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:

• 

  Need better side mirrors - 2001 GMC Savana
  By 3500 savanah van - June 21 - 5:51 pm

  I use my van mostly to pull my fishing boat to the ocean. The van needs side mirrors that extend out, for better visibility when backing up in tight spaces. I’ve seen some nice ones on Ford pickups. Some mirrors extend and retract and fold against the truck when not driving. I love my van. I just stow all my fishing gear in holders. Just lock the van and youre ready for the next trip.

• 

  2500 HD GMC - 2005 GMC Sierra 2500HD
  By Enymoose - June 20 - 9:43 pm

  I highly recommend this version of the GMC to those who do not mind a stiff ride that will pull anything a truck is supposed to pull. The 6.0 engine coupled with the 4.10 rearends give it enough power to pull a house off of its foundation if you wanted to put it to that type of test. I put it to the test using the 4X4 at Ft. Fisher, NC in sand that others were getting stuck up in and had no problems once I dropped the air pressure down to 20 lbs per tire from the origional 60. The fishing was great also. Ive had 9 other 4X4s, between Ford and Chevys and this GMC is by far the

• 

  Disappointing - 2007 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Uneasy - June 20 - 10:33 am

  I previously owned an F150 that had no problems at all. This was my first GM product. When the honeymoon period wore off, it lost its luster. The heater fan quit in the dead of winter, and the transmission needed to be worked on. Both repairs left me with loaner vehicles for a long period of time. Not convienent. I guess my first GM experience hasnt sold on me.

• 

  3.7 5 cyl SLE - 2007 GMC Canyon
  By Kirk - June 18 - 9:05 pm

  My truck is a SLE Ext. Cab 3.7 5 cyl. Automatic Trans. The web site does not give this choice. I drove a Nissan Frontier for 2 months and there is no reason to get the Nissan. This truck is quiet and has a much better ride. Fuel milage is better by 3 MPG, city. Engine is smooth and refined. I have loaded the bed with mulch and dirt and the ride was good and there was plenty of power. The seats in the back are only for children. This truck has side air bags which are not found in other trucks this size. I also mounted a BOSS snowplow to this and it plows like a full size. The locking rear end is also excellent and not found on any other truck this size. The truck is a tank in snow and mud.

• 

  They just keep on getting better - 2007 GMC Yukon
  By Sparkey - June 17 - 3:39 pm

  This is the best GMC yet. The only problems have been with the drivers information display. The engine oil message comes on every time you start it and the tire pressure monitor doesnt work. Mechanically the car is bullet proof. The quality is very high with no squeaks or rattles, no wind noise

• 

  Best Truck in the world - 2009 GMC Sierra 1500
  By njoosse - June 17 - 1:30 pm

  I saw a lot of negative reviews on here and wanted to set the record straight. Weve had the 09 Sierra since new, and it now has 177,000miles on it. These have been hard miles, mostly pulling trailers, this is strictly a work truck, sometimes it pulls in excess of 10,000lbs (twice what it is rated for). In its lifetime we have changed the front brake pads once (still has original rotors) we have changed the tires a few times and the oil about every 10,000miles. Everything else is original, rear brakes, tranny fluid, air filter. Truck runs and drives like new! No rattles or squeaks, weve had over 30 work trucks, never had one this tough and dependable. Very good on fuel as well.

• 

  A pleasure to drive - 2007 GMC Envoy
  By r wind - June 15 - 11:39 pm

  After driving a 98 Tahoe for 9 years, with its poor brakes, poor gas mileage, and sloppy handling, it has been a real pleasure to experience the performance of my 2007 Envoy Denali. The 5.3 litre V8 out performs the 5.7 in my 98 by far and the gas mileage is at least 30% better around town. I havent found anything I dont like about the car. Well, just one, no glove box light.

• 

  Great truck - 2006 GMC Canyon
  By Ed - June 12 - 8:25 pm

  Had an S-10 before this, and although I believe the interior was nicer and more comfortable in the S-10, I love the crew cab for my family. The truck runs great, but I think gas mileage should be better than 24 (get about 24 exactly). Biggest problem I have had is the wear of the front tires. The alignment seems off and the inside is wearing odd. Dealer repeatedly tells me this is normal, I dont see how. I have over 50000 on it and I like it as much as when I bought it. Seems like the S-10 was more refined and corners where cut to get this to a price point, there are absolutely no frills or extras, but bottom line, I would buy it again.

• 

  Lots of good to go with the bad - 1999 GMC Sonoma
  By dave8697 - June 11 - 6:31 pm

  Purchased with 88k miles and now at 91500 miles. Original owner had the usual GM low priced vehicle problems like alternator, a/c, water pump and some bulbs out. No care ever taken of it and I had to restore it but now with new tires, front brakes, and about $100 spent on little stuff, it is fun to own and drive. So far it gets 25-26 mpg whether local or on the 1200 mile trip I took. Enjoyment will increase after I get the A/C fixed.

• 

  2006 GMC Canyon - 2006 GMC Canyon
  By jeff smith - June 10 - 10:59 pm

  Have had the truck 7 months and have 7k on it.The truck is OK but nothing to write home about. Has 5 speed that is hard to shift when cold. A/C seems to cycle too much and does not cool well on hot days. I still have 93 S-10 2.8 V6 5 speed with over 200K miles that get the same mileage (avg. 26) but runs, brakes, and shifts better than this new one. I know this a base truck but will beat you on a trip of over 3 hrs.