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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  1 heck of a truck - 1999 GMC Sierra 1500
  By william mcduffie - May 31 - 7:43 pm

  All I can say is "awesome". This is the 1st truck that I have owned and I dont regret it at all. Ive never had a 325 5.3 v8 before and I love it. It has sweet gas mileage for a v8. I can go 470 miles on a full tank of 93 octane. Horsepower, oh my God, its unreal. It has the power of a 400 c.i. v8. I truly love this motor. Thank you GM for this V8.

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  Great older ride - 1997 GMC Suburban
  By Grady - May 29 - 1:18 pm

  Had to replace the fuel pump and water pump at 70K miles. Otherwise, a splendid vehicle.

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  Yukon smooth ride - 2003 GMC Yukon
  By jwf - May 29 - 12:50 am

  This is the best riding vehicle I have ever owned. It is smooth, and the engine has lots of power. It comes with nice features and a lot of versatility. I really enjoy it. Like many folks, sometimes I wish the mileage was better, but I didnt buy it for the mileage. Nobody buys SUVs for the mileage! Sometimes people seem to forget that point.

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  My 05 GMC - 2005 GMC Envoy
  By Larry Seward - May 27 - 7:13 pm

  Great towing vehicle. Not a luxury ride, but better than most SUVs. it has a very comfortable interior. Comes with all the right options to make it "your car". This is my 4th GMC... they continue to improve. One drawback, there is very little storage space for personal items near the driver (compartments, shelves or pockets). The engine is strong enough for most of us and trouble-free. Back seats are comfortable and roomy. OnStar and XM radio are great and sound system is excellent.

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  What an SUV - 2005 GMC Envoy
  By ed and angie - May 24 - 6:51 pm

  This is unlike any SUV I have ever been in or driven. Its great for the money,and I will never drive anything else. My 3 year old son loves it. Everyday he asks me to go for a ride. Everyone who has been in it has wanted it. The sun roof is great. My sister has a Cadillac SUV and is now trading hers in for this. you dont need to spend an arm and a leg for luxury.

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  I love this vehicle! - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By Legaldiva1 - May 21 - 7:36 am

  I really love this vehicle. It has everything I have always wanted. I wanted the room of an SUV, but didnt want a gigantic beast to drive. This is perfect for our family and it looks great. I have had numerous people ask me about it. I feel very much in control of it when I drive. Tons of room!

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  The Dirty Sanchez - 2004 GMC Yukon
  By jlane - May 20 - 10:00 am

  Great ride, who doesnt like a Yukon Denali? Its a tough American ride!

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  Yukon " The only one" - 2004 GMC Yukon
  By Missygr21 - May 20 - 10:00 am

  I have had many cars and suvs. This Yukon seems to be the best one I have had yet. It is extremely comfortable and super quite on the road. It has plenty of room> I am a parent of twins and can fit all their things plus other passengers. It is overall just a great vechicle. Really fun to drive. Highly recommended.

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  03 denali - 2004 GMC Yukon
  By rick - May 20 - 10:00 am

  best veicle ever owned.....absolute business machine!

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  I Drive alot of different vehicles - 2004 GMC Yukon
  By lifofifo - May 20 - 10:00 am

  I drive alot of different SUVS and GM still has the best bang for your buck. My last 2 Suburbans have all had over 250,000 miles on them when I sold them, and are both still running strong.