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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  American Engineering at its best! - 2001 GMC Yukon
  By Seal - May 10 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle is really easy to drive, especially when you take into consideration its size and weight. Its turning radius exceeds that of its competitor - the Ford Expedition. The ride quality is also very good.

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  GMC Sierra 2500HD - 2005 GMC Sierra 2500HD
  By Stew - May 8 - 9:20 am

  I have always wanted to own a new vehicle so last fall I decided to purchase my all time favorite vehicle, the GMC Sierra. I bought it over the internet because I knew what I wanted, I picked up the vehicle and drove it home. I was amazed at the lack of HP and gas mileage. Since this was my first new vehicle I didnt know all about the break in process. It took 2 weeks for the HP to show up and the fuel economy to increase. In the meantime I was entertained by the XM Radio that will be an option in every vehicle I purchase from now on. The interior of GM vehicles still have the working mans look to it, but it is hiding an amazing array of features.

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  Whacky mirrors - 2003 GMC Envoy
  By sable - May 4 - 2:00 am

  I really love my car. There are a few things that constantly bug me. Once is the mirrors. I love the fact that they adjust to the ground when you backup. What I dont like is that Ive been to the dealer 3 times to get them fixed. The setting doesnt hold. The second is it sounds like a truck when you first start it up. Especially when its cold. I think a new vehicle should not sound like a used vehicle when its only 1 year old. The third is the gas mileage. Im only getting 15.9 when its advertised 18mpg in the city.

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  A Reliable Performer - 1995 GMC Yukon
  By Yukon777 - May 2 - 2:00 am

  I bought this vehicle new, after it sat in the dealers lot for a year. The replacement of various gaskets and severe corrosion in ignition coil have only been my high price maintenance items. In all, I have spent about $6,000 maintaining this vehicle over its first 80,000 miles.

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  After 70,000 have only had one problem - 2006 GMC Sierra 1500
  By ~CRASH~ - April 30 - 7:20 pm

  I love my truck, its mainly a work truck but I put more miles on it than any of the other trucks. Yeah after about 15,000 miles dash started rattling but till after 70,000 miles its been loyal and I beat the hell out of this truck i.e. racing, fish tailing around corners, bad terrain. And so far the tranny dumped out on acceleration at 50 mph. Rebuild was 850. So no bad review here.

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  Safari Rocks - 1993 GMC Safari
  By Miller - April 28 - 2:00 am

  We have owned a GMC Safari for seven years and still love it. My only complaint is the space for the passengers feet in the front. The van is spacious and comfortable. I love the built in coolers in the back.

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  Very nice drive with some issues. - 2016 GMC Yukon
  By Seth - April 27 - 9:56 pm

  I love the feeling I get driving this, great looking SUV. I have owned it 6 months and I would buy it again. My issues are minor quality concerns mostly. The underside of the hood on the front edge had a paint drop from the factory that could be felt when I opened the hood. All the body panels (fenders and doors mostly) needed to be adjusted so the body lines matched and the gaps looked equal. Rear bumper Fascia needed to be replaced because the gap to the tailgate wasnt even. The interior quality seems to match my Toyota but its more comfortable to drive the Yukon. Apple CarPlay is a great feature and find myself using Siri for navigation more then factory installed one. Seats are very comfortable and controls are easy to adjust on the dash. One entertainment feature I wish the car had was a HDMI port for the TV.

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  Worst car so far - 2002 GMC Yukon XL
  By clb7 - April 23 - 3:50 pm

  I bought my Yukon a little over 2 years ago and used to love it until recently, I have had to replace the rear end, 2 waterpumps, and the air conditioning. I thought I was all done but now my catalytic converter has gone out and I am sure that is not all that is going to go wrong. My back window is slowly quiting when you roll it up and my emergency brake has quit working all together. This is by far the worst car I have ever had, and the most expensive. I will not buy another one just for these reasons. Other than that, it is a great car, when it is running! I find that is great for the whole family and even pets and groceries but the reliabity just isnt there.

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  Dons review - 1995 GMC Yukon
  By thdon - April 23 - 2:00 am

  My experience has been excellent. The Yukon has been a dependable workhorse with a minimum of problems. And the problems were worked out very well by the dealer.

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  My 2005 3500 Xtend Cab 4x4 SRW 8.1L - 2005 GMC Sierra 3500
  By Dale - April 21 - 4:13 pm

  Ride seems very smooth. Some wind noise through the extended cab doors. Very powerful with the 8.1L V-8