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:

• 

  Great vehicle, deep bucket seats - 2010 GMC Terrain
  By Dallasterrain - August 22 - 12:00 am

  Weve had it for one week. Overall, great vehicle. Live in Dallas, rolling hills, mostly one driver. Got 23.5 mpg on first tank in combined driving. Seats contoured like bucket seats make it a little difficult getting out, but seats are wide and comfortable even for an older widebody. Also a tad on the firm side. Pick-up is amazing for a 4 cylinder. Plenty of power for our purposes. Cant tell its a 4 unless heavy acceleration onto frwy. Got just the basic vehicle, very impressed with interior layout. Seems like a couple steps above your basic vehicle. Above average sound from standard radio. Its a quiet and comfortable cruiser on the interstate. Recommend it to anyone.

• 

  I think that I have a lemon and I am so sad. - 2008 GMC Yukon XL
  By vgfree - August 21 - 7:19 pm

  We bought a 2008 Yukon XL for the first time. We have always had Chevy Suburbans. We were told that this was a higher quality vehicle. Since 2009 we have had issues with a grinding noise when the engine was warm from the sun and we started it up. The first time in 2009 we changed out the AC Compressor. The next year we had a cilindar collapse 11,000 miles later, we had the same cilindar collapse. Luckily "The Plaza" in Omaha Nebraska covered the problem again when we were over the 100, 000 mile warranty. We now have a oil leak. We have heard from Hiley that as soon as we fix this we will be okay. We have heard this before. I am sad because I loved my Yukon XL. It didnt love me!

• 

  4 years and still loving it - 2004 GMC Yukon
  By A Fan - August 20 - 1:28 pm

  Purchased this at employee discount price and worth every penny. In 4 years, have done nothing but routine oil changes, tire rotations, etc. Great ride, decent fuel economy for a car this big and with this much power. Looking for another one to replace my Nissan. Family requires the space and my wife and I both prefer the Yukon.

• 

  BEST SUV ON THE MARKET - 2003 GMC Yukon XL
  By Dave - August 20 - 2:00 am

  IN SURBERBA LAND THIS IS THE BEST FULL SIZE SUV ON THE MARKET. ITS POWERFUL, QUICK, COMFORTABLE AND GOOD LOOKING.

• 

  BEST SUV ON THE MARKET - 2003 GMC Yukon XL
  By DAVE - August 20 - 2:00 am

  IN SURBERBA LAND THIS IS THE BEST FULL SIZE SUV ON THE MARKET. ITS POWERFUL, QUICK, COMFORTABLE AND GOOD LOOKING.

• 

  Fuel Economy - 2003 GMC Sierra 2500HD
  By Chevy Man - August 19 - 1:53 pm

  Ive had my 2500HD for just under a year now and I LOVE it. The only problem I really have is its fuel economy. I average around 14 mpg, but where it lacks fuel economy it makes up for it in power. I haul around a skidsteer on a 14 ft open trailer. The skidsteer weighs more then my truck but still no problems pulling it. The fuel economy doesnt really change weather your hauling or not. I just purchased an SLR performance chip that should do the trick. This truck is perfect for anyone with the money to pay for gas.

• 

  2009 CC SLT 5.3L Flex Fuel - 2009 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Colorado - August 19 - 11:20 am

  Get the 5.3L with the six-speed automatic. Averaging 20 MPG over first 2,000 miles 85%/15% Hwy/City driving. 20 inch wheels (rims are ugly) make for very smooth ride. Engine is very quiet with good power and shifts are very smooth. Quiet interior is a plus, and the leather seats are comfortable. Plenty of power to pass without sacrificing economy. Use the manual shift overrride function to control downhill speeds. Wife likes the 6-way seats and adjustable pedals with the memory function for seat/mirrors.

• 

  Never Thought I Would Buy A GM Car - 2008 GMC Envoy
  By Glenn - August 18 - 10:58 pm

  Never thought I would buy American let alone a GMC car. Drove the Envoy and it knocked my socks off. Im hooked. OnStar is a winner and the car is fantastic. Only problem, I understand it goes away next year. The Arcadia is the replacement and a car I would never buy.

• 

  Great GMC truck z71 - 2000 GMC Sierra 1500
  By lawrence forester - August 17 - 4:13 pm

  I loved this truck. It did everything I wanted it to do. The only reason I want to sell it is I am a realtor and need a car to show houses in.

• 

  Duramax! - 2015 GMC Sierra 2500HD
  By JD - August 16 - 9:09 am

  There is no drop-down option for the Duramax Diesel version. Traded in a 2014 Denali 1500 for the big boy. I love this truck. No car/truck is perfect but the Duramax is the best Diesel engine on the road IMO. Sometimes the radio is quirky when plugging in my iphone so I just stream over bluetooth. Ive noticed that the power steering takes more arm strength when maneuvering tight spots, more-so than other truck brands. The headlights are a less than great and should be recalled. I am hoping the new headlights that come on the 2016s will be interchangeable. I love my truck. It turns a lot of heads.. especially mine!