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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  Its a good one - 2005 GMC Sierra 1500
  By ibuyalot - September 14 - 1:56 am

  I like the performance that it offers.This one is quieter than my 02 was and very much improved fit and finish on the interior.What I greatly dislike is the color choices especially for the interior.!!!!

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  So-So - 2007 GMC Yukon XL
  By Phil - September 13 - 11:30 am

  Replaced a 2001 YukonXL with a 2007 Denali. The quality of both has been great. The 2007 has side-airbags, stabilitrack and higher crash safety. This is not a good tow vehicle, on paper it looks great but the rear suspension is too squirmy - I think it is the air bags that level the load. The steering is ambiguous. A 3/4 ton YukonXL would have been a better choice.

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  Low cost utility - 1999 GMC Sonoma
  By dave8697 - September 12 - 11:59 am

  Bought mine with 88,000 miles on it and a/c and dash lights broken. Needs alignment and one ball joint has some wear. Used to own a 2000 S-10 so I knew what to expect. Previous owner replaced alternator and water pump. Ive put a rebuilt a/c in it. For an 8 year old truck, it has only been in shop twice. Got 25.5 mpg on 1200 mile trip. Seats OK, brakes very good. Carried 1200 lb load with no problem.

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  Nice Truck / Poor Mileage - 2007 GMC Yukon
  By Zwitter153 - September 11 - 10:19 am

  I had a 2005 Yukon and I loved it. Got great milage and the only issue I had was the information display control were on the steering wheel. On the 2007 they moved the information controls to the dash, but I hate the circular gauge/dash design which is echoed in the head/tail lights.

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  Great Ride - 2007 GMC Yukon
  By tc - September 11 - 8:45 am

  This has been a new experience since getting rid of my 1999 and now driving this outstanding SUV. So much has changed, the design being the most signficant change for the good. I would like better gas mileage.

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  Very Happy - 2007 GMC Yukon
  By Chris S - September 10 - 8:51 pm

  I swore I would never buy another American built SUV. Been driving a BMW X5 for the last three years. Size, features, price and warranty made me take a chance and dive into the Denali and I couldnt be happier. Great deal and great truck.

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  GMC Forgot Drivers Side Ergonomics - 2002 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Stu - September 10 - 8:13 am

  Although the engine has spunk, the 4x4 feature is only suitable for driving straight. While executing even wide turns in 4x4, the entire vehicle shakes and makes squeeking and grunting noises. Traction on any wet or winter surface without 4x4 is non existant without a load in the long bed. The legal heavy load capacity is limited to just a few hundred pounds above the vehicles own weight. Inside the cab the drivers side is very narrow, forcing you to place your left elbow against the solid door. This results in constant elbow bruising. I must always wear a thick left elbow pad to prevent pain and bruise. The seat is also too narrow, binding the outer right thigh. At 58", Im dissapointed.

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  GMC Trucks are Junks! - 2006 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Mark Dandeneau - September 10 - 12:26 am

  I was a die hard GM fan until I bought this 2006 truck. Ive talked to other owners of GMC and Chevy trucks and if they had it over again then would have never bought these trucks, in fact we all want to unload them because of the clunking noise and vibration when the transmission shifts. Also these trucks have problems with wheel bearing hubs and steering problems as well as u-joint going. The next vehicle I get will be a Toyota

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  Denali is an Escalade - 2006 GMC Yukon XL
  By Kingoftheroad - September 8 - 9:26 am

  I really wanted an Escalade ESV, but did not want to make my ride or my family targets for unlawful acquisitioning of my truck. My Denali XL has topped all of my expectations, including fuel mileage.

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  GMC YUKON XL - 2002 GMC Yukon XL
  By Elmosfire - September 7 - 2:00 am

  I purchased this vehicle due to relocating with my job. Best decision Ive made recently, this Yukon can haul a tremendous amout of cargo. I hardy ever drive my 01 Pathfinder anymore. My most pleasant surprise was the luxury car like ride on the highway.