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 - 2003 GMC Envoy
  By wontonandrocky - July 20 - 2:00 am

  The perfect SUV for the money. Its like having a luxury car, with lots of extra space for my travels.

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  2009 GMC Sierra Z71 Crew Cab 4x4 - 2009 GMC Sierra 1500
  By OLY-JIM - July 16 - 10:13 pm

  When I started shopping for a new truck I made a concerted effort to be objective. I drove them all. The trucks I test drove (in this order) were the Ford F-150, Nissan Titan, Dodge Ram, Chevy Silverado, Toyota Tundra, and GMC Sierra. I returned to test drive the the Ford and the Dodge. When it was all said and done; the GMC is the truck that stood out above all others. A combination of its appearance, comfort, features, and just the way the truck felt and drove simply overshadowed the other trucks. This truck has plenty of power, great ergonomics, and I like the features. The 6sp Auto and 5.3L are a pleasure to drive and run as smooth and quiet as I expect a truck to be. Solid Truck!

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  95 Safari - 1995 GMC Safari
  By Dan ON - July 14 - 2:00 am

  With a family of 6 that takes trips often, room is important-(essential). The van has been extremely reliable.

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  My first SUV!! - 2003 GMC Yukon
  By tsngrns - July 14 - 2:00 am

  This is my first SUV. I am a fan of the Chevy but was lured to the GMC by the customer service. No pressure at all! Cant beat the financing. This car rides like a dream! I actually made a full uturn in the middle of e residential area without hitting the opposite curb. Would definitely buy again

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  good little truck--sonoma ZR2 - 2001 GMC Sonoma
  By Nemesis - July 12 - 2:00 am

  IT a great truck, i like it even more after the changes i have made to it ive won 2 major car show awards with this truck

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  Love it! - 2003 GMC Envoy
  By Fi - July 12 - 2:00 am

  I like the big feel I had a Lexus RX300 I had to get use to the truck verses car frame but now I like it better than the Lexus I still dont know about the mileage yet it is still so new I got alot of stuff but opted for cloth seats I really think they are more comfy than leather, leather is so hot in Texas. I love the stainless trim on the interior its different.I got a really good deal.

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  My GMC Truck - 2005 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Don Sharlow - July 11 - 7:36 pm

  My GMC truck is very reliable. The body integrity, motor and drive train have given me nothing but good service. I drive it to work every day, which is about 120 mile round trip, and find it comfortable and safe to handle and control in heavy traffic. Too bad you dont have one too.

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  I Love It! - 2005 GMC Yukon XL
  By Veronica - July 11 - 10:20 am

  This is the most comfortable car I have ever owned! Im partially disabled, and this is not only the easiest car to drive, Ive found it to be the most functional. The running boards make it easy to get in & out of; height & design give me great visibility. We took out the 3rd seat (2 minutes!) and I can easily put the back seat down (its split so I can carry cargo and passengers!) to carry the dogs, groceries, and just about anything else I can think of! Theres over 6 feet back there. Controls are thoughtfully arranged, along with separate climate control for the rear area....the dogs just love it~! And the stereo w/Bose speakers is icing on the cake!

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  My Truck:-) - 1999 GMC Yukon
  By D.Davies - July 11 - 2:00 am

  This has been an extremely reliable truck in which I have had no major mechanical problems & it currently has 100,600 miles. It is the most comfortable & roomy vehicle I have owned (friends say the back seat feels like your sitting on a couch). Also for being such a big SUV, the ride is very smooth. I have nothing at all bad to say about this truck, I absolutley love it. (Would be nice if the gas milage was a little better, but hey its a BIG truck!!!)

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  2001 GMC SONOMA Crew Cab - 2001 GMC Sonoma
  By Dave M. - July 10 - 2:00 am

  Simply put, this is the best truck I have ever owned. It has all the bells and whistles, it rides like a luxury car and it is very ergonomic. The Vortec V-6 has ample power to tow a boat or small trailer and the on-the- fly 4 wheel drive is hard to beat. I reccomend this truck to anyone.