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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  A Believer - 1999 GMC Yukon
  By Richard Moran - April 19 - 9:02 pm

  Ive owned just about every Ford and Chevy make out there, but GMC made a convert out of me. Im now the proud owner of my third GMC and Ive loved every one. Call it "Professional grade" or whatever, but when it comes to reliability, comfort and performance, my GMCs have all been a cut above any of the Fords or Chevys Ive owned.

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  Outstanding truck - 2005 GMC Yukon
  By Dick Johnson - April 19 - 2:15 am

  Ive owned a truck of one kind or another since 1972 including Dodge, Ford and Chevrolet. This is my second GMC and by far the best since my Dodge Power Wagon of decades ago. It has the looks, style, power and toys to keep me entertained and safe on the road. The AWD surprised me with its performance in the snow. It has great ground clearance for off road use, but it is more comfortable on the highway than a limo. The enterainment and nav system by Bose is expensiv,e but worth every penny, and its touch screen programming is easy to use. The whole rig seems custom built for my 250 pound frame.

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  Denali XL AWD - 2003 GMC Yukon XL
  By DENALIGUY5 - April 19 - 2:00 am

  This truck is the best I have ever driven. With outstanding ride and handling for a truck of this size, it is a definate best buy. Still a luxury suv without the "hand-off" feel of its more expensive cousin, the Escalade ESV. An engine beyond comparison(Vortec 6000) it beats out the competitors 10 to 1!

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  LOVE MY TRUCK - 2009 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Joel - April 18 - 12:16 am

  Ive had the truck just over a month and have 400 miles on it. It has the All-Terrain Pkg and the 5.3L engine. It is sooo much fun to drive. I love the Stealth Gray color. Gray when the sun goes down very metallic when the sun comes up. It has a great ride and a lot of toys to play with. Only one problem so far. I have the 18" chrome wheels. The spare is a 17". Oh well somebody goofed. Will have to get it changed out in the near future.

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  I love this truck - 2005 GMC Canyon
  By chris - April 13 - 6:04 pm

  I have only had this truck for about a month now but it has already seen snow and hauled some mulch and dirt. It handles great and the drive is smooth. It is very roomy and comfortable. I wanted the interior room to take adults with me. Seats 5 easily. I really enjoy driving it.

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  Good truck for everyday life! - 2007 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Rosco - April 12 - 3:26 pm

  I purchased this truck new in late of 07 and loved the body style. I have owned Chevrolet trucks before and this is my first GMC truck and I love it. Sad to say a woman ran a red light four months ago and took my bumper and grille off it wasnt bad damage just cosmetic. When the woman hit me at 55mph it felt like I hit a pot hole it, I had to make sure I was hit. This truck took a hit and kept on going the body and frame is so strong and well built, I have it back now and I missed it very much. I have the 4.8 engine and was cautious about the engine since my last truck had a 350 and was a powerhouse but the engine has really been great. This truck is my favorite I plan to keep it a long time.

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  Bst Vehicle Ive ever owned - 2005 GMC Yukon
  By Jeff Stewart - April 9 - 12:47 pm

  It is the most comfortable vehicle I have ever owned, and I have been very surprised with the great mileage I have been getting for such a large vehicle. It has lots of great options with the third row seat for hauling kids and cargo. Very solid ride. The dealership I bought this at is the best one I have ever dealt with.

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  2016 GMC Acadia Denali FWD - 2016 GMC Acadia
  By Shelly Bean - April 8 - 10:19 am

  Total comfort in a classy looking SUV! Though the Denali is on the high end of the price tag, it makes up for it in style, comfort, and beauty. The options in the open road package make it worth the money if you enjoy all the technology upgrades as well as the extra comfort perks.

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  Smiling GMC Yukon Owner - 1996 GMC Yukon
  By Elated Alaskan - April 7 - 1:17 pm

  We bought this vehicle used in September 99 with almost 44,000 miles on it. The vehicle had been leased for 3 years when new. Lease owners kept it in immaculate condition. All I did was buy new set of tires, thats it! Alaskan winters can be rough on a vehicle, and after 3 winters, I had to change the 4wd selector. My wife & I drove 12,400 miles down the Alaska highway to Waco,TX & back. We changed the oil 4 times in 6 weeks,averaged 18.4 MPG driving the interstate highways at 75 mph and never missed a beat. As of 4/05, its showing 78,500 miles on the odometer. We had a thorough 60,000 mile check on the Yukon before the big tour in Sept.2003. Had the brakes changed before big trip...since then my 96 Yukon has performed flawlessly. We couldnt be happier.

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  Canyon performance - 2004 GMC Canyon
  By Ron - April 2 - 5:02 pm

  I am very satisfied with the overall performance. it was not designed to be a rocket. I have no complaints with the power, and I can pull a loaded utility trailer with firewood weighing about 300 lbs. with no problems. The interior could use a bit of dazzle, as it is quite plain. Rear disc brakes would be better. The exteior is as classy as any small truck on the market. I have had many compliments on the design.