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 Grand Canyon - 2006 GMC Canyon
  By EX FORD OWNER - December 31 - 11:08 am

  To be sure of the fact that style is as beautifull for the truck, as it seems to have been named after And the hardiness of its spirit for the ruggedness of same. Ive owned a Ford for thirty years, of that a Ranger pickup extended cab for fourteen, and Ford can not match what Canyon has going for it. Thanks for a great truck! P.S. Canyon was a 2006 left over with only 7 miles on it then.

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  I could design a better truck! - 2003 GMC Sonoma
  By Conserned Customer - December 30 - 8:40 pm

  First off, bought the truck on GMs reputation. Decent design, good comfort, but performance, and gas mileage is something to be desired. I had a 96 Nissan 4 banger that would run circles around this GMC. Come on guys get with it.

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  I cant part with it! - 2003 GMC Yukon XL
  By Mike - December 28 - 6:36 pm

  I bought my Denali new and do a lot of hard driving with it. I tow trailers, take road trips fully loaded and take trips to the mountains in the snow. All I can say is, Wow! This is a great vehicle! I literally have had no problems with it except one battery and one set of tires at 40k. This mule will jerk my 6,000lb boat out of the water on a wet ramp with authority. (I laugh at other vehicle skidding with much lighter loads). Acceleration, ride, comfort and reliability have been exceptional. What really surprises me is the reliability. No issues. Much more reliable and durable that Japanese makes I have owned. No squeeks or rattles. I would buy another; I just cant part with this one!

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  what a dissapointment - 2009 GMC Sierra 1500
  By mistified - December 28 - 1:33 am

  I bought my 2009 GMC Junk to replace my awesome 1994 GMC 3/4 ton which I sold (huge mistake) driver visibility non existant inside lower corners cut out of mirrors prevent rear view near truck... lane lines in mirror appear several vehicles behind, must adjust mirrors to see curb/sidewalk when parallel parking then back into objects no longer visible when mirror set to curb, oversize posts and mirror assembly severely restricts drivers ability to see pedestrians or objects (pedestrian collision stats anyone?) parked my 1994 confidently within inches without incident 6 years my 2009 is full of dents after 3 years like many on road including police vehicles observed. eng., tran, steering suck

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  Finally a GM worth driving - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By Eddie K. - December 27 - 9:23 pm

  Have been driving Suburbans, Yukons, Jimmys, Envoys and now the Acadia for over 20 years. Without a doubt, GM finally got it right with this Acadia. Nice and confortable to drive and plenty of gadgets to keep me busy.

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  Great Truck - 2006 GMC Sierra 1500
  By P.S. - Texas - December 27 - 6:13 pm

  I purchased this truck on a whim and it has been the best thing I have ever done. The truck is fantastic, it meets all my expectations and more. It is an absolute pleasure to drive around town or on long trips. I would certainly continue to by GMC in the future.

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  Needs a Lot More Refinement - 2007 GMC Yukon
  By Kevin H - December 26 - 4:13 pm

  This is my 4th new GMC truck in as many years. GMC has some work left to do on this one, with some areas that greatly need improving. The entire drivetrain needs refinement. The engine has decent power, but the transmission is horrible. Compared to the Allison in my last diesel, this 6 speed GM made transmission is junk. It is not happy in any gear but reverse, and is confused the rest of the time. It is geared too tall. Same with the fly-by-wire throttle. It is as unpredictable as the one in the ill famed Audi 5000S. The cheap plastic on the interior is horrible. It is the same poor quality stuff they put in all low end GMs. Very bad for a $55k SUV. Never again.

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  I wish I had came to edmunds and looked for these reviews before I bought this huge waste of money. - 2005 GMC Yukon XL
  By lulubholden - December 26 - 2:06 pm

  I bought my vehicle used with a clean vehicle history report. Over 4 months I get ...1) sunroof tracks out. 2)FL tire monitor malfunction, 3)transmission is failing, 4)starter went out, 5) driving lamps work intermittently, 6) check engine light on and computer says its an o2 sensor. Hmmmm which one of several? 7) One of rear seat warmers quit working. I think this earns GM a huge 0 in my book of quality.

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  The Haul Myster - 2002 GMC Sierra 3500
  By Walking horse - December 26 - 10:00 am

  We upgraded to a heaveier tow vechile. We have a horse ranch and haul 12,000 to 15,000# trailers. If you want a SERIOUS tow vehicle, this is it. Neither Ford nor Dodge can touch it. It is also eztremely quite, but due to the towing capacity a little hard riding. Build quality is great, especially considering this is a TRUCK

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  2500HD crew cab, SB with 8.1 v-8 - 2006 GMC Sierra 2500HD
  By happy GMC owner - December 25 - 1:50 am

  Nice truck overall. Really gets the job done. Best tow vehicle Ive ever owned. 8.1 V8 has plenty of torque. Gets better mileage than 454s Ive owned previously.