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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  Excellent Yukon 4x4 - 2002 GMC Yukon
  By SteveGoose - August 11 - 2:00 am

  We have 2 kids and plenty of room in our Yukon to haul them, their stuff and our stuff as we travel up and down the coast line from NY to Fl to visit their grandparents. Also have the ability to haul as many as 9 occupants, which comes in handy when the uncles and aunts come along too.

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  2003 Denali SUV - 2003 GMC Yukon
  By MDPowell - August 9 - 2:00 am

  Great handling with very good visability considering the size of this SUV. Shifting is normally smooth with room for slight improvement. Engine is well matched and leaves nothing behind when merging or just getting out of the way.

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  Excellent HD choice & great value - 2008 GMC Sierra 2500HD
  By Dave - August 9 - 1:33 am

  I got one of the first 08 2500HDs off the line as a custom order back in Aug. 07. For what I paid, this truck is an amazing value when compared to the F250s and Ram 2500s out there. The gas V8 has plenty of power and tows a 5000 lb trailer with ease. At first I had a problem with the transmission not downshifting easily in the 25-50 mph range, but the dealer flashed the ECU and now its more responsive (although a bit less smooth- shifting - before it was like silk). Fuel economy has been mostly around 10-11 in the city, anywhere from 12-18 on the highway (the faster you go, the worse it gets). Most impressive is the quality. The interior and overall feel of the 2500HD is very solid.

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  excellent - 2003 GMC Yukon
  By me know gmcs - August 8 - 2:00 am

  excellent the motor is quiet for a v- 8. gm has always built quality in there suvs. this is my second one and will continue to purchase more in the future. In the past all I have ever owened is gm products. I have a 95 pickup with 116,000 on it and runs as good as the day I owned it

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  Excellent SUV - 2002 GMC Envoy
  By dvtester - August 8 - 2:00 am

  Having owned several SUVs, I am glad to say this one is the best I have driven. The 6 cylinder engine has the power of a V8, yet much smoother. It handles well, but has some body roll when cornering. However this is to be expected of a large vehicle. I have to agree with many of the comments that the personalization buttons dont belong on the steering wheel, dedicate them for CD functions. I have had some problems with the memory features, and had to turn them off.

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  ronco - 2001 GMC Sonoma
  By Ronnie - August 6 - 2:00 am

  This is by far the best small pickup on the market. Great gas milage.

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  best suv out there - 2003 GMC Yukon
  By chi - August 6 - 2:00 am

  This car is such a wonderful and smooth ride. Ever since the new models came out, nothing beats the looks. Not only does it look nice, the power is amazing, better then any other suvs ive driven.

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  #1 SUV - 2003 GMC Yukon
  By Cornelius Capers - August 6 - 2:00 am

  It handles just like a car. Has a great smooth ride.The interior meets the needs of family perfect.I talked my friend into buying them and they love it .This is a suv I feel safe in.

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  denali - 2003 GMC Yukon
  By nala - August 5 - 2:00 am

  I got the Denali for my Birthday it drives awesome and looks great too! The gas mileage could be better but other then that I love it.

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  GMC Denali - 2003 GMC Yukon
  By Spencer B. - August 5 - 2:00 am

  This is the most wonderful car I have ever bought. I have had a Toyota, a Honda and a Ford, and a Chevrolet, and this GMC woops all of them.