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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  Do Not Buy!!! - 2016 GMC Yukon XL
  By JT - May 20 - 2:56 am

  I am so disappointed with my purchase of the 2016 Yukon XL Denali. The issues with this vehicle in just 1 month are endless. The main one being the brakes are sooo bad. I got in an accident after 1 week, because the brakes on the car just dont work. The quality of the seats are so poor, you can feel the springs in the seats. The transmission keeps slipping. I hate this vehicle. DO NOT BUY.

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  4x4ing fun - 1998 GMC Jimmy
  By Scott - May 19 - 5:15 am

  I have owned by Jimmy since 2001 and I have had little issues, but for what I have done it to the thing it is quite expectable. The first thing I had to check out was the 4 wheel drive, so I hit the trails. By the end of the day I had it up to the frame in mud, without getting stuck, and all 4 wheels off the ground. I can deal with the minor repair (I love working on my truck), just need to find a good lift kit and then I off to the mud again. My overall view is play hard and things will break. Shut up fix the problem then its time to play again. My wiper did the I have a mind of my owe I change the cabling and it is good to go. Need new mirrors and the drivers window gets stuck.

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  For the Money, It wasnt too bad - 1997 GMC Sonoma
  By frynit - May 18 - 11:36 pm

  This was the first car I purchased. GMC did a good thing when they created 4.3 V6 Vortec. This is the most reliable engine that I have ever driven. The body rusts way to easily however, so whoever forgot the clear coat at the assembly plant needs to get smacked. Also, the windshield wiper motor began to short circuit around 110000. Also, the tires recommended by all tire shops are not the ones on the car, which is weird. The suspension is awful. As a result, the interior creaks and squeaks like no other. Also, 2WD, especially in Wisconsin, makes this truck absolutely useless in the winter being that the bed is so light and suspension so loose.

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  Wheres The MPG? - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By gordonhill - May 18 - 11:10 pm

  The car is fun to drive once you reach 20 or so mile per hour, but until then it seems to be hesitant to shift into lower gears to give the needed power for moving around in City traffic. I have had the transmission calibrated a couple of times and it helps for a while then it goes back to hesitating. Also the fuel mileage is not even close to what was advertised on the window sticker. The sticker said I should get 18 City and 24 Highway MPG. I get 14 City and 18 to 19 Highway. I asked the service reps about it and they kind of shrug and say "thats about normal". Otherwise I like the car a lot and have no real mechanical problems.

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  Denali is tops! - 2005 GMC Yukon XL
  By Mike, Cheryl&Garrett - May 18 - 2:43 pm

  Overall the ride is great. The tire monitor wasnt working at purchase (warranty issue). The nav system is excellent. Stock DVD player is not as current/fancy for what you can buy aftermarket given the same price. The front door required more force to close (warranty issue). The Denali has a leather interior with the exception of the 3rd row seat. My 2000 Yukon XL had leather 3rd row seat, but the 2005 Denali is now vinyl. 05 Denali no longer comes with protection stip on the roof. Front grille should be metallic versus chrome-over-plastic. Last 00 Yukon XL was in a 70+ mph head on collision with 4dr Honda. We are survivors. The Yukon XL is a life saver.

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  Luv my new XL - 2003 GMC Yukon XL
  By LuvmyXL - May 17 - 10:00 am

  I have been extremely pleased with my Yukon XL. It handles and rides so comfortably. I strongly recommend the second row captains chairs. It really makes it easier to access the third row of seats. I love the cargo room!. We actually hauled our wooded swingset boxes (they were huge!!) home with both seats folded down. So much fun to drive!!

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  ?? - 2003 GMC Sierra 2500HD
  By Ralph gallo - May 17 - 10:00 am

  this is great truck ! no question about it .

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  Buy One! - 2000 GMC Yukon XL
  By Joeqc - May 17 - 10:00 am

  I bought this used 2000 Yukon XL after researching for a Suburban/Excursion for a better part of a year. Anyways, the vehicle is outstanding, even as a used unit. The 5.3 really pulls in the mid range,and the mileage is about 13.3 in town, and I got 17, and 17.5 highway driving 70-75, with the air on!,,,also the kids love the view from it and size.

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  Bad Deal - 2014 GMC Sierra 1500
  By stik1 - May 16 - 5:25 pm

  Got 2014 Sierra All Terrain in sept 13. Healights are terrible to the point of dangerous. Far too dim. Had to install after market off-road lites. GM would not acknowledge problem. 4 wheel drive would not engage while stuck in snow high range. Engine would not accelerate. Transmission clunks and shifts strangely. Seems to hang up between gears at low speed acceleration and slips. Truck has already been recalled 3 times. Now it is leaking ant-freeze and will heed to go back to dealer. It will be a Dodge Ram next time.

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  The Professional Grade!!!!!! - 2002 GMC Sierra 1500
  By mwheeler88 - May 15 - 8:40 am

  My GMC Sierra is a great truck! It rides great and it handles very well. The only thing i dont like about it, is its a 2WD but I would probably never use it if i did have it and I have to say it has been the most reliable vehicle i have ever had. My dad bought it in 2002 new and gave it to me when he bought a new car. It only has 86,000 miles on it and i have to say for a truck thats not a lot. Knock on wood I have never had to take it in for any work other than to get it serviced. I dont like the gas mileage it gets 13 MPG in town but it does have the 5.3L V8 so what do you expect. But i love the truck and i hope to have it for a long time.