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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  Hot Rig..! - 2004 GMC Sierra 2500HD
  By bearman - May 22 - 2:00 am

  More truck than I expected, plenty of power. Very roomy, solidly built with great ride.

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  Quality plague first model year XL - 2000 GMC Yukon XL
  By skold - May 21 - 10:00 am

  I had my 2000 Yukon XL in the shop 14 times in less than 2 years for the same recurring problems; after 5 visits over a 4 month time period the computer climate control still didnt work, loud noises from the front dash, rear pwr windows failing, pwr door locks on rear lift gate failing. GM offered me 7yr/70,000 mile warranty on the vehicle but we were so fed up with the car, we decided to trade it in for 2002. I was really disgusted with the whole affair because it cost me about $10,000 (difference between trade-in and new car). GM did give me a 6yr/60,000 mile warranty on the new car though for free.

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  GMC Danali - 2002 GMC Yukon XL
  By chris123443 - May 21 - 10:00 am

  Well I have been buying fords for the last 10 years for quality reasons. My new wife liked GM products so I decided to take a look at the GMC Danali. Since it was her car I let her pick and that is what she wanted. After owning for several months some of the features it lacked like backup sensors, a warning system for the doors being opened, and other small items became apparent. The biggest reason is the general GM fit and finish sucks. We have had it back to the shop for stupid things like pieces falling out of the interior and rattles that come for who knows where. We are looking to trade it for a Excursion and count our losses as a learning experience.

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  Yukon XL only bested by Denali! - 2002 GMC Yukon XL
  By S Martineau - May 21 - 10:00 am

  Best in class features and strength for the dollar. If I could find and afford one at the time, I would have bought the same in a Denai upgrade. All four brake assemblies were entirely replaced due to odd wear and rusting. GMC made it right and without delays. Some early rust on undercarriage is being monitored. Could have been shipped or stored in a bad moisture situation, plus it was a dealer demo - who knows what the previous "owner" was up to? Id buy another in a minute!

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  Best kept secret is the GMC Envoy - 2004 GMC Envoy
  By gaines - May 20 - 8:09 pm

  Great vehicle! Has power, comfort and safety features galore. Fuel injected v-8 can run with anybody, yet if you keep your foot out of it gets relatively good mileage. We have the SLT XL package. Its loaded with leather and all the other bells and whistles. Do yourself a favor, drive one when you get serious about looking for a quality ride.

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  Great Truck - 2009 GMC Sierra 1500
  By pyusmc66 - May 19 - 7:44 pm

  Bought this truck 12/30/09 with many incentives, but you are never going to beat a dealer on a negotiation. Got a fair price. Disabled Vietnam Veteran who uses this truck primarily for towing a fishing boat and around the home hauling. Extremely comfortable on my back. I love the Active Fuel Management which is very good at maximizing mileage with cruise. Also love all the bells and whistles bluetooth, onstar, sound system, quiet interior, mp3 etc. Have been very happy with the drivetrain even though the 6 speed auto became available on this model in 2010. Would absolutely recommend this truck to anyone and love buying American and glad GM is doing better.

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  MY 2500 HD - 2001 GMC Sierra 2500HD
  By MY 2500 HC - May 16 - 2:00 am

  Overall Good Truck. I am impressed with the sturdiness of the truck. The 6.0L has provided plenty of power with only occasionaly towing. However, the engine began knocking for the first 5 minutes on start up at about 17000 miles. GM says its o.k. but extended the engine warranty to "make me feel better." Had to have work done on steering column as it began knocking when I hit bumps. Speaker in passenger door had to be replaced. I am now noticing some delay or slip in the transmission when the stop light turns green. A little scared where this all might lead. Dont have the Allison.

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  Wet Distributor Cap - No Ignition - 2000 GMC Sierra 1500
  By wfm - May 16 - 2:00 am

  Broke down in March 2003 with this 2000 GMC 1500 6 cyl pickup at 73000 km and had to be towed. The distributor cap acquires moisture buildup and kills the spark. I am the second owner so this may have happened before. The towtruck operator and other owners in this area of Eastern Canada said this is a common problem with the newer Chev and GMC pickups in our Canadian wet but cold and damp weather. My previous 1988 Chev went for 15 yrs without this problem. What did they change?

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  2006 GMC Crew Cab 2WD - 2006 GMC Canyon
  By JScott - May 15 - 9:09 pm

  My main reason for choosing the GMC Canyon crew cab pickup was fuel economy. I could only find GMC and Ford Ranger offering 4 cylinder engines and only GMC was available with the crew cab and a 5-speed standard transmission. I am very pleased with its fuel economy because it has exceeded the EPA estimates. I have averaged about 23.6 mpg for city and highway lumped together. For highway driving, the mpg has ranged up to 29.3 mpg for one long trip with no load. The Ford Ranger is EPA rated slightly higher than EPA rates the Canyon 4 cylinder, but the Ford Ranger 4 cyl is slightly less horsepower. I dont need much power most of the time, so I have been happy with the Canyon all the time.

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  Good little truck - 1998 GMC Sonoma
  By gabe - May 15 - 5:17 pm

  Good little truck. I use it for work pulling and hauling light loads, works out great. Plenty of power for a V6 4.3L.