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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  Denali All the Way - 2000 GMC Yukon Denali
  By Scratty - June 29 - 2:00 am

  This truck is the ultimate in SUVs. It drives so smooth, that you think your driving a cadi.

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  After 7.5 years - 2003 GMC Yukon XL
  By Roman Nowwakiwsky - June 15 - 5:33 am

  The practicality of this vehicle is excellent. We tow a 4500 lb boat, live in the mountains with tons of snow, travel a lot in the summer heat, and this truck has served us well. Many drivers, wife, sons, daughter, all enjoy never having to ask "can we take this". GM has been poor on service, replaced costly front hub, speedo stopped working after warranty. Truck has 99k miles and working well with regular maintenance at non-dealer shop. All shops know Chevy engine so they can maintain it. Replaced battery, windshield washer hose, brakes, tires & snow tires, as usual. I believe there is not another utility vehicle out there as a choice for roomy loading and comfort. Leather seats last.

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  Good vehicle, but did not enjoy dealer - 2017 GMC Terrain
  By Jim - June 15 - 5:14 am

  DO NOT PURCHASE VEHICLE OR ADD-ONS DURING FIRST VISIT TO DEALERSHIP. Do not purchase add-on contracts and warranties from dealer at time of purchase - do homework on value of add-ons to you as buyer and research experiences of other buyers with these add-ons such as LUXCARE, 3 for 1, extended mechanical warranty, dealer service contract, etc. Do your homework before puchasing: Determine value of your trade-in, determine MSRP for the vehicle being purchased - GO TO EDMONDS BEFORE GOING TO DEALERSHIP. Take a younger friend with you who hears well, thinks quickly and is not easily pushed or intimidated.

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  Hell Yes I Love My Truck - 1995 GMC Sierra 1500
  By 95_z71_1500 - May 28 - 7:09 am

  Im in love with my 95 GMC Sierra 1500 Z71. Shes currently broken down but it took her 195,xxx miles. But the engine, tranny, and everything else is still GREAT. Just the transfer case gave out when I was pullin a dodge out of the sand(got it out) but she gave out afterwards. So Im rebuilding it. But other then that shes everything I need. Ive taken this set-back as a chance to fix er up. Just ordered Halo projector headlights/LED turn signals, new grille assembly, &performance chip. Soon to order smoked LED tail lights and 3rd brake light, tires, seat covers, door panels, chrome handles all around, 5in fender flares, 3-5 in body lift, and other things. CANT WAIT!

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  not happy - 2010 GMC Terrain
  By terrain owner - May 26 - 11:13 pm

  I bought a Terrain based on the advertised 32 highway mpg. I do all highway driving and I havent even gotten remotely close to the 32. I have seen tanks with 22, 23 and 24 mpg. Not happy. Other than the gas mileage I love it. It has lots of leg room for the rearseat passengers. I like that the rear seat slides up and back.

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  Great Truck !! - 2009 GMC Sierra 1500
  By zero051 - May 24 - 10:16 pm

  This truck has done nothing but impress me I just picked up the 2009 sierra 4wd z71 crew cab short bed. This truck is like a luxury suv but is a work truck at the same time. Great power, awesome ride pretty good on gas im getting like 16 mpg right now. Beautiful looking truck, great lines. Very pleased overall.

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  3-1/2 yrs of performance... - 1999 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Sky King - May 22 - 2:00 am

  Since buying my Sierra new in Alabama, I have lived and worked in Louisiana, New Jersey, and now West Texas. Ive been in mud, sand and water up to the front grill and in 4WD Low the truck is unstoppable! The tow/haul transmission mode is great for pulling the boat. Ive had no mechanical problems whatsoever. The few drawbacks...should have bought the bench seat vs. the buckets- more passenger room and could have sat closer to my girlfriend! Four doors would be better than three. Cruise control accel mode is touchy..tends to downshift the transmission for accelerations at highway speeds. All in all great performance, styling, and durability.

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  Whoa there - 2001 GMC Sierra 1500
  By KNOCK KNOCK - May 19 - 10:16 pm

  Truck runs good but there have been some problems. The brake light goes on most of the time, brakes are in working order says dealer. I need plenty of distance to stop. Gas gauge goes up and down intermitantly if you fill-up, at 1/2 tank it will go away. I have racks and boxes which has made body panels break away at tailights. Pro-grade not. Response was too much weight on bed? Vibration or shudder on launch. Mechanic found bearing in tail of tranny is worn. Remove to repair, too much weight?. Engine knocks on start still, response was could not replicate. Taigate cables were only repair that was correctly solved. The rusty bumper+driveline clunking was ignored.

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  2014Sierra Slt 4x4 - 2014 GMC Sierra 1500
  By dave572 - May 13 - 9:47 am

  I purchased my new truck September 2013. I made the mistake of paying for the heated/cooled seat option. Big mistake. In cooling mode hot air blows on rear seat passengers. I was told after a few miles the air will cool off.top. The hot air still blows hot after 75 miles. Since I usually have a person in the back seat that is a waste of money. Also after 75-100 miles it feels like I am sitting on a fist sized rock. Guess what, the dealer reps got in and out of the truck and stated they could not duplicate my complaint. Initially I got 21.5 to 22.5 mpg at 68mph. Whick was why I boutght the truck. After a recall I now get 18 if lucky. I am looking to trade it off for a Ford.

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  Acadia - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By vad1819 - April 27 - 2:33 pm

  Ive drove CX9, Veracruz, Commander, Subaru, Pathfinder all these cars has 3rd seat. I stoped CX9 or Acadia. CX9 stiff drive, low power, mean you really got push it, very complex cd/radio controls, but good turning performance. Acadia is much quiet in side, no road noise, power better than CX9, seat design better, more space in 3rd row seat.