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 - 2008 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Love this truck - May 26 - 1:23 pm

  I have had this truck for 2,000 miles and about 6 weeks with no problems at all. The truck is solid and fun to drive. I love the exterior design. It looks rugged. I replaced my 1995 Dodge Dakota to get a real truck. I am extremely happy with my decision.

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  Excellent Pickup - 1995 GMC Sierra 1500
  By chrisreed82 - May 26 - 10:00 am

  I love my 95 GMC. I tow a trailer and haul ATVs with it. I help people move. I haul heavy loads of scrap wood out of our cabin property. Then I clean it up and cruise in style and comfort through town, and I get plenty of admiring glances and folks telling me what a beautiful truck I have and how much they loves these old GMCs. Ive had no problems with it. I can work on it, its so simply. Maintenance is a cinch. The interior is comfy and I can haul my whole family. This truck is happiest when just cruising around relaxed. It is pleasant to travel in, or work in. My best mileage yet was 18mpg, or 425 gallons on one tank, and that was pulling a light trailer. Highly recommend a 95 GMC.

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  i am happy with my new yukon - 2002 GMC Yukon XL
  By francisco quezada - May 25 - 7:40 am

  I THINK IT IS THE BEST SUV OUT THERE

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  Pretty Much Perfect - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By GMC4LIFE - May 24 - 8:06 pm

  The Acadia is basically a good-looking, well performing, comfortable, reliable, stylish, fun to drive minivan, thats actually a crossover. Comfortable, back rows are surprisingly big, enough for an adult to sit comfortable for a 5-hour trip. It has been problem free, craftmanship: A+. So sharp looking, along with the brick red leather interior: A+. Fuel economy, great. The HID headlights, LED taillights, just make it seem like it is a good looking minivan (thats actually a crossover, so it performs like a car) made by a luxury brand. A+.

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  2001 Xukon XL - 2001 GMC Yukon XL
  By Wayne Black - May 23 - 11:33 pm

  Simply the most comfortable vehicle I have ever owned. I have owned over 35 vehicles from 2 seater Mercedes convertibles to 1 ton pickups and every thing inbetween and if I have my way I will never drive anything but a Yukon XL again.

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  a woman loving her Denali XL - 2004 GMC Yukon XL
  By crc - May 22 - 2:00 am

  I have horses and find this vehicle to be everything I need, to hauling the trailer, to taking dogs on vacation, and yet everyone loves the riding comfort and all the amenties when it is my turn to drive "just folks"

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  car quality - 2004 GMC Yukon XL
  By bravo - May 22 - 2:00 am

  this suv has to be the best onthe road for a all around vechicle

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  WOW - 2004 GMC Yukon
  By Tomthecoolness - May 22 - 2:00 am

  This is a stellar car and the looks are great and the interior is amazing

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  Great Ride! - 2004 GMC Yukon
  By FormerBeemerOwner - May 22 - 2:00 am

  I traded in my BMW for this SUV, my first! Wow, was I impressed! This SUV rides like a luxury car. I feel very safe and secure and enjoy all of the wonderful amenities. I will never go back to BMW...Im a Denali girl all the way now!

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  wow - 2004 GMC Yukon
  By boatdryver - May 22 - 2:00 am

  48K miles, never back to the dealer for defects, and still on original tires. A joy to drive with the 6.0 Litre engine. How much better can a vehicle be?