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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  Best ride for an SUV - 2018 GMC Yukon XL
  By John Lentine - October 31 - 4:05 am

  I love love love the GMC Yukon Denali. Smooth quiet and fun to drive

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  RL Denali - 2005 GMC Yukon
  By Rodney Lloyd - October 28 - 2:00 am

  A very strong and powerful suv

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  127,000 miles and still going strong! - 1999 GMC Sierra 1500
  By WJBJR - October 25 - 10:00 am

  99 Sierra SLT Ex. cab. Just hit 127k. Extremely reliable. No issues. Slight engine tapping for 30 seconds when cold. Does not burn oil. Have mainitained very well. Orig. trans mission that shows very little wear when the filter is replaced. Very quite, comfortable, fun to drive while still delivering decent mileage 15/19. This is my 2nd GMC truck. My 1991 was sold for 50% of what I paid for it with 160000 miles. It was also very reliable. My father drove my 99 Sierra a couple of times and sold his 1990 FORD truck and purchased a new 2000 GMC Sierra Z71. He loves it. (so does mom).

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  RE: 2005 GMC Envoy SLT - 2005 GMC Envoy
  By Eyedoc164 - October 25 - 2:00 am

  GMC was always under the radar screen when I leased SUVs. Only test drove it because of a GM promotion. Have had the car for only 500 miles and am incredibly impressed with its size, comfort, carlike ride, and amazing luxury features. As a 15 yr lonstanding driver of Grand Cherokee and Ford Explorer, can only say that this vehicle is in is every way comparable and more comfortable and fun to drive. With more bells and whistles than my Eddie Bauer: Onstar, XM radio/telephone, rainsensing wipers, headlight washers, cant think of anything they missed. Can only say that this is a " must see " if you considering a midsize SUV.

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  Great Value, Great Utility - 2004 GMC Envoy
  By Frede2ROK - October 24 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle meets the expectation for a utility vehicle in that it serves many uses. It has the power to pull a trailer and the space to support a tailgate party at a ballgame. It is comfortable and easy to drive and park.

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  The best of the best!! - 2005 GMC Yukon
  By John C1234 - October 23 - 2:00 am

  This is the Best SUV out there!!!

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  Love my Seirra - 2001 GMC Sierra 1500
  By my1sttruck - October 20 - 10:00 am

  My Seirra has never let me down yet. With 63,000 miles on it in just two years its still running great and I love the way it handles.

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  New car euphoria found in the Acadia! - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By cpearson - October 19 - 1:23 am

  I dont know if its the smell of a new vehicle or that Im driving around town in an Acadia that has put a smile on my face! We sold our reliable, conservative Honda Odyssey for a bit of luxury in the fully loaded (minus Nav) SLT2 - Carbon Metallic with Ebony leather interior. Its a great looking vehicle inside and out, causing it to be a looker on the road and sitting in carpool! We bought the extended warranty to give us more piece of mind regarding reliability. Expected a little better fuel economy.

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  Great Truck - 2004 GMC Yukon
  By Jim Maddy - October 18 - 2:00 am

  This is probably the finest vehicle I have ever bought. The style, feel, and handeling are terrific.

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  Love my truck - 2005 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Wingman - October 15 - 2:23 am

  I switched from a Ford F150 to my GMC, and I love the GMC. I do wish the bed was longer.