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 truck to get just like a full size - 2004 GMC Canyon
  By gmc2004canyon - July 25 - 2:00 am

  excellent off road and on the road

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  Good little truck - 2004 GMC Canyon
  By Truckgirl - July 25 - 2:00 am

  I have only had this truck for a week, but its really fun to drive. I previously owned a 1992 Nissan pickup and I really like the increased space and comfort of the Canyon. I got the basic truck, without any options, and was kind of disappointed at the lack of a couple of features. Since I did not see the specific truck prior to buying it, I was very disappointed that there was no keyed entry on the passenger side (I dont have power locks). This is an inconvenience if I need to load anything on that side. However, in spite of that, I think I will enjoy the Canyon for many years.

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  Opinion on recent Used purchase 6.6 Duramax - 2005 GMC Sierra 2500HD
  By randy012796 - July 24 - 9:31 am

  Just bought this truck from my neighbor. 58,000 miles on a 8 year old truck. It is box stock and clean. I cleaned it up even more. I have never owned a diesel before or a GMC. This diesel is Awesome! GMC has a slightly better finish than the Silverado I sold. We tow a 33ft Keystone Ultra lite camper thats 6,800lbs like a dream. There all expensive and I dont know why the comman man would spend the money on a new one. Enjoy shopping and go clean used. Some mods in the future, good deals out there on used perf. parts

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  Awesome truck! - 2004 GMC Canyon
  By EMT5532 - July 23 - 2:00 am

  Im very happy with my new Canyon. Its a great truck, which really fills a void for GMC, as the Sonoma was just too small, and the full size trucks are too big and hard on gas. Overall, an awesome truck, a real pleasure to drive!!

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  I Like It - 2004 GMC Envoy
  By Bob Camporeale - July 20 - 10:00 am

  We just got it and already drove it to MA to visit our daughter at school. The ride was very pleasant and did not feel like we were riding in a "Truck". My wife will be the primary driver and she likes the room and seats. Gas mileage is not very good even for an SUV. It is eary but I estimate about 18-19mpg on the highway and only 14 or so around town. We got a base 4WD model which still had a great range of features.

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  American luxury - 2004 GMC Envoy
  By thyl - July 20 - 2:00 am

  I just bought it and it is the perfect size for my family

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  My Review - 2004 GMC Yukon
  By marley/marleyw - July 19 - 2:00 am

  I loved the vehicle and I have 3 children and they love it because it looks and feels like a luxury car but not such a big price. Also I go to Galveston, Texas alot and I only have to fill up the tank maybe 2 times at that. I just love the car.

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  Best truck I have seen, tested all - 2009 GMC Sierra 2500HD
  By marconi306 - July 18 - 10:00 am

  I use to own a 2008 Dodge ram 1500 5.7 hemi, and put 40,000 miles on it in less than 2 years. Fairly happy with that truck, and I have not encounter not even one single issue. Looking for more power, and better style, more options/better comfort/better quality, so Ive tested all of them out there. The only one which satisfied my demands was the gms based on manufacture options that was installed like on board info system, back-up camera and sensors, on star system, teptronic 6 speed, auto-lights, shift turn-signal on the mirrors and more cabin space. So far after 9 months Im very very satisfied with the quality and performance. I highly recommend to anyone this brand name gmc.

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  2010 GMC 6.2 liter extended cab pickup - 2010 GMC Sierra 1500
  By danlaur - July 18 - 10:00 am

  This is the best pickup that I have owned. the pros are: 1. power 2. towing capability 3. looks 4. comfort 5. build quality Cons are: 1. fuel mileage

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  Glad to be Back - 2008 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Mike - July 16 - 8:30 am

  I traded in my 02 Dodge about 1500 miles ago and I could not be happier. The truck performs great and will haul the snowmobile trailer much better than the Ram did. I am averaging roughly 15mpg which is 3mpg better than the Dodge.