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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  Great Truck - 2014 GMC Sierra 1500
  By lawman1967 - December 10 - 11:41 am

  Ive had my Sierra SLE 4X4 All-Terrain for three months now, though Ive only been driving it for one of those months as it was rear-ended by a Hummer (no frame damage) and in the body shop for a month, then I was away for three weeks of military duty. Still in those 5 weeks of driving Ive put over 8,000 miles on the truck and have a pretty good idea of its capabilities and performance. The truck remains an absolute joy to drive, no squeaks, supremely comfortable seats and quiet ride. Fuel economy up to 24 MPG at 75 MPH which is OUTSTANDING for a V8 4X4.

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  Truck that Wont Quit - 1994 GMC Sonoma
  By cb - December 10 - 2:00 am

  I purchased this truck new, if now has 211,000 miles without a major repair. While it has been well cared for mechanically, I have hauled countless loads of lumber, mulch, bricks, furniture, you name it. Off-road, it is tough to match, I have reached many fishing spots that would not have been accessible by a lesser vehicle, and some harsh Pennsylvania winters seemed paltry behind the wheel. I was actually asked by a collague if my truck was new after it had crossed the 200K mark. Power is ample (and I sold my 69 camaro SS to but this truck, so that is quite a statement.) All repairs have been electronic, it has never left me stranded.

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  sierra denali - 2002 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Christopher - December 10 - 2:00 am

  this truck is so easy and fun to drive due to the quadrasteer system. i will never be able to drive another truck without it again. great interior

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  Great SUV - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By Acadia4me - December 6 - 6:13 pm

  5400 miles and I am still loving every moment with it. We are getting about 24 to 26 MPG on long trips and about 18 around town. Tons of room and then some. GM hit the ball out of the park on this one.

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  GMC 1993 Review - 1993 GMC Safari
  By Mike Welsh - December 6 - 2:00 am

  This van has about 80% highway miles. There have been no major problems encountered just nuisance ones. We did have the left-front ABS fail on a trip and caused the normal brake system to fail. The ABS sensor cable to the LF wheel broke and ONLY the ABS worked. This was really scary when you hit the brakes and all you got was the ABS sound and response. I asked GM about this and never received an answer. The BOSE CD system had be to replaced ata cost of $300. Talking to other Safari owners it seems the radio/CD unit is to close to the heating ducts.

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  Great Choice - 2002 GMC Yukon
  By Stockbroker - December 6 - 2:00 am

  I swore off GM in the early 90s and have owned a BMW and Volvo since. This truck changed my mind. Its a wonderful vehicle that rides more like a luxury car than a truck. Of the three cars we own, the family always loads into this one. It also has function with this beauty and comfort. It eats up snow, mud, and everything else weve put in front of it. Thought GM had fixed quality problems and also purchased GMC Jimmy... MISTAKE! As good as the Yukon is, the Jimmy is as bad. We are trading that POS in after the winter!

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  Finally a good one - 2003 GMC Yukon
  By Charlie T - December 5 - 2:00 am

  First new car I have purchased and loved. Build quality seems excellent, ride is great, very roomy and comfortable. Great features. Gas mileage is better than rated, 1st day on hwy I got over 16mpg ( epa rating is 12/16) the last car I had took 20k miles to get near the epa rating. Handles excellent, doesnt get blown by the wind, amazing for a big vehicle. Im very happy so far

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  2008 Acadia Review - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By Rick - December 2 - 8:30 pm

  Looked at quite a few SUVs, most did not look good, they drove or handled poorly, and majority had really bad gas mileage. Really like this SUV, looks good, handles well, gas mileage not bad at around 22 on road, very smooth ride. All in all, very pleased with the vehicle so far, great family car, especially for long trips.

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  Sonoma - 1998 GMC Sonoma
  By goleafs94 - December 1 - 2:00 am

  Good Stuff

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  Denali Rocks! - 2003 GMC Yukon XL
  By WyoDenali - November 29 - 10:00 am

  We love the vehicle. For a large SUV, it rides amazing well and is very stable. Everyone is comfortable in it and I love to drive it on the open road.