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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  Yeah, I found what I was looking for! - 2007 GMC Envoy
  By Linda - March 1 - 6:13 pm

  Compared Rendezvous, Buicks new Acadia, and TrailBlazer. I was looking for smooth ride, and a vehicle that felt like if I step on the gas I wasnt taxing the vehicle. \As soon as I test drove this I said "this is it!" Traded a 2005 Nissan Pathfinder LE with 30000 miles, dont miss it at all! Tried some foreign models, never felt like I had a solid car. You must try this vehicle if you are looking for a SUV. Not too big, not too small. My husband liked it so much, he traded his 2006 Ford for a new GM Sierra. We will keep these for a long time. Both have the solid feel 40 somethings are looking for. Paid about the same as low and mid end foreign vehicles. Got better ride and quality.

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  Respectable Little Truck - 2001 GMC Sonoma
  By truckkid - March 1 - 12:35 am

  I was given this vehicle after my first vehicles engine died. This is a stylish and smooth riding vehicle, but this is not the type of truck I wanted. I prefer trucks that are raised and larger. Overall, through the 2+ years ive had it, it has been mostly reliable, except ive had to replace the starter 3 times!! I would suggest this as a perfect truck for a beginning driver, because it is only a 4 cyl, has good gas mileage and wasnt an expensive purchase. This truck should be a parents best friend, especially if they purchase the 4 cyl model because it is hard to speed in a truck equipped with so little horsepower!

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  Awesome truck - 2005 GMC Sierra 1500
  By zeek - February 26 - 11:53 pm

  Plenty of power from the v6 and great mileage too. With the 5-speed manual I get an average of 25mpg on the highway and 20 in the city. Not bad for a full sized truck.

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  Well Done - 2007 GMC Yukon
  By knapper - February 26 - 9:20 am

  I have over 4,000 miles on my SLT. The comfort and drivability are top quality. On the road mileage is consistantly over 21 mpg when cruise control is used in the 70-75 mph range. There is an issue with a vibration and noise when in V4 mode. My wife loves using it to transport the three grandkids.

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  King of full size SUVs! - 2009 GMC Yukon XL
  By Keith Rigsby - February 24 - 1:31 pm

  There is no real comparable full size SUV to challenge General Motors, but that hasnt kept GM from continuously improving the Yukon XL. We traded an 2004 Suburban for this brand new and now with 155,000 miles on it, this baby still runs and drives like a new one. Being totally honest, there are two weaknesses for these trucks. 1st is the displacement on demand or active fuel management. This is supposed to increase your gas mileage, but it causes your motor to consume oil after about 60,000 miles or so. And if youre not the type that keeps an eye on your oil level, you can run too low and burn your motor up. I have always kept a close eye on this and finally had the dod deleted and Ive had zero problems. My mileage is the same, maybe even a little better, and no more oil consumption. 2nd weakness is the transmission torque converter design. Due to a design issue, these 6 speed trannys will give you problems between 100k and 125k miles. Mine made it to 153k and then it cost approximately $1300 to have the fix done. The good thing is my guy went through the entire tranny and all was good except the torque converter and another part, the name of which slips my mind. A complete rebuild would have cost $2500-$3500, but because my tranny guy is honest, he fixed only what needed fixing. Bad part is that the design flaw is still there and in another 120k miles, Ill be looking at doing it again. Overall, this vehicle is awesome. Still looks good and havent had any other issues with it except for what Ive mentioned. Granted, some people will drive them even when they know theres a problem and this will wind up costing them a lot more in the long run. But for those that get luckier and catch these two issues quickly, this vehicle will give you many, many trouble free miles and will do so efficiently and in style.

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  Good truck with lots of extras - 2001 GMC Sierra 1500
  By art5121 - February 24 - 10:00 am

  I have 11,500 miles on this 1-year old truck. Ive owned many vehicles in my 25 years of driving, and honestly think this is the best truck on the road. The ride is smooth (better than many cars), the 5.3 liter engine is strong, and the fuel mileage beats the heck out of a Dodge. Ive owned Chevy and GMC trucks before, and I agree with many other people who say the re-design of these vehicles put them in a class to be envied.

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  the truck that loves to rap and roll - 2001 GMC Sierra 1500
  By bopat - February 24 - 10:00 am

  Truck is sharp.Truck makes Rapping Noise starting cold all the time, Now does it when warm, untill op temp. Then ok. Like the day we put out $28K for it. When normal its great. When cold makes my Buds laugh. Myself I want to CRY! Been to the dealer 4 times they say its normal. Why didnt it do it when I bought it. I wouldnt have bought it. GM Customer service told me on the to learn to live with it! I cant believe they said that to me.I think I would not have bought a GM! Its had a cam and lifters also. Body creaks, groans drive line clunk. Do your self a favor dont buy one of these trucks.

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  My Canyon - 2006 GMC Canyon
  By gmc_man9 - February 23 - 8:00 pm

  I went from regular cab Sierra to the extended cab Canyon. At first I wasnt a happy guy, but this truck will grow on you. I put a bug guard and a soft tonneau cover on my silver Canyon. Do I get the compliments. I get 21 MPG around town with the 4 CYL. I have friends who have extended cab Ford Rangers and it seems as if the Canyon is more roomy. Have owned many vehicles since I started driving, my Canyon by far has to be my favorite.

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  Go to ergonomics school GMC - 2004 GMC Yukon XL
  By GMC latest convert - February 23 - 5:33 pm

  Great car if a 58" person with no previous back problems can stand the pain of sitting in the drivers seat form more than 20 minutes. Way to go GM, you got my 50K this time, but never again. We have a brand new Denali in the garage, and took the Eddie Bauer Expedition with 100k miles on it to the family christmas gathering cause I cant stand the pain of being in that seat. And Ive never been a Ford or a GMC guy in the past either, I am now.

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  What a fun beast! - 2005 GMC Sierra 2500HD
  By Stuart Schotte - February 23 - 5:03 pm

  Bought it new last month. I had a problem with the overflow tank leaking into the wiring harness and ruining a control module. 10 days in the shop and then the radio had to be replaced. Some gremlins in the electronics. If it is all fixed this will be my dream truck! I have the diesel. I am getting about 17mpg at 70-75 on the highway vs 14 for my 2002 Chevy K1500 w/ the 5.3 ltr. This thing will go straight up mountains without downshifting! What a beast! I was towing about 9k lbs behind the Chevy. I cant wait to hook "Max" up to the trailer! XM is nice for trips too. I have the buckets in front and the console encroaches on my leg when driving (Im 64"), but you get used to it!