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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  Wow! - 2011 GMC Sierra 2500HD
  By Tom Smith - November 16 - 7:53 am

  This car is simply amazing in every single regard. Just looking at it with its chrome and black paint give me butterflies. Everythings Perfect: Exceptional Ride Quality, Excellent handling, sharp and handsome interior, macho exterior, insane towing capacities, almost unheard of amounts of torque, heated and cooled seats,-I could go on all day. This vehicle is also a charm off-road, capable of passing going through anything although Front, Center, and Rear locking differentials would help contribute to its off-roading prowess. Towing is also done in comfort and ease as the engine does not even begin to strain even under the heaviest loads. I would not think twice about buying another one.

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  rear entertainment system - 2010 GMC Terrain
  By Samantha - November 11 - 4:03 am

  I Love My Terrain. It drives very well and the gas mileage is excellent. What disappoints me is that the rear entertainment system is not being sold. The Terrain is being advertised on television and the brochure states the vehicle has that option, but I when contacted someone at the 1-800 number, I was informed that that option is not available. Why advertise something that doesnt exist? If it is forthcoming, then state that in the advertisement. I am very disappointed, but overall, I Love My Terrain.

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  My 2006 Yukon - 2006 GMC Yukon
  By Nick Ruggeri - November 9 - 1:03 pm

  My Yukon rides better than my 2004 Tahoe. It has great performance, acceptable fuel economy, and is very comfortable on the road.

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  Love my Canyon - 2005 GMC Canyon
  By Patrick Chaisson - November 8 - 2:59 pm

  First time buyer of pick-up truck, serched web for past two years and decided to get it. All my friends love the looks and I and my wife have found our all round vehicle. I tow a small boat and it is a breeze. Lots of power and love the fuel economy. I am sticking with my GMC.

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  Awesome Vehicle - 2005 GMC Yukon
  By Larry Abraham - November 3 - 9:03 pm

  Buy one, you wont be disappointed. This has been the best vehicle we have ever owned for a family of six that likes road trips.

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  THE Large SUV to own!!! - 2004 GMC Yukon
  By GjB - November 1 - 2:00 am

  I LOVE this vehicle. The only downside is the city gas mileage, particularly since the gas prices are up right now. Other than that, we chose this vehicle over the FORD expecition and the Lincoln Navigator because of its exceptional power and clean interior styling. It is also a bit pricey, but we plan to keep it until the wheels fall off!

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  Awesome Denali - 2005 GMC Yukon
  By Bronco4me - October 30 - 8:09 pm

  We looked at Escalades, Navigators, Excursions, Expeditions, Tahoes, etc. but really liked the Yukon Denali the best overall.Excellent horsepower, fair fuel milege, very comfortable seating for a family of 4 and gear. If you have the need for more than four then you better get the XL or you will be disappointed.

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  Third Astro or Safari/love them all - 2003 GMC Safari
  By lobo55 - October 30 - 5:40 pm

  Since I realize that they are built on a truck body, I have no disappointments with the ride. They are quality built and can tow my large Coleman pop-up camper anywhere in the country, including the Rocky mountains. My other two had well over 200,000 miles with very little maintenance and I am confident that this one will be just as satisfying

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  Beautiful Ride - 2002 GMC Envoy
  By Spratke - October 28 - 11:10 am

  Enjoy each time I step in and turn the key.

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  Its been good... few flaws - 2000 GMC Jimmy
  By Bin Good - October 27 - 3:38 pm

  I purchased my Jimmy brand new, and have enjoyed it so far. The leather seats are super comfortable, and it has a good ride. So far, most things have worked. The defects Ive experienced are the battery and the turn signal switch. The factory battery was defective, and to make a long story short, Im on my third battery!! Acid leaked out of the other two. I cant really blame Jimmy for that... After 91,000 miles, my turn signal switch has gone out (I think) there is a blinking noise eventhough the blinkers arent on.