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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  We picked it over the Equinox - 2010 GMC Terrain
  By Scottyyyc - December 12 - 6:43 am

  All the reviews say the Nox is cheaper, but based on the options I wanted (SLT1), you need to step up to the fully loaded Equinox to get some of the same stuff (like leather), which was $2K more. We also found the GM to have the classier interior vs the Chev (albeit slightly). Might be a Canada thing. Just boils down to preference and looks. For us, the Terrain was the better fit and value. Fantastic vehicle though - well executed throughout (and this is coming from a lifetime Honda fan who swore never to buy a GM). Flexible, comfortable, quiet, and compliant. GM sure has stepped up here.

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  GMC Sierra 01 - 2001 GMC Sierra 1500
  By brian - December 11 - 2:03 pm

  I have had very limited troubles with this truck. It is a little harder on batteries due to the heated seats, etc. but that is the price you pay for the luxury. The OnStar option seems nice, but I have not taken advantage of it. I believe the SLT is the (affordable) Cadillac of trucks. I look forward to being able to upgrade to a crew cab soon.

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  Black Onyx - 2003 GMC Yukon
  By oburney - December 10 - 2:00 am

  Truely professional grade. Every positive comment made I have found to be absolutely true!

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  Great Purchase so Far - 2016 GMC Canyon
  By Dave - December 8 - 12:15 pm

  Purchased October, 2015, 20k miles. 3 recalls, oil changes and tire rotations, have been my only trips to the dealer. My first truck, surprisingly comfortable and tows my 2,000lb boat much better than my SUV. Besides the funky shifting of the transmission when accelerating from 20-30MPH it has been a super vehicle. I AVG 22MPG on my work commute, and have gotten 28MPG @ 60 MPH cruising the coast.

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  New 09 Denali - 2009 GMC Sierra 1500
  By mpcross - December 8 - 10:30 am

  Looks good,sounds good, 6.2,heated cooled seats,HD6spd.trans,HD self locking diff.,memory seat,adj. peddles all great.Does not sound tinny when closing doors. No squeaks. Peppy and quiet on rd. Handles well with factory added sway bars. Should have Caddy options of real wood,heat and cooled back seats and offer dual exhaust. Will write additional review at 10 an 20 thousand miles. Must say again in South, cooled seats #1. Added side steps,under seat cargo hldr,spray in bed liner,20" wheels,and nav systm,back up cam. Hads everthing but electric rear window(dealer said having prob. with motor) but would rather have deforster that is lost with electric window.Sunroof gives plenty air

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  I am impressed - 2000 GMC Safari
  By liveforhim - December 8 - 2:00 am

  by the power and the fuel economy. I get about 17 city and 22 to 24 highway. I wish it had better visibility in the rear view mirror but the large side view mirrors are a real plus for safe lane changing.

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  GMC Customer for life - 2003 GMC Yukon XL
  By AVIACREWS - December 7 - 2:00 am

  Very happy that I paid a bit more for the Denali versus the Yukon XL. Smooth, quiet ride, huge amounts of power available. Extremely comfortable SUV! After one year and over 12000 miles, no problems.

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  Yukon 04 Denali - 2004 GMC Yukon XL
  By Richard 003 - December 7 - 2:00 am

  Very happy with truck so far, have taken 2 medium distance trips and was ver impressed with engine strength, comfort and features. More usefull than my 02 LandCruiser (still have never meet anyone how actually uses those diff locks)

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  Excellent Buy - 2004 GMC Sierra 1500
  By vbase - December 7 - 2:00 am

  You cant beat this truck for the price lots of power locking Differential. All wheel disk brakes on other trucks this is a option but on GMC it is a standard option. I just couldnt be happier the 5.3 has plenty of power Im sure it will keep up any of the other trucks with the same size engine.

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  Best truck ever! - 2008 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Puggy - December 6 - 2:46 pm

  With only 5 weeks and 1,200 miles of ownership my new 2008 GMC Sierra Denali has so far been flawless. I have owned Ford, Chevy and Dodge and this is by far the best of the bunch. Fit and finish is exceptional (for a truck or car), for a truck it has a smooth ride, great power and exhaust note, seamless 6 speed automatic transmission and great interior and exterior styling. It is like driving a full sized luxury SUV with a pick-up truck bed in the back. I couldn’t give 14-16 mpg a 10, but that’s not bad for having 403 hp on tap.