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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  I love this truck! - 2000 GMC Jimmy
  By ~*elle*~ - June 2 - 2:43 am

  This is my 2nd Jimmy. I bought my beautiful truck used with 100,000 kms and Ive had no problem with it other than a few minor things like replacing the battery, very little paint coming off the roofrack, small coolant leak which was quickly fixed by the dealership I bought it from. I love this truck even though the gas mileage stinks bigtime for city driving. Love the cold air, sunroof, and heated leather seats.

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  New truck with some issues - 2016 GMC Canyon
  By Philip - June 2 - 2:28 am

  Transmission shifts rough. Poor fit and finish, cheap plastic, two parts broke first week , one on the first day. Finally got them replaced. Oil indicator is messed up, had 53% life with 250 miles, now has 850 miles and only 40% now. Either not reset at the factory correctly or the electronics are messed up. The truck looks great, is fairly comfortable, just rough over bumps, but it is a truck. I have read a lot of horror stories today about GMs customer service and that frightens me. This is first $40,000 vehicle I have ever owned and now that I am retired I had hoped to have a good truck that would last for a long time. I hope it does and that I dont have to deal much with customer service. I will speak with the customer satisfaction representative tomorrow at Linus GMC and see if he can get me some help with the oil indicator issue. I still like the truck, just hope nothing else crops up.

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  The ONLY good out of Hurricane Harvey - 2015 GMC Yukon
  By Sheri Hobbs - May 31 - 10:24 pm

  If it’s a full size SUV you’re looking for, this could be the one for you. I’ve owned a 2000 Lincoln Navigator, a 2005 Chevrolet Tahoe and now a GMC Yukon and I’m really in love with this Yukon. It’s much larger than my previous SUV’s and drives like a dream. Technology sure has improved since my last SUV purchase...a lot to learn but a long over due challenge.

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  The ONLY good out of Hurricane Harvey - 2015 GMC Yukon
  By Sheri Hobbs - May 31 - 10:24 pm

  If it’s a full size SUV you’re looking for, this could be the one for you. I’ve owned a 2000 Lincoln Navigator, a 2005 Chevrolet Tahoe and now a GMC Yukon and I’m really in love with this Yukon. It’s much larger than my previous SUV’s and drives like a dream. Technology sure has improved since my last SUV purchase...a lot to learn but a long over due challenge.

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  Great truck - 1996 GMC Sonoma
  By motor_man2005 - May 31 - 5:25 pm

  This one of the best trucks that I have ever driven. It has plenty of power and with the compact size it can really fly. The design of this truck leaves it open to modification and new looks.

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  Yukon xl 4x4 - 2005 GMC Yukon XL
  By chris klein - May 31 - 7:00 am

  Great vehicle! We went camping in the mountains and the 4x4 worked great. All the camping gear for six people and the dog fit in the back. All three rows were used for passengers/dog. Gas mileage on the freeway is 17.5mpg and 16mpg in the city. All around perfect family vehicle for larger families.

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  Very Pleased - 2011 GMC Sierra 2500HD
  By Richard Smith - May 29 - 6:33 pm

  Overall I am very pleased with this car and would prefer it to the rest in the bunch. The RAM did have a slightly better ride, but the towing capacity just wasnt up to par. There are several annoying things though: 1.The dash and center stack are kinda ugly and just dont look right 2.The headrest are in a akward position 3. The steering wheel doesnt telescope

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  Among the best vehicles Ive ever owned - 1994 GMC Safari
  By Charles Strickland - May 29 - 3:46 pm

  It has over 215,000 miles on it and still runs like a top. Ive had the normal maintenance things to do of course but it has been serviced regularily and it keeps on going. It actually handles better than my 05 (tighter turning radius) and the power is still good. Rear end has had a noise in it since day one but apparently this is simply a characteristic of it since Ive heard that several times about the 94-96 safari XTs. Never a problem with it though. I owned my 1st new car in 69 so Ive had a lot of them but never one better than this one. Guess thats why GM discontinued it, too damn good.

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  Denali all the way! - 2004 GMC Yukon
  By jmo - May 28 - 10:00 am

  I am on my 7th GMC Suburban/XL - purchased my 1st Denali - ride and comfort is exceptional. There is a difference between the standard XL and the Denali (not only the looks).

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  sweet ride - 2004 GMC Envoy
  By wilma fingadoo - May 28 - 10:00 am

  beatiful car i cant even tell you how much i like this car best suv on the road