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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  2010 GMC Terrain - 2010 GMC Terrain
  By John - January 12 - 5:43 pm

  The wife and I are now expecting and we needed to trade in the Mustang GT for something a little more child friendly. We researched online and drove many vehicles before we decided on the Terrain. Perfect size. By far best looking SUV in its class. Great power for a 2.4 but a big difference from the GT in driving excitement and surprisingly not much difference in mileage. Highway trips in the GT 22- 24 and around town at 19mpg. So far the Terrains best is 23.5 on a 300 plus mile trip! The worst was 20.1 around town. Doesnt look like the stated mileage will even be close. Keep in mind, this is with my wife driving(Sunday driver).

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  na - 1995 GMC Sonoma
  By Patty - January 10 - 2:00 am

  clean truck well cared for work truck

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  GMC SONOMA THE MEDIUM QUALITY TRUCK - 1992 GMC Sonoma
  By mowry - January 7 - 2:00 am

  Ran great until 30k miles. Had to replace distributor cap and rotor button plug wires and plugs. Every year I have to do this same thing or the engine will start miss firing. after owning the truck 3years the control module went out. I just replaced the control module again plus the coil.

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  Still going...... - 1993 GMC Sonoma
  By tmjones_21 - January 3 - 2:00 am

  Bought the truck after I graduated high school to commute to college. Still runs like it did when I first bought it. No major problems yet other than new water pump last year at 95K miles. Get about 24-26 mpg on highway if I dont go over 72 mph. Excellent truck to have if you dont need a big gas guzzling 4x4 full size truck (which most people dont, especially in the city)

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  Like My Jimmy - 1998 GMC Jimmy
  By ljmoore - December 30 - 2:00 am

  I have had for 1 year now. I have yet to see a problem. Has 89K. Still runs without a problem.

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  I really thought Id miss my Saab.... - 2002 GMC Envoy
  By Patrick Smith - December 23 - 10:00 am

  Had 300 miles on it when I bought it (claimed a dealer trade, but more likely the sales manager using it. In one week Ive intentionally put another 650 miles on it in anticipation of a long highway trip (sideline: Ive always believed for the first 1K miles you shouldnt drive at sustained high speeds while the engine wears in - any mechs. or engs. out there who can verify or debunk?). Except for crummy gas mileage I love everything about this truck so far. I switched from a Saab, so I was accustomed to performance and have not been disappointed.

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  Great Van - built solid - 1998 GMC Savana
  By stockmds - December 22 - 2:00 am

  This is my secound GMC. I bought this one new and paid almost $35,000. The price was a little step, but it is very dependable. I have only need a few minor repare and they were covered under warranty. This is a great van and I am very satisfied.

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  Love it - 2009 GMC Yukon XL
  By Will - December 20 - 3:40 am

  Wife drives an 07 Suburban, and I traded my 08 MDX in on this Denali XL when we had baby #4 (too hard to use the 3rd row). Love the Denali, but have to say the 07 Suburban is faster off the line by a considerable amount, even after giving up about 90 HP. Must be the AWD and 20" wheels on the Denali. And as much as I love the exhaust note on the Denali, some folks may not appreciate that and go for the relatively quiet 5.3L engine in the Suburban or Yukon XL.

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  What a truck should be. - 2003 GMC Sierra 1500
  By GTJ - December 13 - 10:00 am

  Overall, an excellent truck. Very quiet and plush on long trips. Excellent truck-like ergonomics, unlike the car- like feel and look of other manufacturers. Great audio (Bose) and Automatic climate controls. My wife and I share time behind the wheel so the seat and mirror memory is great to have. Very solid build quality, which translates into a quite, squeak (silicon lube on the weather striping) and rattle free ride. Front suspension is on the soft side in comparison to the rear. Only evident at slow speed at "bumps" perpendicular to the direction of travel, otherwise a very nice balance.

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  Rossos new ride - 2000 GMC Jimmy
  By Ferrarirosso - December 9 - 2:00 am

  I just got it and I love it