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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  Mileage is terrible - 2007 GMC Sierra 1500
  By SB - January 6 - 6:53 am

  I have owned the truck for a few months and is overall a great truck, much more solid than my 2004 Chevy 1500. But the mileage I had on the old truck was 16-18 mpg and now I get 11 mpg. I have called the dealer and they keep telling me to give it some break in time. This is my fifth new vehicle and I have never had this problem before, I would really have trouble recommending this truck at this point.

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  Wow! Im impressed! - 2008 GMC Yukon
  By Ohio Yukon - January 5 - 7:41 pm

  I purchased a 2008 4WD GMC Yukon SLE for my wife after she wrecked her 2004 Honda Pilot. We initially were going to purchase another Pilot, however, being the savvy consumer, I also looked at the Dodge Aspen, the GMC Acadia, and the Buick Enclave. While we were at the GMC dealer, my wife noticed the Yukon after she test drove the Buick Enclave. We decided to give it a test drive and Wow! was I impressed. Even after just driving a loaded Buick Enclave the Yukon stood out as a more comfortable, smoother, and much more roomy vehicle. Plus with the $8000 dollar cash back incentive coupled with employee pricing it was an easy decision to make.

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  My Denali - 2005 GMC Yukon XL
  By dani odonnell - January 5 - 10:00 am

  I have owned several different suvs.And by far this one is my favorite as well as, the cheapest in price.BUT the BEST in quality.I wish iyt came with all the goodies the newer ones have.plus a wooden steering wheel would be nice...Anyway I love my truck, I am a 38 yr old female that homeschools a 4th grader and we are always on the go.I also jet ski and TOW with my Denali.You will not be unhappy with this mama..

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  This is a Mechanics Truck - 1995 GMC Sonoma
  By David - January 3 - 7:01 pm

  Fun to drive with plenty of power for a small truck, even with a 2.2 four cylinder. If you need a truck that you can mod, this truck is compatible with tons of parts, mod kits, and engines. Its an older truck and a GMC, so the exterior metal much thicker than the typical modern truck that dents if you just lean on it. However, you must let this vehicle warm up for about 5 to 10 minutes before you drive it in cold weather or you will break your headgasket, which is a costly repair. If youre low on cash and need a truck, a Sonoma is perfect for you as long as you take care of it, and check your fluids.

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  Think twice! - 2016 GMC Yukon XL
  By Caleb Rutledge - January 3 - 12:38 am

  We bought this vehicle because we love the yukon Denalis. We replaced a 2009 Denali. Unfortunatly the price does not reflect the quality. We paid just under $85,000 out the door for our loaded Denali XL. We knew going in that there could be transmission problems because of other reviews. What we didnt know is that everything in this vehicle is cheaply made. It shows nice but is only "skin deep", and it has very thin skin. We are very disappointed in almost ever aspect of this vehicle, when you pay $85k for a vehicle you have certin expectations. It is on its way back to the dealership for its 3rd warranty work, on the engine ( same 6.2 from 2007-2014 ) we dont even mention the deterioating leather and low quality of materials to thhe dealer. Oh and the Yukon only has 21,000 miles so far. We are planning on selling it at this point, probably go to Toyota, BMW, or Mercedes-Benz for quality, GMC isnt cutting it for the price tag they want.

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  2009 Canyon new 5.3 ltr. V-8 - 2009 GMC Canyon
  By Jack - January 2 - 8:24 pm

  Traded my 06 Canyon for a hard to find 09 V-8 model. Was worth the effort. Lots of power, z71 package holds it in the road. Fun to drive and growls.

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  Great for a family - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By Wild Bill - January 1 - 11:29 am

  If you need room for more than four and dont want to drive a truck, this is the auto for you. We have truly enjoyed this vehicle. We traded in a Toyota Sequoia and we would never go back to that beast. The Acadia is much easier to drive around town and has enough room for our kids and our luggage. The mileage is as advertised as long as you go easy. The transmission does take some time to get use to, but after a while you stop noticing it. The backup camera is very helpful. The Acadia is great in the snow and has the best heated seats of any car I have owned. Extremely comfortable during long trips. The heads up display is great with the navigation system.

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  Best of Fleet - 2002 GMC Sierra 2500HD
  By Snickers - January 1 - 2:00 am

  I have a fleet of pickups. I have Dodge, Ford, Chevrolet and GMC. My General Motors vehicles are by far cheaper to maintain and operate of the fleet. My people all want the General Motors trucks for their ride and comfort. As I rotate I will go strictly with General Motors. They get ruff use in the oilfield and hold up. Thank You GM :-)

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  So far so Great! - 2003 GMC Envoy
  By Bandit5 - January 1 - 2:00 am

  I bought this truck in July. 2 minor problems so small I cant remember them. Great car. Id buy it again.

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  Not a Yota - 2007 GMC Canyon
  By Wtxunit33 - December 31 - 5:34 pm

  Always owned Toyotas bought this because it was cheap, and had a lot of power out of the 4 cylinder. Motor is weak, unless heavily gouged. A lot of cheap features inside, check engine light comes on all the time, cheap plastic bumper cracked and fell off. Seat in uncomfortable at best. Lot of cab room but the cheap interior kinds of kills that