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:

• 

  Needs Help - 2008 GMC Sierra 1500
  By ted - March 18 - 4:43 am

  No way this truck has 403hp. Had two different 06 Titan trucks that would leave this thing in the dust. Also, the Titans would out tow the Denali. The Bose radio system is whimmpy compared to other trucks and cars I have owned. Handling is so-so. No standard step rails or sprayed in bed liner. Come on GMC this is your top of the line? Get real. I guess this will be the last GMC I will buy.

• 

  Traded 2006 760LI - 2010 GMC Yukon XL
  By SkipM - March 6 - 5:13 pm

  Rock solid SUV - Paid $59k for loaded vehicle with AWD. While its not a 760LI, it is very comfortable, loaded with many features that you would find in the BMW, plus a few more that I like much more - the USB, the room, the ride - everything but the mileage is perfect. Its $10-30k less than comparable vehicles without aas much room. Denali badge comes with nice features, interior quality could be nicer, still less fancy materials than Cadillac or foreign car, but its an elegant beast none the less and great for my bull mastiff.

• 

  Love my V-8 Z71 Crew Cab - 2006 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Hartwell - March 5 - 11:36 pm

  Interior is roomy and very comfortable for all on long trips. I added a camper shell and roof rack. This truck can hold a ton of gear, and haul your boat, and family and still get 17 MPG. I hunt and fish in the south east so I use 4WD off road and at boat ramps, works great, easy to swich in out 2 to 4 to automatic 4WD. I compared Nissan, Toyota, Ford, and Dodge. At the time of purchase this was the best value by far at the time of purchase. I also have a superb 97 Sierra 2WD approaching 200K, I hope I get the performance and long life with this 06. Note:I had the same wheel bearing issues as others and was covered under 3/36k bumper to bumper warranty, dealer warranty service was great.

• 

  Gos ta pays da cost ta run wit da Boss - 2002 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Denial - March 5 - 10:00 am

  Very nice truck to own. Id wait for the 03 to get the better stereo. However, dealers are dropping prices on 02 models below invoice.

• 

  Proud GMC Owner - 2006 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Mike - March 1 - 9:26 pm

  I started out with a Chevy 89 Silverado of which I still have. It now has 372,000 miles on it and it still has the original motor. I have never made any repairs on the motor. The valve cover has never even been off of the head. Ive had several trucks since then. My most recent truck was a 2002 Chevy LT. It had 150,000 miles on it when I traded it. It had never been in the shop except for oil changes and 1 brake job. Im now driving a GMC SLT. I would be crazy to drive anything but a GMC product.

• 

  Another oil burner - 2007 GMC Yukon XL
  By linkowski - February 5 - 6:20 am

  I love my Yukon. However, it has been burning oil for about 3 years now. Three years ago I took it to my original dealership who told me that it was normal (with a straight face!). They refused to do anything. Fast forward to 96000 miles, took it to a Chevy dealership who listened to me and said they have had this problem. Next Monday its going in to have the "shields" put in. I am still worried. GM customer service told me they didnt know anything about any problems, that the dealership handles all of this. I know they know, but as long as they can deny it, they will. Will post again when it is allegedly fixed. Very very unhappy with GMs response.

• 

  GM maintains its UN-reliable reputation - 2003 GMC Yukon XL
  By bandaid6699 - January 30 - 1:16 am

  Four years is all I could tolerate with this beast. Yes, it has tons of room and a lot of nice luxury features. However, regular major breakdowns and frustratingly fragile parts has me switching to Ford for my future vehicles. The transmission has had two major failures and another one is eminent. Fuel pump, water pump, various electrical glitches also frustrate. We bought it used but 60,000 miles later Ill probably have to give it away...

• 

  Nearly loaded Denali model - 2017 GMC Acadia
  By SYakov - January 1 - 10:50 pm

  As with any vehicle, your priorities as a buyer are really going to determine if the Acadia is worth your money. I would say the Acadia is not the best if you are looking for a minivan substitute based on lack of creative interior storage (very basic) and cupholders (one per seat basically). The center storage cubby has NO divider or shelf mechanism- its just an empty box which is disappointing. From what Ive seen other similarly priced SUVs like the Pilot and Highlander are far more focused on storage and being minivan alternatives. On the upside, the performance and quietness, ergonomics and visibility are top notch. The handling is very solid and it doesnt feel overweight or tough to maneuver on the road. The HVAC and radio controls are super straightforward and there is little reason to use the manual. If you dont want funky shifters or touch sensitive controls, this is the SUV for you. The downside if that the interior design is a little too basic for such a pricey vehicle. I think there should be more differentiation between the base interior and the Denali interior- it needs more luxury for the money they are charging. All the tech you expect is there, but too much of it is limited to Denali trim which is a mistake and will probably chase away some buyers. GMC really needs to make things like around view camera and adaptive cruise available on lower models. Auto wipers should also be available because they are on the smaller Buick Envision and some other SUVs in this price category. Bottom line, I think this works well if you have 3 kids or less and dont plan on doing lots of long road trips. If you want an SUV because you dont want a minivan, looks elsewhere.

• 

  1978 Revisited - 2004 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Clayton - December 28 - 11:53 pm

  I like my truck. It is a "Plain Jane" truck-no options. Performance is better than expected, though the mileage in town is poor-about 15 mpg. Good ride and no complaints, though I have only 2500 miles on it. For being a base truck, it suits my needs and makes me wish reviewers would talk about the basic trucks as well as the duded-up ones. The reset on the oil change system is neat. I like the magnatized drain plug too. Very easy oil change. A great ride. Much better than my 1993 ford F-150. Very similar to my old 1978 Silverado but with a much better turning radius. The 6 cylinder has plenty of power for what I need.

• 

  Cracked cylinder heads - 2004 GMC Sierra 1500
  By shane l - December 21 - 10:00 am

  I love the truck it is very comfortable, and has been trouble free for 5 years, till I noticed the coolant level dropping, I figured out it had cracked cylinder heads. Took it to Boulevard GMC in Signal Hill and they charged me $170.00 for something I already knew and lied and said they took the valve covers off to inspect, when it shows no one has taken the valve cover off, (BEWARE OF THIS DEALERSHIP) GM wont help pretty much had to fix my self. I put in Bars head gasket fix and the leak in the heads went away, been 3,000 miles all I have to do is change my lifters and push-rods and should be good to go. Dont think I am going to be buying GM anymore.