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:

• 

  Good Experience - 1995 GMC Suburban
  By GMCowner - July 28 - 2:00 am

  We bought it new. I love the space when we travel. We took the truck across the county once, into Canada twice, loaded with five people and lots of luggage. Its no longer than the station wage we had before, so I dont understand why people complain about the size - its easy to handle.

• 

  Zero Defects - 2003 GMC Envoy
  By Ben Meyer - July 28 - 2:00 am

  Traded a Mercedes ML320. It was an absolutely unreliable turd. The Envoy has given me no problem in over 30K miles. Dealer treats me better too.

• 

  my 2001 - 2001 GMC Yukon
  By rgary - July 27 - 2:00 am

  Great Auto, best I,ve owned

• 

  Best vehicle I have ever owned - 2003 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Michigan Bill - July 27 - 1:16 am

  I bought this truck new and have enjoyed over 3 1/2 years of trouble free utility. Ive hauled, towed, 4- wheeled, pulled, and just plain driven this truck to great delight and it has met or exceeded expectations all around. Mileage is better than most others trucks averaging 17-18 MPG even with 5.3L, 4WD, SLT luxury package, hard tonneau, running boards, Z71 off- road pkg, and more. Going GMC gives a hiher level of luxury and customer care than you get from Chevrolet. The seat and mirror memory is very useful for getting kids in and out of the back seat. I use the exit position button to bring seat forward enough so they can enter and exit the back easily.

• 

  Supurb Vehicle - 2003 GMC Yukon
  By Caribinsol - July 26 - 2:00 am

  I have owned 4 Suburbans (one was an early GMC Suburban) and this Denali is by far the best. The stability control system is fantastic, making it a pure pleasure to drive.

• 

  excellent - 2004 GMC Sierra 1500
  By danl - July 26 - 2:00 am

  this is the best truck i have ever owned. period. loaded, leather etc. and as comfortable to drive as any car ( including cadillac and mercedes ) that i have owned and driven. 4wd takes me anywhere and under any conditions. you cant beat this one.

• 

  2005 GMC crewcab - 2005 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Bills 2005 - July 25 - 3:43 pm

  I consider the truck an outstanding buy with the rebates and other incentives that were offered. This is my 4th GM truck and it is the best one yet. The gas mileage is great for a truck of this size. It averages over 18 mpg in my daily driving, and 21 on the road.

• 

  Love my GM Jimmy - 1999 GMC Jimmy
  By tlkelloggs - July 25 - 2:00 am

  Enjoy driving!! All around great handling and dependable car. I would purchase the same car all over if I had the chance to do it again. Thanks GMC!

• 

  yucon dog - 2003 GMC Yukon
  By ivan flowers - July 25 - 2:00 am

  its all good the truck runs great nice body and wheel base. it tow boats and having the rear seat is nice.

• 

  2003 Denali XL - 2003 GMC Yukon
  By Howard Hunter - July 25 - 2:00 am

  Great truck - rides like a cadi