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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  SLT Yukon - 2007 GMC Yukon
  By knapper - August 26 - 8:19 pm

  After six months of driving and 21,000 miles, I have gotten to know the service staff at the dealership on a first-name basis. They have fixed loose moldings on the rear doors, worked on air conditioner twice (without the problem being fixed), turned the front rotors, and fixed a broken arm on a rear seat. When not in shop, it performs well. Gas mileage is in the 21 - 22 mph on the Interstate. It pulls a 19 foot bass boat with ease and is very comfortable. Overall I am not dissatisfied but the little stuff is a pain.

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  GMC Kicks Butt - 2004 GMC Sierra 1500
  By BobbyL - August 25 - 5:40 pm

  This is a great truck for work or pleasure. it hauls heavy loads and trailers with ease, yet when unloaded it gets around like a sports car. very quick and little slip when taking off. Brakes way better than any Ford Ive ever driven. Truck has all desired features including power windows/door locks. Stereo has no rattles at full volume. I get a lot of positive comments... Nice truck

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  My GMC is still strong - 1998 GMC Jimmy
  By Phillip T - August 25 - 2:32 am

  Not sure with the others, but with 162,000 miles, our Jimmy has never failed on the road. Great, timeless looks, comfy ride and comfy interior. Very reliable, in its time the Cat-converter was replaced at 150k, fuel pressure regulator at 155k (typical of these motors), and the rear axle seals leaked ruining the parking brake, and rear brake rotors, a 600 dollar repair. And recently the master cylinder was replaced due to a weak brake pedal. But no major failure ever, and still runs very strong. The 4.3L V6 provides great torque. And the 4L60E transmission is smooth, and originally responsive, though a bit sluggish sometimes. I love this little Jimmy, Ill drive it til the wheels fall off

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  Great Truck - 2000 GMC Sierra 1500
  By ldiamo - August 24 - 7:23 am

  I have owned this truck for 9 years. Highway, city, offroad. Hot sun, freezing winters with heavy, deep snow and ice, and torrential rain. My version is a 4DR Extended Cab SLE Z71, 5.3L with custom cap and racks. This is a fabulous truck. Handles great and delivers fantastic performance under absolutely any condition and/or load. But it had growing pains: bad ABS brakes,and some electrical issues with power windows and doors, and extended cab hinges that didnt fit properly in cold weather. All fixed over time and the brakes are now very good(watch out for the door hinges, though.)Now in 2009 I am trading it for a Suburban Z71 for a roomier cab (family has grown). I will miss this truck.

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  Well boys..... - 1999 GMC Sierra 1500
  By twuck - August 20 - 10:53 am

  bought 2wd SLE, 5.3L V8 new in may 1999. still using the orignal brake pads and spark plugs. starter dead at 110K. Started leaking oil at rear seal about 60K. Let leak for the next 60K miles before I had a mechanic replace the seal for $572.00. enough said - its ok to top off with fresh oil. Ive actually drove it around for quite a few days with the check oil message and then had to add 1 full qt. This truck takes my abuse. Trucks gets 15mpg, no matter what. Interior headliner is starting to peel, pass side electronic window cable broke-who designed this??? AC blows as cols as ice. Friends who have newer Chevys have more problems that I. CD player skips now. Very happy with it so far!

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  Garys 2007 Yukon - 2007 GMC Yukon
  By gary - August 18 - 7:53 pm

  I love my Yukon. Had 2 little problems but was fixed very promptly.. (nothing big) Has all the room I need for comfort, drives great, handles great. Great GMC

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  YukonXL - 2001 GMC Yukon XL
  By Melrod - August 17 - 8:13 pm

  The 2001 Yukon XL is extremely comfortable and powerful. The interior is perfect fit and feel for the driver and plenty of room for the kids and cargo. I have the 2500 series and the ride is still smooth, but a bit stiff. With the 6.0, 315 HP engine, there is plenty of power, but you pay for it in gas, about 15 MPG. I would highly recommend the purchase. Adding a TV and DVD Player keeps the kids really quiet and makes trips effortless.

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  GM has lowered its standards! - 2007 GMC Sierra 2500HD
  By RPS Inc. - August 17 - 8:43 am

  This truck has wasted tons of my time and hard earned money. It seems the only things that have not failed yet are the engine/tranny. I also own a 2002 of the same model that I find to be 100X better quality. These are just a fraction of my complaints/problems I have dealt with on my 2007 sierra 2500hd (these issues surfaces with under 40k on unit)>>Exhaust failure, idler/pitman arm failure, hvac problems, bad factory rim, leaking oil/tranny cooler lines, cruise control works when it wants to, thin flimsy body panels, 4wd disengagement issues, tailgate handle failure, bad airbag wiring harness, door hinge failure......I have always considered GM the best that the USA can offer..Not anymore!

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  100% Satisfied Customer - 2016 GMC Canyon
  By Terrace White - August 15 - 5:59 pm

  I researched all mid-size trucks for two years before finally deciding to buy the 2016 GMC Canyon SLT. Overall exterior and interior styling, comfort, performance, technology and cost were my main deciding factors. This truck definitely meets my daily needs and I am completely satisfied!

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  best one yet - 2004 GMC Sierra 2500HD
  By BIGGS - August 15 - 2:00 am

  2003,like the truck.already done ford and dodge,full power and towing is effortless