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 - 2011 GMC Sierra 1500
  By ewrob - March 7 - 6:33 am

  i just bought this truck and i dont want to get out of it,it has the 5.3 afm on it and i cannot tell when it switches between 8cyl to 4 i had drove the f150 which is a very good truck but i think the sierra has it beat hands down

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  Great Truck - 2006 GMC Sierra 3500
  By rick - March 7 - 3:43 am

  Excellent drivability. This truck has more power than the comparable Ford or Dodge, better mileage, and is MUCH quieter! (Im a Dodge man) Mileage varies from 22 (cruise at 55mph, no load) to 12 (90mph with truck loaded and 14,000lb trailer). Plently of room in the cab and a full length bed too! Only problem with the truck is the moonroof has stuck open 3 times and lots of wind noise when open. The moonroof cover is designed more like a screen - the sun sure gets hot at an angle that directly shines on driver. The original tires had sidewall integrity problems at 55K. Goodyear great with warranty issues. The fuel gage takes a while to show that the tank is actually full (10min - 1hour).

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  Hope its only once - 2007 GMC Yukon
  By RJ - March 6 - 10:27 pm

  Just purchased 97 Yukon SLT, was on first 1200 mile trip, felt like I dropped two gears and all the warning lights came on, that was at 860 at 1140 happen again and the motor stopped, hairy on the expressway. Computer problems I guess, its in now being looked at. Hope this is a one time deal, love the ride, handling, appearance and it is very quiet. Had several GM SUVs, all good, this seems to be best, will see when dealer is done with it and I get several more thousand miles on it. Will do a update at a later time. Do not want to scare anyone away, can happen to any vehicle, thats the price for all the computers and advancments.

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  I should have bought 10 of them - 1993 GMC Vandura
  By TomL - March 1 - 8:30 pm

  I bought this van used, with 180,000 miles on it, and it ran like new then. Now I have 260000 miles on it and it still runs very well, there is some slight engine(valve train)noise, but I turn up the radio and it goes away. I am very religious about oil and fluid changes, which will extend the life of any vehicle, but this is the 4th GM van I have driven over the 200k mile mark, one went over 300k. It has the 4.3 ltr V6/auto and averages 22mpg highway empty,which isnt often, its a WORK TRUCK. The only things I have replaced:waterpump(started leaking 135m out/got me home), exhaust-cat back, brakepads/shoes,tires,and drivers door latch. Even the side sliding door works with little effort.

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  GMC Sierra - 2005 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Jerry Wright - February 25 - 7:20 am

  This is my 1st crew cab, Ive owned quite a few extended cabs in both GMC and Chevy. I believe this truck is the best handling of all the trucks Ive owned. This has a 5.3 V-8 which is what I needed to pull my boat. It is a SLE model which has cloth seats, which I like better than leather. The seating is very nice and comfortable for large people and small alike. I would highly recommend this truck.

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  2005 Yukon - 2005 GMC Yukon XL
  By Gregnice23 - February 25 - 12:23 am

  I am very pleased with my truck. If I had the chance to buy this truck again I would. Excellent fuel economy, best in class. Strong build. GMC reputation. Overall driving experience is great. I use this truck for everyday purposes and I am pleased.

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  What a Ride! - 2006 GMC Yukon
  By Nena W. - February 24 - 12:56 pm

  This SUV is great, a little on the pricey side but worth it. We own a 2002 Yukon XL. This new Yukon is loaded with all kinds of new things (like a button that brings the gas pedal closer). It drives solid and smooth. The kids love the DVD package. I love the XM radio. If you havent driven one- you should. I am glad that we bought another Yukon.

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  2006 Yukon Denali - 2006 GMC Yukon
  By Bill - February 24 - 8:00 am

  A wonderful driving experience. Smooth ride, excellent handling, extremely comfortable. Nicest SUV Ive owned so far (#5). Has all the horns and bells and whistles, and they all work.

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  I must be lucky - 2000 GMC Jimmy
  By Cat - February 21 - 12:40 pm

  I bought this truck with 70,000 miles on it already about 3 years ago. I have not had any major problems at all with it since Ive owned it, and its now over 100,000. The only thing so far has been the audible turn signal thing is broken so it clicks even when you dont have the signal on - Ive gotten used to it and barely notice it anymore, so I havent bothered to get it fixed. I like the ease of switching to 4x4. I dont think it handles as well as the Jimmys previous body style in 2W or 4,but is less bumpy. (I had a 94 Jimmy prior to this one.) I think its very comfortable and like the power driver seat although passengers dont like the lump in the floor.

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  Love It - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By gmbeliever - February 17 - 3:23 pm

  Just took delivery of our new Acadia in the medium brown with black leather. Drives a lot better than our previous Pathfinder. If the reliability is there, I may have to continue with GM. The styling is great and the practical use of space is perfect inside. We were very close to getting the Buick Enclave, nicer style and more luxury inside, but my wife and I are just not ready to drive a Buick. Maybe in 10 years or so.