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:

• 

  Excellent truck with some flaws - 2007 GMC Yukon
  By ryan - October 10 - 6:40 am

  I bought Yukon SLT2 as 2007 clearance from dealer. I drove 2001 Denali before, and very impressive. When I got myself own, feel awesome and better than previous version. Large space, powerful engine and nice Boss sounds. Very nice mix mpg, highway, local plus traffics, 16MPG, same as my friends Nissan Xterra. but some bugs are annoying me, engine light is always on since the second day after I take it home. And the tire pressure shows 63 35(front), 33 35(rear), sensor stinks!

• 

  Fun to drive, easy to handle - 2001 GMC Jimmy
  By Love it! - October 8 - 3:26 pm

  This is the second Jimmy SLT 4x4 that I have owned. This first one was totaled in an accident and did so well that I decided to get another one. I have only had to replace the tires, tune-ups, and other general maintenance on it. It now has over 100,500 miles on it. Now the brake light warning stays on, and the ignition switch is going out. I think thats what it is. Other than that, I love it. It is easy to drive, great sound system, comfy seats with dual seat warmers.

• 

  My First GMC Truck - 2006 GMC Sierra 1500
  By roadturtle - October 5 - 12:03 pm

  I have owned Toyota, Nissan, Chevrolet, and Ford trucks. I chose this GMC truck because I could reach into the bed without having to climb into the truck bed as you have to on Fords. I wanted the full four doors, a small, but powerful V-8 5.3 L. It get equal gas mileage to a Nissan Frontier yet I get a real full size truck for the same price. The seats are very comfortable. I can get into the cab of the truck without stepping onto steps, or hitting my head because the door opening is small as on the Toyotas. It turns sharp, rides nice, handles well, and it came with dual climate zones. My wife loves that. Its the little things that also count such as, fuel filler on drivers side, fog lamps

• 

  Professional Work Truck - 2007 GMC Sierra 2500HD
  By Ralex - October 5 - 10:50 am

  In "07 I needed a truck to tow a 7000lb 14x9x9 box trailer in western PA. I test drove em all and fell in love with a Ford until I learned GM had the most torque, hp & mpg. Found a GMC L82 with all towing packages. I tow 5 days a week and avg 9.5mpg city and 15 on the hwy at 62mph or 2k rpm, above 65 mph the aero drag zaps the mileage to 10.5. The PA hills takes another mpg. Without my trailer I get 15 city and 21.5 hwy. I love the performance and the bucket style seats, it feels like a Camaro on steroids. Get compliments every where I go and with 30K miles Ive been everywhere.

• 

  Needs some tweeking - 2007 GMC Yukon
  By Anonymous - October 3 - 9:21 pm

  Keep in mind I am new to American cars. I bought this car because I wanted something comfortable with 3 row seating. For some reason I got so taken in by how comfortable it was driving the car that I forgot to even check the other rows, which I normally do when checking a car. I love how comfortable it is, nice, big, and seats 8...well thats what I thought. I guess after looking at the Sequioa and the Armada I thought it was safe to assume that the 3rd row had more than enough room...think again. Maybe the fact that I am 58" doesnt help, but I would expect for there to be room for me in the 3rd row. Overall the car is what it is, but for such a pricy American car I expected more.

• 

  BOY DO I REGRET BUYING MY TRCUK - 2006 GMC Canyon
  By TAMMY ADAMS - October 3 - 11:06 am

  I bought my canyon July of 2006,in February of 2007 engine light came on and the truck powered down.Took it to local dealership,they cleaned it up (said there was dirt on the sensors) and sent me on my way.a couple of days later same thing.This has gone on for several months.Weve changed computers,brake lines, you name it.Still it does not work.This time theyve had it for three weeks still not fixed. Gm rep wont call me..Im really disappointed with my purchase..i regret it everyday...

• 

  best Vehicle Ever - 2005 GMC Yukon
  By Happy Owner - October 3 - 11:02 am

  This is the best vehicle I have ever owned. The seats are wonderfully comfortable. I love having the heated captains chairs in the second row seating. Great for driving to school on cold mornings. Very reliable. Poor mileage, but we knew that up front. You wont be disappointed with this vehicle.

• 

  Clean GMC - 2007 GMC Sierra 2500HD
  By Jack - October 2 - 6:23 pm

  Bought the 6.0ltr WT version two weeks before leaving Maryland. Installed cruise control and hauled 5500 lbs on a 16ft tandem trailer and 1000 lbs in the bed. Averaged 16mpg on Hwy after tuning with the Diablo Predator using 87 octane gas. I have the 4:10 HD posi-lock rear. I average 12-13 mph in town. I would have liked the 6spd Allison transmission.

• 

  Worst Vehicle I have ever owned - 2003 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Drivernator - October 2 - 2:00 am

  This is the worst vehicle I have ever owned. It has 8000 miles and is always in the shop. It rattles (has been down 1 dirt road for 3 miles), master brake cylinder went out, new front brakes, passenger p/w doesnt work properly (3X to dealer and still not fixed). The rear axle seals have now started leaking. Will never buy another U.S. built auto.

• 

  More bang for your buck - 2008 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Mean Machine - October 1 - 10:06 pm

  I completely love this truck. I modified this truck and added an additional 35 hp to the existing 403, wow! Need I say more! Added side steps 5" oval, bed cover with rear spoiler and lite, complete tint. Modified exaust for deeper purr, added air intake, Customized GMC Logo cyrstalized. Black it out completely, changed door handles to black got rid of chrome strip, added OMEX 6000K halogen kit, got rid of the orange on front head light assembly, changed tailpipe all black 5" oval, sits on 26" black rims, with a lowered supension kit 2"f 5"b, looks mighty damm good! Wish I could post a picture. This is what a real truck should look like, love it, love it, love it.