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 New Canyon - 2006 GMC Canyon
  By Jill - October 27 - 3:02 pm

  I used to drive a Dodge Ram 1500 at 15 MPG or less. Since even the Dakota gets only about 17 MPG and I needed a truck, I test drove the GMC Canyon. I have a 5 cycl, automatic, with FWD. I just love it!!! Best truck I have owned in the compact category. Gas mileage is anywhere from 20 MPG to 25 depending on my payload, wind...etc. This truck handles sssoooo much better than the Dodge Ram did and I really like Dodge products. Interior may not be as fancy as Dodge but I can live with it.

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  GMC (Grand Mas Chariot) - 2001 GMC Sierra 1500
  By bfrano - October 26 - 5:23 am

  Have driven on different vacations R/T East - West, North - South. Each time the grandkids were present and traveled comfortably. A good feature is that on "Antiqueing" trips, I can purchase an item and not have to worry about the cost of freighting the items. Recently, I test drove a Tahoe, Yukon, and and an Expedition because I needed a set of step sides/running boards. Afterwards, I decided to keep my GMC truck and buy the accessories.

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  1% Customer - 2001 GMC Sierra 2500HD
  By PhlatOut - October 25 - 10:00 am

  This truck drives like a half-ton and works like a one-ton. For its size it is remarkably easy to drive. The seats are very comfortable, even on long trips (bucket seats w/console). For a 6.0 liter 3/4 ton truck I have gotten good gas mileage most of the time (14mpg mixed driving, 17mpg peak highway).

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  Black Diablo - 2003 GMC Yukon XL
  By Coach Dave - October 21 - 10:00 am

  My Yukon Denalli is an excellent vehicle. I purchased the "black diablo" to serve my firm as a comfortable way to transport myself and many of my employees to various meetings and job sites around the Mid-Atlantic and Ohio Valley regions. The vehicle is comfortable for all during our average 3-6 hour trips. She handles well and gives one the sense of safety in almost all situations. I am delighted to have made the purchase and would strongly recommend the Yukon XL to those interested in the purchase. One draw back: I would only ask for better gas mileage. The beast can certainly eat-up her share of gasoline.

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  Love my Jimmy - 1998 GMC Jimmy
  By Chris - October 19 - 10:42 pm

  I had purchased my Jimmy with 80000 miles on it and have put 13000 more on it since purchase and have loved all of them. My wife and I have taken out camping, gone out of town and just plain drove the crap out of it. The 4wd works great and pulled out plenty of fords with it. Overall its the best vechicle I have ever owned.

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  Denali.....A step above all others - 2006 GMC Yukon
  By Juan J. Escobar - October 18 - 2:38 pm

  This vehicle is fun to drive and, turns many heads. I get compliments on it every time I take it out on the road. Gas mileage is even better than what the manufacturer states because I used 5w30 synthetic oil at the first oil change. Presently I am getting 17 miles to the gallon on a combined hiway and city driving.

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  Subtle, but well executed - 2014 GMC Sierra 1500
  By jmred - October 16 - 10:54 am

  Have had 3 fords (last w an ecoboost so spoiled on torque) and only now coming back to GM. Had a silvy that was rock hard in terms of durability... But rock hard plastics in the cab sucked. I came back after creaking and lackluster workmanship in the ford turned me off. Silent cab. Not quiet.. Silent! Wife is actually ok w me adding new pipes! This is a z71, All Terrain, so very nice interior and fitting of a lux car. Outside is all business. Nice, subtle change for gmc; modern look that grows on you and doesnt betray the heritage. 5.3 is much stronger than the old one and you cant feel the v4-v8 switches.

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  great vehical for towing over 14000 lbs - 2005 GMC Sierra 3500
  By ace777777777 - October 16 - 10:00 am

  i have 4000 miles on gmc3500lly 04 duramax allison crew cab dually, half of the miles is towing ,it gets 12 to 16 mpg, the motor and tranny handles the weight easily ,i have a bw gooseneck hitch to haul a 14000 dump trailor, sometimes going up and down 6% grades, the transmission downshifts automatically,its easy on the brakes when towing ,it dosent ride like a truck and its very quiet for a diesel its fun to drive and get lots of compliments on how the truck looks and when taking people for a ride in it they enjoy it ,i owned a dodge dikota a 2500 silverado and a heavy duty silverado 2500 and a heavy duty 3500 chevy chassis cab with a dump body i like the gmc 3500 the best

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  Yukon XL Excellence - 2004 GMC Yukon XL
  By Rey Maelo - October 16 - 10:00 am

  Even though it has been only 2 weeks since I bought this vehicle, it has been fun, its easy to drive, plenty of room for the whole family and enough room for cargo also; again its fun to go on long trips.

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  Terrain 2010 SLT-2 FWD 6 cylinder - 2010 GMC Terrain
  By rfranden - October 15 - 1:10 am

  We picked this vehicle yesterday Its a really Great looking vehicle. Its a little too soon to tell how well itll be in the long run. But everyone we show it to really thinks its great with the chrome 19"wheels and SLT-2 body style. But with the 19"wheels a lot of the smooth ride is gone stay with the smaller wheels for a smoother ride.