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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  Still going strong! - 2000 GMC Yukon Denali
  By Kim - March 20 - 10:03 am

  This car has hauled our family, towed campers, and overall had reasonable maintenance costs. I gave it an 8 for fuel economy, although I only get 12-15 mpg, because I think it performed well in this regard considering its weight and engine power. A Denali really does ride much better than a regular Yukon. To me there is no comparison.

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  Affordable - 2005 GMC Envoy
  By Brian Cable - March 19 - 1:56 pm

  Its been one of the most comfortable vehicles that Ive ever owned. Ive owned a Suburban, a minivan, and new pickups, and so far it has been one of the most stylish, comfortable and most accomadating vehicles that Ive had.

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  Garys 2000 GMC * an opinion* - 2000 GMC Sierra 1500
  By drlocke - March 13 - 2:00 am

  This truck is very fun to drive. It has the power, and torque for any situation. I would buy another one but I would not give anyone this one.

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  High-end SUV with a bed - 2016 GMC Canyon
  By Volley - March 10 - 9:14 pm

  This is a really nice truck. Exceptional ride, handling and interior comfort with a very quiet cab. Fit and finish is excellent and the 8-inch color touchscreen is remarkable. Full-size trucks are too big for my needs and although the Canyon is large, it drives like a mid-sized car Gas mileage is around 22 mpg mixed city/hwy and 25 mpg pure hwy. The Canyon is a great alternative to a full-size truck or SUV.

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  Great Truck - 2000 GMC Yukon XL
  By Pshaddock - March 8 - 2:00 am

  This has by far been the best truck that I have ever owned. The difference between a 1/2 ton and 3/4 ton is amazing. Better brakes and suspension for starters makes the 3/4 ton worth the extra money. According to Edmunds if I sold it today, I could sell it for almost what I have in it. I guess people are willing to pay big money for 4wd and 3/4 ton features.

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  GMC Sierra Denali AWD - 2008 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Brent - March 6 - 9:33 pm

  Very impressed with this vehicle. Sold my 175K mile Sierra and due to its excellent performance, Im sold on GMC. The Denali drives and handles great. 18mpg hwy and 16.4 in town. Not bad for a 6.2 ltr V8. My previous 4.8 ltr V8 only beat that by 1mpg! My vehicle came loaded w/options and couldnt pass it up for $38.5K. With gas prices I think they are really having to come down on these things. Very quiet ride on the highway and around town. It does need more storage compartments/center console organizer. I would rather the center console open from the side rather than front. Its somewhat awkward and has a rather flimsy spring hinge.

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  Like my car - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By kMac - March 5 - 10:43 am

  I traded in my Excursion that I loved for this car. While its not a truck I sure like the car so far. Tons of room and a really smooth ride. Fuel mileage is getting better the more I drive the car. I am very pleased with my purchase.

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  Envoy- Awesome Vehicle - 2005 GMC Envoy
  By Dan - March 4 - 11:56 pm

  Envoy is a wonderful vehicle with a luxurious looking interior. Very quiet ride, and the vehicle is the perfect size for a family of four. Handling in the winter is excellent in Auto 4WD or in 4WD. I would highly recommend this vehicle to anyone considering a midsize sport utility. The inline 6 cylinder engine is a quiet and smooth operating engine.

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  Towing - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By mike tornichia - March 1 - 9:13 am

  Just drove to FL from NJ towing 2 jet skis. Mileage suffered but not a problem with acceleration and handling. Two guests that drove the car are selling their SUV and Caravan to buy one. Comfort was excellent and the interior space was great. I would highly recommend this car. The total mileage on this trip, towing and not was 5400 miles and not a problem. I would recommend larger mirrors for towing.

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  GMC Canyon is a nice truck - 2004 GMC Canyon
  By Greg - February 26 - 8:45 pm

  At first, the GMC Canyons interior was hard to adapt to the plastic materials left much to be desired. After a while, however, I adapted and began to appreciate the plastics. They are actually quite rugged. My truck has the I5, XM, 6CD, Auto-dimming/compass mirror, and power heated leather seats. All are very enjoyable. The seats are comfortable for the longest of trips, and the vehicle handles very well and has a TON of power for only having five cylinders. It is very much more powerful than its S-series predecessors, and I can confirm first hand that the truck can pull WAY more than it is rated -- the truck can pull over 7,500 pounds practically effortlessly. Trust me.