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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  Sierra Denali - 2002 GMC Sierra 1500
  By kimsli - February 23 - 10:00 am

  Vehicle rides and handles like a high- end SUV. Vehicle is very agile and maneuvers easily in traffic. All- wheel steering and ample power make trailering seem effortless.

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  Great Little Truck - 1994 GMC Sonoma
  By mark455 - February 23 - 2:00 am

  This truck has been great. I purchased it used with 45000 miles and it now has 90000. I have done nothing but basic maintenace. I have had no problems whatsoever. The truck still looks new.

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  Lees Review - 2006 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Lees GMC - February 22 - 4:16 pm

  Replaced a 2006 Ridgeline for towing. Not much to say but excellent! While ride is not as good as Ridgeline, it has more room, power, and beauty. [Beauty is in the eye of the beholder]The leather interior is excellent and comfortable.

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  2009 Sierra - 2009 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Cliff - February 21 - 7:10 am

  I’ve had the truck for just about one month. At one month, every other vehicle that I’ve owned has had at least one little problem or there was at least one little thing about it that I didn’t like. I haven’t had any problems nor have I found any thing I don’t like with the Sierra. It is comfortable and fun to drive. I did a mileage check that came out at 19 MPG. I drive 70% highway and 30% city. At highway speed (60MPH), it is so quiet that I don’t need to turn up the stereo. The average load in the bed is 500 to 700 pounds and with that load the truck handles very well.

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  No regrets - 2002 GMC Envoy
  By JayDee - February 19 - 2:00 am

  I traded in a Ford Expedition for the Envoy - no regrets. The Envoy rides great, is the right size, and is much more comfortable on long trips. We haul lots of "stuff" and a big labrador in the back, and have plenty of room. Unlike some other reviews, I am getting 23 mpg on the highway at 75 mph, compared to 16 mpg for the Expedition. For a 4000 lb. plus car, thats not too bad. So far, no problems with the car. I do think GM builds a "looser" car than Ford or Chrysler, which I think are "tighter". But I had GM products before, so was aware of that up front. All in all, we really like our Envoy, and would recommend it to others.

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  This truck you can take to the opera! - 2005 GMC Sierra 1500
  By lastchanceblogger - February 18 - 5:30 pm

  Amazing truck. It has outstanding acceleration, and the SLT package with OnStar makes it feel like a Cadillac, not a truck. This truck serves two purposes: you can haul drywall, and you can go to the country club.

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  Yukon sle 1500 - 2001 GMC Yukon XL
  By Robertlong60 - February 17 - 10:00 am

  Great Vehicle for what its designed to be. awesome interior sapce and good comfort.

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  Snow, Rain, Sleet or Mt. Everest - 1999 GMC Yukon
  By Bonsoue - February 17 - 2:00 am

  I have had some nice trucks, but nothing even comes close to this. The power of a pickup and the ride of a lazyboy. My 99 yukon is the strongest most reliable vehicle I have owned yet. The 5.7 vortex 350 out preforms most other trucks. The ride is simmilar to that of a Park Ave. I think i am sold for life on Yukons....

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  Snow, Rain, Sleet or Mt. Everest - 1999 GMC Yukon
  By Mt. Man - February 17 - 2:00 am

  I have had some nice trucks, but nothing even comes close to this. The power of a pickup and the ride of a lazyboy. My 99 yukon is the strongest most reliable vehicle I have owned yet. The 5.7 vortex 350 out preforms most other trucks. The ride is simmilar to that of a Park Ave. I think i am sold for life on Yukons....

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  White 2001 GMC Yukon - 2001 GMC Yukon
  By DaveC - February 16 - 2:00 am

  Rides like a Caddilac and has gobs of torqy power. I have had some problems though ...replaced 2 serpentine belts , replaced the exhaust and had a pricy problem with the ABS. Even with the forementioned occurances, there isnt an SUV out there Id rather drive. Its powerful and fun and the ride is silky smooth.