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:

• 

  poor gas milage - 2014 GMC Sierra 1500
  By cabo3 - October 3 - 11:25 am

  My 2014 GMC Sierra has never got more than 15 mpg even on high way driving. Yes--its 4 wd and the 5200 motor but the door sticker claimed it would get much better. I talked to the dealer and they blame ethanol gas --poor quality gas ect and ect. I have bought gm trucks for over 50 years and this will be my last. My suggestion to anyone looking to buy GM trucks is to make the dealer fill the truck with gas and test it yourself BEFORE you buy. GM lost my business and my respect! My dad used to say there are two things men lie about --women and gas milage but this report is accurate.

• 

  2001 Yukon XL in Wisconsin - 2001 GMC Yukon XL
  By Betch - September 29 - 10:00 am

  The Yukon XL has provided our family with unparalleled roominess and comfort. Our 3 girls love having "their own space" to spread out in and not have to be bothered by someone in close quarters. The ride and power are excellent. This vehicle will be a part of our family for years to come.

• 

  Great Truck! - 2000 GMC Sierra 1500
  By R.J.s Truck - September 29 - 10:00 am

  Great truck with only a few minor problems. A few rattles (never off- road)and the tranny shifts odd in the cold weather. Tends to wheel-hop while braking over uneven surfaces even with anti-lock brakes. Awesome sound system and wonderful ride! I would buy another one.

• 

  Would I buy another? NOT - 2002 GMC Envoy
  By envoyenvy1 - September 29 - 10:00 am

  Sorry I dont buy the first year vehicle excuse. This is a bad reason for poor quality build. While I like the vehicle overall, there have simply been too many problems. weather trim falling off, transmission problems, incredible wind noise problems, etc...and a geat deal of excuses from GM. Oh its suppose to make that much wind noise...Right Im sure the designers set out to accomplish that very fact!

• 

  Professional Grade Junk - 2000 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Ed Mack - September 24 - 11:00 am

  I purchased this truck over others because I thought it was better built. The truck is not driven hard. I payed 30,000 for it and have been fixing it ever since. To the tune of 5,000 so far. Some of the things fixed are, Both window regulators, 2 sets of wheel bearings, abs braking system, water pump, fuel gauge, air compressor bearings, fuel pressure sensor, throttle plate replace, battery replace after 1yr, leather seat material rip after 1 year, payed 750 to fix it because it was running rough. I evetually found the problem to be a loose oxy sensor which should have cost nothing to fix. Also I think that the cost of getting this truck fixed at the dealer is crazy excessive. Wont buy another one ever

• 

  Great SUV...If you like large SUVs - 2005 GMC Yukon XL
  By rte07 - September 18 - 11:06 am

  I bought my Denali when it had 92,000 on it. It now has about 102,000 on it and I have had it for about 5 months. I havent had to do anything to it except a fuel pump and have some interior plastic touched up. No complaints here!! The only downside is 13.4 mpg, but what do you expect when you have a SUV of this size. All in all I think it is a great truck and it can do everything i want it to do, I can take me and 6 people around, pull boats and trailers, go on long trips and not even feel like it was very long. Im very happy with my Denali!

• 

  Watch the Tires - 2001 GMC Yukon XL
  By JimG - September 17 - 10:00 am

  An excellent vehicle! Good ride, good comfort, good secure feeling. The problem is the choice of Firestone tires as the standard for this vehicle. After 15,000 miles, they are "cupped" on the inside front even though the dealership took care of the rotation along with other recommended services. In the cabin, the tires sound like a monster truck at 50 mph. The dealship answer - normal wear for these tires on a GM vehicle. Their advice - replace the Firestones with Michelins - at my cost! At least Ford/Firestone paid for the replacement on an Explorer.

• 

  Ryans Review - 1994 GMC Yukon
  By Ryans Yukon - September 17 - 2:00 am

  I have had this SUV for over 2 years now, and i have never had a truck that was so much fun. I have had her off- raod, and she swam right through a pond, it was great. I know have over 190,000 miles on the origainal engine and transmission, and she still runs and drives like a champ.

• 

  GMC 2500HD 4 years later - 2004 GMC Sierra 2500HD
  By Steve Coleman - September 15 - 1:53 pm

  Truck has been overall a good unit. Windsheild leak when new at passenger floorboard and behind dash. Took 1 year for local dealer to finally fix. Climate Control slow to activate fan, really noticable on hot days, seems I have to press brake pedal to start blower (wierd). Trans will sometimes start in 2nd gear, then shift to 1st. Usual problems with intermiediate steering shaft (now on 2nd fix), drivers seat belt and armrest broke, pass side also (wrty fixes). Also having wierd problem during cold months with intermittent dash light and guages recycling, no fix yet. Orig brakes are still strong at 90k miles, tire wear good, body still tight and quiet, engine strong with no oil usage

• 

  Right Size - 2000 GMC Jimmy
  By APRN - September 13 - 2:00 am

  My husband as a 2000 GMC Yukon which the family LOVES, so my little Jimmy is just used to haul me to work and back. Its just the right size for me (the Yukon is a little scary to drive for me). We had an oil leak from day one, and took 4 trips back to the dealer to fix, and the headlights were WAY out of wack, but other than that, no real issues. My lease is up in 8 months, and will probably turn it in. I have my heart set on the RX300