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:

• 

  Fun and good gas mileage - 2004 GMC Canyon
  By Jim Salern - December 17 - 7:58 pm

  General Motors should have made this truck ten years ago and scrap the Sonoma. This truck rides quiet and smooth. The steering is tight. The gas mileage is good. Since I got my truck, other people I know have bought on e too. I love the 5 cylinder engine. Although car magazines rate the new Tacoma and the Hondas new pick-up truck a higher rating, Ill probably buy another Canyon when this one gets old.

• 

  Excellent SUV - 1st Domestic in 15 years - 2006 GMC Envoy
  By Matt G. - December 16 - 10:29 pm

  This is the 1st Domestic SUV I have purchased in over 15 years. I am very satisfied so far. I was sold on the red tag promotion from GM. This SUV is powerful, comfortable, user friendly and has plently of features for the price. The satellite radio is great and the OnStar for a year was also a great selling point. I would definitely recommend this SUV.

• 

  One Tight Truck! - 1998 GMC Sonoma
  By Dave Lauber - December 15 - 4:38 pm

  This truck now has 118,000 miles on it. I bought it used when it had about 30,000 miles, and today it drives exactly the same as the day I bought it. I am a heavy driver, and I beat the living daylights out of this truck. I use it to haul heavy musical gear every weekend for shows approx. 200 miles round trip! The back is usually loaded to the hilt, and even with the 4-banger, I can hardly notice its loaded. I have (in 5 years) replaced the serp. belt, radiator and drive-train control module. Everything else is original, and it looks new/used.

• 

  Family 4 life - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By Carol Moreau - December 14 - 3:37 pm

  This has been an awesome family vehicle. With young children and activities this made the best SUV for school carpools, Volleyball tournaments, softball, parties and roadtrips. Now that my kids are all teenagers, it makes a safe ride for newbie drivers. Also great for hauling my son to and from to college.

• 

  Great Ride - 2002 GMC Yukon XL
  By Bradensdad - December 14 - 2:00 am

  Ride is great, Dealer has been wonderful to work with and very customer friendly. Passenger seat is not the best on a long ride and can cause some back pain if you are suscepti ble to same.

• 

  Rays 2004 Sierra Sle 4wd - 2004 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Ray #3 - December 9 - 10:00 am

  This gmc sierra is a totally great truck.Its fun to drive a great performer overall..would highly recommend it to anyone

• 

  Ill only buy Duramax - 2001 GMC Sierra 2500HD
  By Max-This - December 8 - 11:50 am

  This is by far the greatest and most comfortable truck ever made. And if power and performance are what you want then this is the truck for you. The only trouble I had was with the injectors and luckily they were covered by the LB7s extended 7year/200,000mile warranty. Other than that I have never had trouble with this truck. Plus the aftermarket for Duramaxs is so wide open to your imagination.

• 

  GM Makes Great Trucks! - 2009 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Kevin - December 4 - 10:40 pm

  Was looking at Tacoma (dont need a big truck) extended cab & test drove one for the weekend, and I have to say the GMC blows it away for build quality, ergonomics, power, and gets nearly the same mileage. I guess the large size can be a minor inconvenience but the Sierra is so much better than any smaller truck, I opted for full size. Get the power folding side mirrors! Small things like touching the turn signal, and it blinks three times for easy lane changes, power seats for driver/passenger, options for interior lights, door locking, etc. The Sierra makes me believe GM really knows how to design & deliver a fantastic vehicle, which gives me confidence theyll be around a long time.

• 

  Very Comfortable. A joy to drive. - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By GAR - December 4 - 9:50 am

  This vehicle is very comfortable and is fun to drive. The feel of the road and the handling is fantastic. I just cannot believe it is a 5000 lb vehicle. The gas mileage is good and the performance is better than I expected for the weight. I am impressed with how quickly it will move when I need it to. The shifting is smooth as silk and I continually am amazed at how quiet the interior is. GM did a great job on this one!

• 

  GMC Yukon - 2005 GMC Yukon
  By Jason - December 1 - 9:05 pm

  Overal, a very enjoyable SUV. Very reliable the first year I have owned. Would definitely buy another GMC Yukon again.