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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  2004 GMC Yukon XL Denali - 2004 GMC Yukon XL
  By torra - September 8 - 10:00 am

  As nice as the Escalade but alot less expensive. Rides great, very quiet. plenty of power.

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  I love my GMC Denali Envoy - 2006 GMC Envoy
  By Cyndycyn - September 6 - 11:15 pm

  This is the 5th SUV that I have owned and by far the best. The ride and way it handles far outclasses any other SUV I"ve had. Its a gorgeous looking car also. So far though, Ive only been getting 12 mpg and was told that I"d get 15-17. I"m not happy about that.

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  My Old Truck - 2000 GMC Yukon Denali
  By Jill - September 5 - 4:46 am

  My 2000 Denali now has 147k on it and I still love it! This is the most comfortable truck Ive ever owned, not sure what Ill do when the time comes that it has to be retired. Ive only had to do minor repairs to my vehicle, very reliable. I am having an issue with the headlights, does anybody know if there is a way I can put bi-xenon in, and if so where would I get them? Thanks.

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  Awesome car - 2011 GMC Yukon XL
  By sawmillersyp - August 30 - 3:49 am

  This is by far one of the best vehicles I have owned. Traded in a 2010 Mercedes E350, loved that car but it does not even compare to the Denali. We looked at Suburban and they are beautiful as well but wanted a little more. Drove a Escalade ESV and loved it but just cannot see where there is a need for a extra $10-12k. So we went with the Denali and havent looked back.

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  The Envoy SLT - 2004 GMC Envoy
  By Raleigh - August 29 - 4:59 pm

  This is a solid, body-on-frame truck -- no jacked-up-car SUV wannabe. I also think it is one of the best looking SUVs on the market. GM went to great lengths to create a soft ride, but with the result that it compromises handling. I installed aftermarket shocks, springs and sway bar to lower it and give it the handling it should have had from the factory (see what Saab has done with its version). The engine and transmission are great, but do not work as well together as they ought to. Im looking forward to a Hypertech or Superchips programmer. So far, however, I have had zero problems and this is a very comfortable, entertaining vehicle. My dogs love it!

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  Love this truck - 2005 GMC Sierra 2500HD
  By Gordon - August 22 - 10:56 pm

  Love everything about this truck. Build quality is the best I have seen in years. Will pull a heavy trailer all day and it is easy to forget it is even behind you. Mine has the Duramax diesel and Allison transmission.

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  Great vehicle - 2005 GMC Canyon
  By Bob - August 20 - 1:37 pm

  Has been totally reliable in 15k miles, great ride, surprising pickup and fuel mileage. I expected a lot and got more than I expected! And, it is made in the USA.

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  Great vehicle - bad mileage - 2005 GMC Yukon
  By Alan - August 18 - 2:22 pm

  This is a great vehicle. The gas mileage is bad, but I knew that going in. I have not had any problems with the vehicle. This is a very comfortable ride. With the GMC "you pay what we pay" campaign I was able to finally get the vehicle I wanted. Excellent car, and I highly recommend - just be ready to spend some money on gas.

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  This is one great truck - 2004 GMC Sierra 1500
  By dmalkire - August 14 - 10:00 am

  I spent the past year looking at trucks before deciding on the GMC Sierra. I havent had it one full day yet, but I can tell you that the wait was well worth it. The truck is comfortable, the ride is solid and quiet. GMC has even managed to eliminate one of the more serious knocks in their 2004 model - the rattling sound that Sierra was infamous for. I have not heard it like I have in previous models I have test driven.

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  Rides great, looks great - 2005 GMC Canyon
  By Terry - August 12 - 6:12 pm

  Ive had a number of people ask me about this truck. They love the front end look. Ive added a cap (Century), sunroof (CRL) and upgraded the sound system (Alpine XM) and made this into a great ride for my wife and I on some long trips. Lots of open cab room, leather and heated seat... the only way to go in New England.