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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  3rd 2500HD SLT and Love it - 2016 GMC Sierra 2500HD
  By Kevin Pickens - January 13 - 10:04 am

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  6.0 L Gas engine no slouch - 2008 GMC Sierra 2500HD
  By my new truck - January 11 - 9:36 pm

  This is the first 3/4 ton truck Ive ever owned and it is great. Ive had Fords in the past and know people with both the F250 and F350. Theyve had too many problems for me to even consider a Ford. The GMC is built stout, and while the gas engine lacks the torque that the diesel engine has it is the perfect engine for someone who does not tow all of the time. It has plenty of get up and Im getting around 14 MPG right now on the freeway at 75-80 MPH. Many of thr trucks I see pulling large trailers these days are GMC or Chevy, they must be doing something right. PS, while gas prices are high right now the purchase incentives are even higher, good time to buy a gas hog!

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  Best truck weve had so far..... - 2001 GMC Sierra 1500
  By P&CSmith - January 10 - 10:00 am

  We just purchased this truck. It is a very nice and comfortable vehicle to have. We have averaged around 18 to 20 miles to the tank this has been in city so far. It is a quiet ride also. We use to have a ford ext. cab with a 1 ton chassie 4x4 (diesel)and the only thing i can tell that is different is you can feel the small bumps on the road more. Thats only because we were used to a heavier truck. I would highly recommend this truck as of today

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  Nice Rig - 2006 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Robo M. - January 10 - 7:53 am

  Truck is very smooth. My wife has never driven one of my trucks by choice, but she wants to drive this one.I have owned Ford, Dodge. This is my first Z-71 Sierra. All the toys included except for a universal garage door opener. The engine is powerful and fast. Smooth acceleration fools you as to you actual speed. The MPG is approximately 3 miles per gallon more than my 2001 dodge truck. I live in hilly areas and the 4X4 truck averages 15 MPG. With 2 growing boys the Crew Cab gives them more than enough room in the back seat, grown adults no longer mind riding in the back seat of my truck. This is a cant miss vehicle! If you are looking for a new truck test drive this one!!

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  A Decent Truck With a Poor Drivetrain - 2008 GMC Sierra 2500HD
  By Kevin H - January 10 - 5:33 am

  This is a decent truck, but NOT with the 6.0 and GM 6 speed. You HAVE to get the Duramax if you need a 3/4 ton truck. The gas motor with fly by wire throttle, and GM 6 speed, is a horrible combination. It is a death trap when trying to merge with traffic, especially in conditions when you are on and off the throttle. There is up to a 3-4 second lag where absolutely no throttle input is given to the engine, no matter how hard you press on the accelerator. I believe GM implemented this so their tranny wouldnt explode. The engine and tranny computer work together, and the tranny computer tells the engine computer to not give any throttle until the tranny is ready (it never is).

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  2009 4WD GMC Envoy SLT - 2009 GMC Envoy
  By RMS - January 8 - 3:38 pm

  I enjoy the upgraded cabin and seating. Controls are very ergonomic, and bluetooth is a real plus for this car. Sound system is top notch. Good acceleration and braking. 4WD is a dream. Broke the SUV in with a 2000 mile trip and initial gas mileage was 18 mpg for city/highway. GM finally got the Envoy/Trailazer right, and they discontinue it. Go figure.

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  Great Ride and Better than Highlander - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By Farm Mom - January 8 - 11:36 am

  When my 01 GMC YukonXL was needed as a farm vehicle, began the search for a new family car. We loved the drive and comfort of our previous GMC yet no longer needed the size of the YukonXL. In addition, with a 62" all leg 14 year old and another boy growing, comfort was key. Looked seriously at the Toyota Highlander (family discount available). The boys tested both for legroom and comfort and Acadia far superior. Second row bucket seats have more mobility to move forward and recline than Highlander. Third seat easily accessible and comfortable to average- sized adult while not compromising space. AWD fabulous! In recent 3 snow, drove superbly. Overall a quiet, smooth drive.

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  GREAT TRUCK THROUGHOUT! - 1999 GMC Sierra Classic 1500
  By bassrus - January 8 - 10:00 am

  IVE OWNED THIS TRUCK FOR 3 YEARS WITH GREAT ENJOYMENT. I TOW A BASS BOAT MANY A MILE THE POWER SHOWS PULLING UP HILL. THE INSIDE COMFORT MAKES FOR RELAXING EXPERIENCE EVEN ON A 16 HOUR NON-STOP RIDE TO CANADA. I PLAN ON REPLACING THIS TRUCK WITH ONE JUST LIKE IT WHEN THAT DAY COMES.

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  Engine Reliable, other parts unreliable - 2001 GMC Jimmy
  By cjammerman - January 7 - 11:52 pm

  Engine still running strong at 124,500 miles, but I have gone through front end parts like crazy. 6 wheel hubs, ball joints replaced twice. Fuel pressure sensor and purge valve went out. It has been in the shop a lot for suspension/front end parts and wheel hubs are not cheap. I also have issues with the car shaking/shimmy-ing at low speeds/reverse when in 4WD. Read an information bulletin that there have been complaints on this problem but no recalls.

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  Its been a great ride. - 2001 GMC Yukon XL
  By Frank Rizzo - January 6 - 7:00 pm

  We purchased "Big Blue" new Feb 9 of 01 and with 104K miles on her, I have nothing but good things to say. We have had no mechanical issues at all as Ive maintained her by the book. The over all design and the power train really cant be beat and for family vacations as well every day use, its been the ideal vehicle for us. Our plan is to keep it for another 100K miles as we see no reason to replace it with something similar, when its still in such great shape!