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:

• 

  Owned lots of vehicles, this one is best - 2004 GMC Canyon
  By A.P. - July 27 - 11:44 pm

  I have had my vehicle since 2004, it is black, 4WD, and extended cab feature. Previously owned the Sonoma, and this truck is a big improvement. I added these features to the truck: 1.) sprayed in bedliner. 2.) alarm system, remote engine start. It has given me no trouble whatsoever, and has stood by my through thick and thin. Gas mileage is very good, has the slant 5 engine, gets 18 miles to gallon in city.

• 

  A Real Truck - 2002 GMC Sierra 3500
  By TOW MAN - July 27 - 10:00 am

  This vehicle has surpassed all our expectations (except for the dealer who is mediocre). The cabin noise level is lower than most of the cars that I have owned in the last 15 years. Build quality is improved over the 95 GMC that I owned. I tow 10 to 13K pound loads on a daily basis. Hauling horses I routinely discuss trucks with other guys at horse events. I find that I can out haul them, get slightly better gas mileage and the TRUCK IS IN THE SHOP less than my Ford F350 friends (one of whom has sold his to buy a Chevy 3500). If you are looking for a real work rig, this is it.

• 

  Clunks When You Stop - 2009 GMC Sierra 1500
  By George - July 26 - 12:30 pm

  Stop clunk noise, i can feel fuel moving around in the tank. My rights foot has gotten caught on the right side when pulling straight back from gas pedal. Fords cab is much bigger and wider. Factory tires slip when taking off at light when it raining out. Seats wont recline all the way back, theres not light under the hood now do I check the oil when traveling at night. Tire pressure monitors quit giving proper reading after first tire rotation and the guy at Walmart it the cheap valve stems I have heard of other owners having the same problem. Fuel economy has not improved any over the last 20 years. Seat are not comfortable any more i guess they are only designed for 5,000 miles

• 

  Featured obsolescence - 2000 GMC Yukon XL
  By Hooker - July 23 - 10:00 am

  Shortly after purchase the fuel pump made noises, and was informed that they will last 100K+, died at 68K, relpaced for $1K. Routine maintenance discovered bad bearings in front differential, informed that this is not unusual!!! repaired for $1.5K.

• 

  tremendous vehicle! - 2008 GMC Yukon Hybrid
  By jet1 - July 22 - 10:30 pm

  I have had my Yukon Hybrid for a year and a half and in that time I have discovered a whole new level of sophistication. Previously I have had Range Rovers which are very nice but just dont offer the same level of performance. I have had one recall for a minor issue but other than that in 19,000 miles it has never missed a beat. Fuel mileage seems to average around 20 mpg mostly city driving, but the carbon foot print of this vehicle is far lower than my last few which is the reason I bought it. At stop lights with the engine off the other hybrids are usually running...enough said. You do have to learn to change your driving style to get the most out of this vehicle.

• 

  Loving my 2017 SLT Yukon - 2017 GMC Yukon
  By Robert Day - July 22 - 7:36 pm

  Currently have approximately 7200 miles on my Yukon. So far no problems with vehicle. Loving gas mileage-averaging 22 mpg on highway/city driving, love the quite and comfortable ride, and the technology is first rate. Getting in and out of the Yukon is a big step, but I like sitting up high while driving. Plus, my first two oil changes/tire rotation are complimentary.

• 

  Good All-Around Truck - 2005 GMC Canyon
  By Dan - July 22 - 3:16 pm

  I traded a 2002 Blazer for my 05 Canyon. The Canyon has great mileage for a 4x4 truck interstate travel is about 24mpg, 19mpg around town. My 3.5L I-5 does great for fuel but compromises in towing. Pennsylvania winters are no problem, it does great in a lake effect snow storm! At 76,000 I havent had any major work outside of normal wear and tear. I drive the truck everyday and it fits my lifestyle great, including many outdoor activities. I try to not use it like a work truck. I still get compliments at the gas pump! Speaking for the crew cab, I would highly recommend this truck

• 

  Great SUV 2003 GMC Envoy - 2002 GMC Envoy
  By Dick - July 22 - 4:59 am

  Best vehicle Ive ever owned, it now has 135,000 miles on it. The brakes and tires have lasted more than 60,000 miles, Im on my second set of each now. The only thing Ive had to replace is the water pump at 120,000 miles, not bad at all. I get 16 to 18 mpg city and up to 24 mpg on the highway. Its a very comfortable ride and a very useful vehicle. I will buy another one when or if it finally gives up.

• 

  AWESOME TRUCK - 2014 GMC Sierra 1500
  By clearwatereq - July 21 - 5:43 pm

  Had my 14 crew cab SLT over a year and 26,000 trouble free miles. Im getting a steady 21 mpg highway. Truck is extremely smooth and quiet. I traded in a 2012 Ram and this GMC feels more refined with better on road performance. Great truck overall.

• 

  Its a Work Horse - 1998 GMC Safari
  By GM Owner - July 21 - 3:58 pm

  We love our van. Bought new has 110k miles. This van has pulled concrete carts, hauled 8 passengers, been filled with cement blocks, carried surf boards, moved us accross country and took us camping for two weeks this summer thru deserts (115f) and over mountains at 8,000ft. We take out the seats, place a bed inside and just cruise by those expensive motels. It will get over 24mpg if you set cruise under 60mph. Its a work horse!