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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  ZQ8 Sport Suspension Review - 2002 GMC Sonoma
  By GRB - July 27 - 2:00 am

  The Good: Sport suspension improves the appearance and handling of the truck tremendously. The Bad: Inherent to the sport suspension is a rough ride and frequent vibration from the rear of the truck. Conclusion: Buy this model only if youre willing to sacrifice ride comfort for performance.

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  Outstanding Product - 2001 GMC Yukon
  By Moose - July 26 - 2:00 am

  I could have bought any vehicle, but the GMC Denali is outstanding! Its ride, quality, raw power, and overall comfort for my family has been excellent. The product quality is superior to any vehicle I have every driven. Also, I am very surprised at how well the dealer takes care of the customer to make sure I am satisfied. It rides like a caddy, tough like a truck. Its very strong and catches the eye of everyone. Gotta love the american ingenuity!!! Absolutely a dream vehicle. My Chinese friends are stunned at the quality. Duck hunting trips have never been better! Unfortunately, my lovely wife likes to drive it!!! Therein lies the problem.

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  Very Good Vehical - 1995 GMC Jimmy
  By Happie44 - July 24 - 2:00 am

  I purchased this truck new and it has been on of the vehicals I have had. With the exception of a few minor repairs and adjustments, when the truck was new, I have only had to replace the alternator on it. The vehical is a tight and handles almost as good as it did when I got it. It has been very rekiable and dependable.

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  Snowball Denali - 2003 GMC Yukon XL
  By arturo - July 24 - 2:00 am

  This white Denali rides like the wind. I have had trouble with only minor items. The latch on the front passanger cover wont stay latched and they forgot to put my wiring harness for towing in the truck when they delivered it. Otherwise its mad pimping anywhere you go...

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  gmc sonoma q-85 sls - 2001 GMC Sonoma
  By buster - July 24 - 2:00 am

  great sporty looking, compact truck

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  1998 suburban - 1998 GMC Suburban
  By bill from memphis - July 13 - 2:00 am

  ride is great. gas mileage is not have had problems with brakes, a/c ,cooling.

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  Great Minivan - 1995 GMC Safari
  By Southern Moon - July 12 - 2:00 am

  My wife and I bought a 95 Safari used in May of 97 with 80,000 miles on it. Knowing how much we drive and knowing that we dont hurt our vehicles with highway miles, we decided to buy it. I cant possibly explain here what a wonderful minivan its been. No electrical trouble (like some say), no drivetrain trouble, no engine trouble, solid as a rock. Weve done regular routine maintenance type things but if ever you wanted to read about a satisfied GM product customer, Im him. Gas mileage 20+, set of tires every 65-75K, brakes twice lifetime, oil/air filter every 4K- thats about all you do.

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  My first minivan - 1992 GMC Safari
  By scoobette_17 - July 11 - 2:00 am

  I love driving this vehicle it is so fun and gets great gas millage. I highly recammend the van

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  Diluted Denali - 2004 GMC Yukon XL
  By Bob F - July 10 - 8:43 pm

  Nice roomy SUV . Bought it to carry the new twin grandchildren. Removed passenger side bucket seat to facilitate loading & third seat useage. Need to have sliding windows in cargo area for pet comfort.Interior cheap materials, no locking gas gap door or spring loaded wipers. Now there is a Envoy Denali. What next a Malibu Denali? Nav system somewhat difficult to program. Not a full size spare & manual reccomends you dont use chains. Kind of negates use in snow country.

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  Loved it for 10 years. - 1992 GMC Sonoma
  By Scott Kahler - July 8 - 2:00 am

  Great and reliable vehicle.... Without any significant work, this vehicle lasted many cross-country trips and survived three years in Puerto Rico. My only complaint was the defective paint....