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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  2500HD - 2005 GMC Sierra 2500HD
  By Amos - June 7 - 10:00 am

  Powerful and attractive. Very versatile.

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  GMC Sierra - 2004 GMC Sierra 1500
  By mdenson - June 7 - 10:00 am

  GM could do better at designing this vehicle to ride smooth without a load. When loaded in the back it rides great, but with an empty bed, is is very choppy on the least uneven road. Only about 30 lbs in the rear makes all the difference, perhaps a tailgate weight or something. All in all, this is a great vehicle. A little less room than my Avalanche, but still very comfortable for 4 normal sized people. Looks great (mines black). Gotta have the leather!

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  Not bad...but - 2006 GMC Sierra 1500
  By SF Agent - June 4 - 9:16 pm

  Bought new at the end of 2005. Love the exterior styling and the interior design is quite good. I bought mine loaded with everything possible. One minor problem, the transmission went out at 64000. I drive on the highway to my office and back, thats it. The truck has never pulled anything or even been in 4WD. My dealership did lobby GM and they went half on a new transmission, so I was out $1500, but got the new GM transmission with 5 year 100,000 warranty, so I guess that was ok.

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  Great Vehicle - 2000 GMC Yukon XL
  By rbellfield - May 29 - 10:00 am

  I love my Yukon XL. This is my first SUV and I will never go back to a car again.

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  Never Again - 2006 GMC Yukon XL
  By Paul J. Lecker - May 25 - 2:53 pm

  Great design.This is the third Yukon. 1995,2001 and now a 2006. This one has been extremely disappointing. Had to rebuild the transmission at 58000 miles. The truck hauls kids and groceries. Dealer actually charged me $100 to tell me the transmission was broken. I dont understand why the company doesnt stand behind the truck. Cost $2,500 to repair. Would not purchase another one because of my experience.

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  Great tow vehicle - 2004 GMC Yukon XL
  By smacko - May 22 - 12:10 am

  I pull a 9,000 pound travel trailer with the 6.0 engine and 4.10 rear end. It handles it very well. This is a great truck.

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  So Far So Good?! - 2008 GMC Sierra 1500
  By nickdapit - May 8 - 1:06 pm

  I moved up from a 96 Chevy S10 to a 2008 Sierra, and like the title says so far so good?! I am impressed with the ride and overall appeal of the truck. I had a spray-on bedliner installed and the truck has no problem getting any big job done.

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  It was nice at $1.89/gal for fuel. - 2004 GMC Sierra 2500HD
  By gmc_medic - May 5 - 5:06 am

  This truck has been used mostly on the highway, carries dirt/mulch and recreational toys. And has done so for 62,000 miles without a single mechanical problem! It was originally purchased for towing a camper. Within 6 months of purchase, rising gas prices made driving this thirsty vehicle downright painful! With the cruise control set at 65 station to station on an interstate,13.7mpg. Disappointments? The ventialtion system. The AC is not cold nor dry enough to defog windows. And the radio is horrible! Did I mention fuel efficiency?

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  Great vehicle - 2004 GMC Yukon XL
  By ANGEL - May 3 - 6:13 am

  This is my first Yukon. Ive wanted one for a very long time, and finally got it. I love my Yukon. I have four wheel drive for the snow, and it handles it perfect. I feel very safe with my family in this car, and I have never had any problems with this truck. The gas mileage is horrible, but what can you expect from an SUV? I have installed XM satellite radio and I dont listen to the regular radio anymore. The sound is great too. The only thing I dislike is the 3rd row seating. There is no leg room. Your legs are up to your chest and the seats dont fold down into the floor. I have to pull them out (very heavy) whenever I want to use the extra cargo space and its a pain. A-

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  GMC Terrain - 2010 GMC Terrain
  By Dale Livingston - April 20 - 10:43 pm

  This is my work vehicle, as I will drive 30,00 miles per year. Need something with utility. Tested many small/medium SUVs. Own a MBZ ML, so I am tough to please. I love the unique look, and the MPG reports in Edmunds from you all helped to sell it. Bought Mocha Steel with Black Leather, Navigation, Sunroof, SLT-1. Plenty of power in the 4 Cylinder, since gas money is important to me, as well as saving gas. I have already put 3M miles in 3.5 weeks, and never sore! Yes, there is a lot of hard plastic, but for $29,000 ($3,225 less than MSRP) you cannot expect luxury. I have not owned an American car in 22 years, so I hope it holds up to the heavy mileage use, and I expect it will.