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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  Vast Improvements - 2002 GMC Yukon XL
  By Spyorangej - February 21 - 10:00 am

  The 2002 Yukon XL 1/2 ton SLT is my favorite SUV in production. It is just the right vehicle for a high demanding family.

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  The Tahoe++ is worth the differnce - 2002 GMC Yukon
  By Doc Holliday - February 19 - 3:48 pm

  I owned a 2000 Tahoe before I traded it for a 2002 Yukon Denali. I love the size etc of these vehicles. The Denalis Bells and Whistles are very nice if you want them. The Denali has the following features that you cant get on a Tahoe: 320 hp engine vs 285 hp 6 disc CD changer vs no changer better tires 17 inch Chrome wheels running boards that and bumper that match the paint on the rest of the body

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  Factory Support - 2004 GMC Sierra 1500
  By gmc - February 17 - 2:00 am

  Buyer beware. I have had numerous problems with this vehicle, many of which are recurring. Dealerships have been unable to resolve the recurring problems. After lengthy conversations with GM, they not only refused to do anything to accomodate the situation (e.g. pay for alternate transportation on first day of service, get a rep involved to asses the problem)they also accused me of exagerating a few of the problems simply because a service technician did not fully describe the issues in his report. I understand that problems occur, but you will get no customer service from the manufacturer even when the problems are reoccuring and cannot be fixed.

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  GMC SLE Z71 - 2000 GMC Sierra 1500
  By RadarLuvr - February 16 - 10:00 am

  Truck handles and rides like a car. Has no problem cruising along the highways at 2500 rpm. Beware of factory installed sliding rear windows, frame has history of cracking, causing water leakage into cab.

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  An okay SUV - 2009 GMC Yukon XL
  By JustADriver - February 15 - 10:40 am

  Bought the 09 to replace my 05. My biggest complaints relate to interior space use usability. There are no storage spaces for things like sunglasses. The 05 wasnt great, but it has thee good storage spaces in the dash. For some reason GMC decided to go with tiny buttons to control climate and radio. It has taken me a while to get used to the new layout, but the buttons are just bad, especially if you have gloves on. I am looking forward to towing my 30 camper. The 05 did well, I hope the 09 does better.

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  GMC, you can and must do better - 2005 GMC Sierra 1500
  By dg - February 6 - 10:50 pm

  I have been driving this truck for almost 2 years, so I know all of its little nuances. Unfortunately, I am not impressed. I have had many GM vehicles and this has been one of the worst. Warranty issues include: new radiator, new brake rotors, power seat motor, tranny problems, etc. I can only attribute this stuff to the fact that GM is rabidly seeking the cheapest suppliers on the globe, which has to hurt quality. I must admit that I use my truck heavily, but what good is a pickup truck that cant handle a little beating? Considering the msrp on this thing was around $39000, GMC must do better with its 2007 model. If not, Tundra and Titan will have Sierra for lunch!

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  First time GMC owner - 2016 GMC Canyon
  By Tim Franzen - February 5 - 1:33 am

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  the best - 2003 GMC Yukon XL
  By dana williams - February 2 - 2:33 pm

  I always wanted a Denali. Now that I own one I am happy. I am very satisfied with this suv. It drives well, Looks good, is big enough for my whole family. The engine can get loud but that all that horse power.

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  Disappointed With Options - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By Jim - February 1 - 3:36 pm

  I loved this vehicle when I first picked it up. Great ride, nimble handling, good in snow, great looks. Everything about it appealed to me. GM did a lousy job on design and testing the options. The remote start doesnt work from more than twenty feet away. The outdoor thermometer can be off by more than five degrees and you have to put the vehicle in "Park" to display more than five locations on the navigation system when looking for a gas station or resturant. They tell me engineering is working on the thermometer and remote start and the Nav sytem problem is a safety feature. How safe is it to pull over to the side of the Interstate to find a gas station?

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  No more GM products for me. - 1999 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Wham - January 17 - 10:13 pm

  Problems before 05- transmission went out, ABS quit due to computer glitch, seal in four wheel drive started leaking, the cd player went out, the control nobs for the radio cracked and some fell off, the tailgate cables snapped on three separate occasions, once while I was loading an ATV. The tailgate then received a slight dent when it hit the bumper. GM said that their research has shown only the 00 and later models were affected by this. Im thinking apparently not! Its the same exact cable! A year or two later they finally agreed. Throttle sticks starting off, back windows whistle, clear coat started separating and flaking off two years ago. Not enough room to tell it all!