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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  My Denali - 2001 GMC Yukon
  By Cliffy - November 24 - 4:57 pm

  Yaaaaaaaay! My 2001 GMC Yukon Denali is grrrrreat. I switched to it from a Chevrolet Camaro and I love the additional room, high vantage point, AWD, and added comfort / features that this truck provides.

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  solid and smooth - 2005 GMC Yukon
  By jrspyglass22 - November 24 - 3:09 am

  this denali has a solid and smooth ride. it accelerates with ease and corners with confidence.combined city and highway after 4000 miles is 14.9mpg......and thats not taking easy with it!!! it brakes well and on a slippery day it handled flawlessly......

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  My first SUV - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By Regina Spencer - November 23 - 1:00 pm

  Originally I wasnt looking for an Acadia. I took it for a test drive and fell in love with it. I purchased it the next day. This truck handles like a car. It has a smooth ride and smooth turns. I didnt realize until my 3rd month how well it is with gas mileage. I was only disappointed when my front bumper dislodged partially even though I didnt hit anything. I took it to the body shop and they were able to snap it back into place. I just love this vehicle. I love the spacious interior. It rides 4 adults very comfortably. I have no complaints about reliability and comfort. I give this truck 4 out of 5 stars.

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  2000 GMC Sierra Z71 - 2000 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Brad - November 20 - 10:13 pm

  Overall, I love the truck. It fires up every morning. I have had it for almost four years. I drive 30,000 miles a year with my job and it holds up great. The biggest repair I had to make was to have the intake manifold gaskets replaced a few years ago. The Gen III LS-based engines are notorious for that. I get about 15-17MPG no matter what kind of driving I do. Piddly things are starting to fail like lights on the radio & HVAC, lumbar support, and the console lid, but mechanically, its as Professional Grade as ever! Someday Ill trade it in on a new Sierra/Silverado, but right now it does what I need it to do.

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  Better than I expected - 2004 GMC Sierra 1500
  By H. Gleeksman - November 20 - 7:10 am

  It has turned out to be a better vehicle than I expected. Very decent ride quality. Plenty of get up and go consiering it has the small V-8 engine. My biggest complaint is the lousy turning radius- takes much too much space to get in and out of parking spaces or to make a U turn. Nice fit and finish. It is holding up very well. Am not generally a GM fan, but this is a very nice vehicle.

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  Great Vehicle;Envoy SLT - 2004 GMC Envoy
  By Davanza - November 19 - 2:00 am

  I have no complaints. I compared it with the Toyata 4 Runner and Envoy won.4Runner is nice looking but it road more bump and the body was tinny.Its not as solid as the Envoy.Envoy rides better and hands better. I feel as if Toyoto put a truck body on a car chassi and Envoy put a truck body on a truck chassi.Im no pro but I shopped around and felt that I made the right choice with GMC.

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  awesome truck - 2005 GMC Canyon
  By Power - November 17 - 7:36 pm

  the funnest truck ive ever driven. Ive owned 7 trucks in my past

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  Outstanding - 2005 GMC Yukon
  By twobadgers - November 16 - 3:51 pm

  We looked at the Tahoe and we owned a Durango. This is by far better than both. The ride is exceptional and the interior is amazing. You wont be disappointed.

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  GMC - 2005 GMC Yukon
  By ENJ - November 14 - 11:34 pm

  IT IS GREAT, LOTS OF POWER AND GOOD LOOKING

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  Great vehicle - 2004 GMC Yukon
  By ClarksX4 - November 13 - 12:48 pm

  This is a proven package. Good old American V8 power. The leather is much nicer than the Armadas we were looking at, and the Denali is shorter and much nicer to drive.