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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  great truck!!! - 1995 GMC Sierra 1500
  By brent_hxc - August 26 - 2:46 am

  I bought this truck about 10 days a go with 150,000 I bought it in talala I drove it home which is about 70 mi (no pobs ever!) is fast and tows anything and every thing!. Its gets about 17 mpg and its not bad. And thats with a 350 5.7l and King cab. By Brent

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  Was expecting perfection, so far from it - 2009 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Truckguy101 - August 23 - 10:00 am

  i will say that I enjoy driving the truck when its not at the dealer with issues. has a real nice sound, but the 4 speed transmission makes an alarming jerky upshift at about 30 kph. horribly unreliable. definitely a money pit. the dealer really doesnt care and screws me over by saying they didnt find anything and charge me $70 labor every time. trucks left me stranded more times than necessary. had it in for dead battery every morning and the truck has been in for the cylinder deactivation system not kicking back to 8 cylinders when needed. auto rear locking differential wouldnt unlock. overall, shouldve done my research and paid a bit more for a Ford.

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  GMC Denali Quadrasteer - 2004 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Spurz - August 20 - 2:13 pm

  The GMC Denali provides a level of comfort and sophistication never available in a pick up truck. It offers the upscale appointments with comfortable, adjustable leather seats,the most advance drive train of any truck on the road, the convenience and security of OnStar, and the performance of GMs 6 litre engine. The manuverability is fantastic and a must if you are towing a boat or toy hauler or trying to fit in a tight parking spot. Excellent performance, refinement, and capability with the loan drawback being the poor gas mileage, which is to be expected.

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  Happy with used GMC Suburban purchase - 1995 GMC Suburban
  By Foghorn - August 20 - 2:00 am

  Purchased this used with 52,000 , and it has been very faithful for us. I pull a 30 Travel Trailer with no problems. It will hit 100,000 this month.

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  Not good for towing - 2005 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Mike - August 16 - 1:20 am

  Have you ever wondered why GM truck owners have to turn their hitches upside down. Even with Z-71, the suspension and trailering provisions are too soft and too low. Also the standard rear-end is going to be a 3.42. Great for milage, not so good for loading. Even with the 5.3 the engineers have turned up the computer trying to hide the small rear end. Posi-trac, not so good. One slick boat ramp and you will glad for 4WD. Even empty on the highway using cruise, the drivetrain cannot maintain enough power on hills to keep from down shifting and raising the RPMs. I pull three trailers ranging from 900 to 5100 pounds. All will wag this truck around easily. Brakes/rotors are on 3rd set.

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  Soccer Mom Mobile - 2002 GMC Yukon XL
  By glue - August 11 - 10:00 am

  I purchased the Yukon XL Denali after comparing it to a custom suburban and an Escalade. I know I made the right choice. It is quick, has a smooth ride and a tremendous sound system. It is stylish but not to flashy. I feel comfortable driving it anywhere and not having to worry about it. As of yet I have had no problems and am excited to say have good gas milage (I also have a 2000 Ram 2500 which gets 10 miles per gallon). Although I am a single male and drive a soccer mom mobile, I would strongly recomend this vehical to anybody.

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  The 3 year lease... - 2000 GMC Sonoma
  By Thom Kolesar - August 8 - 2:00 am

  Make no mistakes, the vehicle rides like a truck, not a car. The feel I was looking for, you may not want that up higher feel like a truck mode? There were 7 return trips to the dealership for what I see as Q.C. issues. Such as a loose shock mounting bolt, a third door latch that spit the spring out 3 months after purchase, both seat back handles snapped in regular service, an obvious flaw in manufacturing and most recently the fuel pump needed replacement @ 33,400 miles.

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  Best Ive Had - 2003 GMC Yukon
  By jcfiii - August 5 - 10:00 am

  I have driven the Lexus LX470, the Ford Expedition (Eddie Bauer), the Mercedes M430, and the BMW X5. I like the GMC over these (although the Lexus was also pretty nice) for several reasons. Power (Vortec 6000 is 320 hp at useful rpm), handling (the tightest turning SUV in the size), large interior carrying space, the Bose stereo kicks, and external looks. Also, the interior finish goes head to head with any other major SUV, and has OnStar as an advantage. Dont buy this SUV for gas efficiency however (as goes for any full size SUV) - this is a conscious trade off that must be made.

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  Everything I dreamed of but mileage! - 1999 GMC Envoy
  By Molefi - August 3 - 2:00 am

  When I got it there was two minor problems. One the gas gage stopped moving at 3/4 tank, there was also a leak in the rear gear box. Both were fixed cheerfully. The ride is smooth and even though its a six there seems to be plenty under the hood. I still would like an 8. I bought it and I cant keep it from the wife, shes as happy as I am.

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  Look Out! The Bus is coming through! - 1998 GMC Suburban
  By 98 Bus - August 2 - 2:00 am

  My wife and I have had the pleasure of driving this beast for over a year and have yet to have a major problem. Its definitely BIG, but people out there tend to give you the room needed for handling such a beast. Handling-were both surprised how the "Bus" drives and handles. Id recommend a good set of Michelins and not the all-terrain tires...it definitely takes away from the ride! Around town, its great...off- road (mud & sand), not a problem (old set of Dunlop AT tires). Word of advice- be prepared for $45.00 plus gas fill- ups! Normal city / highway 12.5 to 13 mpg! Not bad for safety, quality, looks, and road command.