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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  04 much better than 99 - 2004 GMC Sierra 1500
  By GaDawg - August 23 - 2:23 pm

  I purchased a 2004 Sierra after buying a new 1999 one which was a DOG. I went against my better judgement and ordered the 99 knowing that GM never gets a new model right in the first year but I also know that after building the same truck for 5 years GM gets the bugs out, I was right, the 04 is much better than the 99 otherwise I would have shot myself by now

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  Tired of Engine Noise - 2001 GMC Sierra 2500HD
  By Mark Breneman - August 23 - 10:00 am

  As soon as I saw the HD crew cab, I knew that I wanted to own one. It only took a test drive to prove that to me. The truck drives like a half-ton yet easily handles a 12,000 lb trailer and tractor. The interior is very spacious and is comfortable even on long trips. If i had to do it over, I would buy the Duramax over the 6.0 or 8.1 liter. I have a 6.0 that started making alot of noise at 1100 miles. GM has yet to stand behind it 27,000 mile later. Fuel mileage is also not great - 13MPG/16MPG tops.

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  false advertisement on fuel - 2010 GMC Terrain
  By cignarella - August 14 - 12:03 pm

  i purchased the vehicle 3 weeks ago and not getting any where close to the aqdvertised mpg only gettig 17 mpg very dissappointed wouldnt recommend to buy

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  Great truck so far - 2008 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Jaxman - August 5 - 3:30 am

  Really enjoy the overall look and comfort of this truck. The only real problem that I have had with the truck is the reoccurring "clunking" from the rear u-joint on the drive shaft. Dealer told me that GM is aware of the problem but has not issued a bulletin to properly correct it. Dealer fills it with grease and corrects the cluck for 30-60 days.

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  Collapsed Lifter 5.3L AFM - 2008 GMC Sierra 1500
  By ricosha3 - July 26 - 8:48 am

  There appears to be a problem with the lifters in these 5.3L AFM engines that GM wont admit. At 87K miles and 5.5 years old GM garage says lifter is collapsed & wants to replace all 16 @ $3400 & @ my expense. There are lots of posts from drivers with this problem but GM wont admit and GM Customer Service is only lip service... "out of warranty sucks to be you". GM & the dealers dont care... take my advice and buy a Ford. Im stuck with this piece of crap cause I just paid it off and cant afford to buy another $40,000 mistake. BTW: this AFM engine is the same as in current models... beware!

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  Cool - 2000 GMC Yukon XL
  By fff - July 22 - 2:00 am

  Cool

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  WOW!!!!! - 2002 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Curtis K - July 16 - 10:00 am

  This is my first GMC Truck. I was happy with the over all performance with the 5.3L motor. The large fuel tank will take us about 490 miles on the open road about 19 mpg as long as you keep your foot out of it. That is great my suv with a V6 3.2L only gets 18 mpg and is much smaller.. So buy with Confdince. but try to step up to 5.3L motor you will be glad you did.. Curtis Yucaipa, CA

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  I love my truck - 2016 GMC Sierra 3500HD
  By Jon ellis - July 6 - 8:29 pm

  I have a 2015 gmc 3500 dually with the durmax. I also put 24 inch 18 wheel style wheels with larger tires. My truck rides great and i had as much as 21 mpg on the hwy. I average about 15mpg but i do a lot of stop and go and sitting in Atlanta traffic. I have a 26 foot trailer and when i pull it it doesnt even feel any different. I had a ford f350 prior and i had nothing but issues. I also have new a ls460 but i rather drive my truck.

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  Acaida PMS - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By almost perfect - July 1 - 1:43 am

  My Acadia has 2500 miles on it. I like it real well. But the transmisson is not sure a lot of the time what it is suppost to do. It shifts up or down when it wants to, not when it is suppost to. I love the car but transmission thing is very hard to live with. It gets 20 to 22 mpg, looks great. I went back to dealer, but they said it was ok. I am hoping they will have a recall on it.

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  Better than Expected - 2007 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Brad - June 30 - 7:10 pm

  The interior is the best I have ever seen in a pickup. The ride is strong and smooth and the steering tight. I have the Z71 2WD so it looks like a 4wd but cost a lot less. I added a K&N airfilter, flowmaster exhaust and a leveling kit to add almost 2 inches of lift to the front end. It looks and sounds great and everyone always tells me how much they like the truck. The bottom line is this is the best all around truck I have ever driven.