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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  2012 Sierra Denali - 2012 GMC Sierra 1500
  By mpacker02 - May 28 - 10:01 pm

  I just traded in my 2005 Silverado 1500 SS for the 2012 Sierra Denali. The Denali rides much better and is more luxurious. Performance is about the same, the SS accelerating a little harder, but I attribute that to a 4.11 rear end in the SS. The Denali on the other hand is getting better gas mileage than the SS. GMC did a great job on fit and finish, I’ve gone over it with a fine toothed comb looking for flaws and can find none. NAV and Stereo are easy to use, with great sound from the speakers. So far no complaints!

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  LOVE IT - 2003 GMC Envoy
  By Vroom - May 28 - 2:00 am

  I was into imports before I bought my Envoy. All I can say is that I LOVE IT. Nice smooth drive and very comfortable. The optional DVD is great for keeping my lil brother quiet on long trips. Very nice interior.

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  So glad i got this - 2010 GMC Terrain
  By JA - May 27 - 11:23 pm

  Was looking at small SUVs to get because I needed AWD or 4WD since I live near the great lakes. This truck is my favorite car i have ever purchased. Now I know why they say GMC fans are the most loyal. Decent acceleration for a 4 cyclinder, very interesting and unique and cool interior. Good stock sound system, great handling. I could go on and on. If your thinking about purchasing a small SUV, be sure to check out the Terrain. I was going to buy a Ford Escape Limited, but the Terrain was FAR nicer. It was incomparable how much nicer the GMC was, Its hard to believe they are in the same class.

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  Best in Class SUV - 2003 GMC Yukon
  By tropical1 - May 26 - 2:00 am

  Yukon is extremely nice. Bose system and DVD entertainment are definitely worth it for the kids. My only complaint is gas mileage but it is still higher than I would have guessed. Anywhere from 15-20 mpg.

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  Best car I ever owned - this is my second one!! - 2017 GMC Terrain
  By Ingrid - May 23 - 2:16 pm

  The Terrain not only stands out for its looks, but it drives great, is dependable, comfortable, offers great features, and is decent on gas. I loved my first one so much that I got a new one. I did look at a few other vehicles, but none in the same class even compare. I have owned almost every make of car out there and the GMC Terrain has been the only one I ever considered owning a second time around!

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  Great Little Truck - 1994 GMC Sonoma
  By Whami - May 23 - 2:00 am

  This has been a wonderful little truck. It has been used as a courier vehicle for the past 4 out of 5 yrs that I have owned it. Still going great. Replaced the clutch & starter. Then the engine at 210,000 because of timeing belt. Body has held up great. A/C compressor went out at 200,000. It has carried average of 40,000 per yr in miles and with the newer/used engine will last another 100,000.

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  5 for 5 - 1997 GMC Suburban
  By bww - May 21 - 2:00 am

  Im on my 5th Suburban. I love them and I feel my family is safe in one. Safety is more important to me than a few miles per gallon. By the way all 5 of my Suburbans have averaged 18-20 mgp on the road. Not bad considering that I usually Im loaded up with gear.

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  Truck for the family - 2001 GMC Yukon XL
  By montage - May 20 - 10:00 am

  Large and nimble. Luxurious and tough. Big enough to do the job and small enough to feel in control of. Whether its cruising through the forests of the north woods with the sunroof open, or blasting down I-80 to and from Colorado in 10 degree weather or going out to a restaurant with 7 passengers in 95 degree heat this truck does it all for our family. When we travel we do a lot of living in there, kids sleep, pee and watch movies on long trips while we move. Going to the beach? Sand toys, inflatables and oh yeah, a 8,000 # boat, too - no problem.

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  1500 Sierra - 2016 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Jerry Gonzalez - May 18 - 7:03 pm

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  yukon - 2003 GMC Yukon
  By eagletla - May 18 - 2:00 am

  We love the vehicle it is a sleeper in other peoples perception but this is our second and are looking for a third