, however, it would be nice if the seats would recline backwards. I think they dont because its an extended cab, however, that would be a nice feature. Exterior styling is head-turning everywhere I go. I have a Silver Birch model with and A.R.E. Cab High cap and get many compliments. Excelllent fuel economy. Pure highway driving between 60 & 65 MPH, on cruise control with automatic, result in 24- 26 MPG. A highway/city mix, still results in over 20 MPG. Pizza delivery driving, however, results in about 11 to 13 MPG. Truck is rated 13 city, 17 hwy.

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  GMC 2500 HD - 2007 GMC Sierra 2500HD
  By freedomrules3 - March 31 - 3:53 am

  I really like the bigger roomier cab on this truck. It tows my camper with ease and has lots of power to spare in the 6.0L engine. I do wish it got just a little better gas mileage but with power comes consumption. I would buy it again I like it so much.

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  Great truck - 2010 GMC Sierra 1500
  By 2010 Sierra - March 29 - 4:30 am

  Great truck so far. I love the 2 tone leather seats. I have the off road package and the chrome trim really sets the truck apart from others. I am getting 19.3 mpg but I havent pulled anything yet. The ride is smooth and quiet.

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  Fun to drive - 2005 GMC Envoy
  By rainney22 - March 27 - 12:45 pm

  This SUV is fun to drive and comfortable. Very stylish with nice luxury options. Smooth ride. I would highly recommend to anyone on the market for an SUV.

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  16 month review - 2014 GMC Sierra 1500
  By telson - March 27 - 2:30 am

  Just over 40,000 miles on my 2014 SLT crew. Im 75% freeway driving.A few recalls taken care of, bluetooth issues, and replacement of poor quality OEM tires, that sums up the repairs its needed. The factory headlights are sub par, I replaced the factory bulbs with ZXE units with great results. Im very impressed with this truck overall, its getting an average of 20 MPG on mostly freeway miles. This truck feels like a Lexus compared to the F150 it replaced, very quiet and smooth. Comfy seats, and a nice ride are also welcome. Great truck overall!

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  Great for Many Uses - 1995 GMC Suburban
  By Team Hauler - March 26 - 11:59 am

  I bought this vehicle with 64K and have now got 163K and going strong. This vehicle had a customization package which enhanced the interior with middle buckets and entertainment features - great for the kids on long trips. Whether hitting the highway, hauling the team to games, or loading building materials for the latest project this GMC has been awesome. Leather has held up great. Has gotten 13-16 mpg highway, 9-11 city. Am now looking for a little less size and better fuel economy, but this has been a great ride for many uses.

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  Great SUV and Dependable! - 1995 GMC Jimmy
  By S Saunders - March 26 - 11:20 am

  This has been an excellent vehicle and Im still driving it. It would be nice to have better fuel economy and I never liked the plastic front bumper that could never be cleaned like new. Other than that, I could not ask for more in a vehicle. Ive never kept a vehicle this long but it still looks like new and runs great! When new, the transmission always had hesitation. A new one was placed in it at about 33,000 miles (under warranty) and that is what is in it today with no problems.