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 SUV - 2002 GMC Yukon
  By walywrld1 - November 10 - 2:00 am

  Cannot overstate how pleased I am with my Yukon. Traded a 00 Expedition and without hesitation, the Yukon is a far superior. It is more powerful and responsive, excellent engine (5.3L). It rides firmer (a positive) and handles better. It gives better gas mileage with a larger engine. I say again, excellent engine. Transmission shifts are un-noticable. Great room, front and back (dont have the 3rd seat, didnt want, my 3rd seat in my Expy stayed in the basement all the time). I like the dash and interior, great seats. This is a comfortable truck that is solid as a rock. I even compared to the 03 Expy and found the Yukon still superior.

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  roomy option with good mileage - 2010 GMC Terrain
  By mom w/ teenagers - November 9 - 2:33 pm

  replaced beloved Mazda 3. Needed more room for growing teenage boys. Like the interior, sound system, ride and handling. Looked at many makes and models, thought I wanted an Equinox, but dealer got in this Terrain with the features I wanted...absolutely love it!

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  Love My Truck - 2007 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Pat - November 4 - 6:56 am

  Just bought this truck. Already love it. Nothing like a GMC vehicle and love the Vortec engines. Still have a Bravada with a 178,000 miles on it doesnt use a drop of oil and runs like a champ. This 2007 is comfortable and has a great ride. Just hope it gives the same service my old Blazer and Bravada have given.

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  So Far, So Great - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By Kelly RN - November 4 - 2:06 am

  This vehicle is the perfect alternative to the dreaded minivan. Great gas mileage. Lots of room for the kids and everything else we tote. Eye catching style. GM finally came out with something Ive been looking for for a long time. So impressed I actually bought this one.

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  ealry review - 2010 GMC Terrain
  By avm jr. - November 3 - 1:56 pm

  impressive look for its class. Can the interior red light be dimmed? The red lighting of the interior should be a choice not a standard Maybe a button ala ford focus to change the color should be thought about. mine is 6cyl awd

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  04 Sierra - 2004 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Ed H. - November 2 - 6:20 pm

  I have enjoyed my truck from day one. Chose the GMC over the Chevy for front end styling. The color is Arrival blue and it has rear disc brakes, neither offered in the next year. The truck has had a few minor problems but it has all been covered by warrenty and the dealer has done a great job getting things fixed.

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  Fantastic Car - 1996 GMC Jimmy
  By Kfdllw - November 2 - 2:00 am

  I bought this vehicle used. I have been nothing but happy with it for over a year now. The V-6 Vortec is, in my opinion, one of the best. This is a fantastic vehicle. I have 3 kids...with football cleats, etc. it holds up great.

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  Diesel is wonderful - 2004 GMC Sierra 2500HD
  By E. Daniel Shoemaker - October 31 - 10:00 am

  Traded in my 96 GMC 3/4 ton Suburban, w/ 454 Vortec engine for this new crew cab, Duramax w/ Allison transmission. Wow what a difference in towing power. Previously driving over mountins into Prescott and Payson, from the Phoenix area, we were lucky to keep up 35mph. Now, wow, 65mph over the same roads and mountains, towing the same trailer. Diesel milage is better than the gas by about 5 to 6 mpg. Wish the Suburban had this engine/trans.

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  4 WHEEL STEER IS GREAT - 2004 GMC Sierra 1500
  By STEVEB - October 31 - 10:00 am

  GREAT TRUCK GMC DID A GREAT JOB. PEOPLE DO NOT RESPECT THE TRUCK FOR WHAT IT IS. THERE IS ALOT MORE TECNOLOGY IN IT THAN YOU REALIZE

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  Great Truck - 1998 GMC Sonoma
  By MTuttle - October 31 - 2:00 am

  Ive owned my Sonoma for 4 years, 50k miles, and one day in the shop for repair (blew some stuffing out of an exhust joint, covered under warranty). Cant say enought about this practical and inexpensive vehical.