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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  Good Overall - 2005 GMC Envoy
  By nick - October 30 - 7:41 pm

  Since I purchased this SUV in March of 06 I really have enjoyed owning it. Yeah the gas mileage in city driving is horrendous (12mpg going easy on the gas pedal and the brakes), but you cant really expect much more from a 275 HP 6 cylinder. Gets about 17 on the highway. I really like the the comfort of this vehicle. Lots of room, great ride, and very quiet. It looks really nice as well. The power is also more than I expected it was going to be. Passing isnt a problem. Overall a really sound SUV.

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  Money pit - 2006 GMC Yukon XL
  By jmulvihill - October 30 - 7:09 pm

  Lets start by saying I bought new and right out of the dealer it was problems. 1) Front end will not stay in alignment / 4 set of new tires with now 103,000 miles. 2) Transmission is about to go but has always been hard to shift. 3) Every thing in the cabin shakes, breaks and falls apart ( trim pieces ect. ) 4) Both A/c units have failed due to some electrical part,,,$ over $ 2000.00 to fix both. 5) Water pump out at 32,000 miles, driver & pass window regulator replaced $$$. This has cost me more in repairs than my 32 foot sail boat ! GM has ZERO customer service when it come to warranty, ZERO confidence in their product but damm I love this 12.5 mpg beast. I pack 4 kids / 2 dogs and

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  Excellent truck - 2005 GMC Canyon
  By David - October 29 - 10:59 pm

  Love the exterior design. Interior is well laid out but it doesnt seem the designers spent a whole lot of time on it. Excellent fit and finish. Stereo is competent as well as the engine. The only problem Ive had so far is a faulty fog light wire. Back seat is a little cramped but it is a compact truck.

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  Pros and Cons - 2001 GMC Yukon XL
  By Anthony Adigwe - October 27 - 10:00 am

  I was shocked when a perfectly well maintained and running vehicle just would not start up the next day. The problem was the fuel pump. The service consultant eluded to the fact that this will happen anytime anywhere. I then questioned the fact that so many sensors are available on this vehicle and wondered why GM has not figured out one for the fuel pump.

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  great - 2004 GMC Sierra 2500HD
  By thumper47 - October 27 - 10:00 am

  the truck has been a great truck i dont think u can get a better one

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  First Truck, Great Choice - 2009 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Dale in WV - October 27 - 8:13 am

  I sent three months looking at the various options. I came close to purchasing the Toyota Tundra. The 2009 GMC Sierra is golden. I have forgotten to turn it off when stopped at times becuase the engine is so quite. It rides like a luxury SUV. Functionality and features are great. Would like to have had the ITBC since it has the towing package. It handles a little bit looser than the Toyota but the power is the same or better. I went on some WV mountains on Route 50 and it pulled up just fine. It wanted to go a little too fast down the mountain so I downshifted instead of overusing my breaks which worked fine. I havent towed my 8K trailer yet which should be the test.

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  Confused by others - 2006 GMC Sierra 1500
  By T.Davis - October 27 - 3:53 am

  I have owned toyotas and nissans and never get the mpg they or the reviews say. 2 to 3 miles less. With GMs I have seemed to get 3 to 5 miles better than reviews. Thats why I say confused by others. Just got 22.6 combination downtown Nashville, TN interstate,country roads. Just bought this truck and probably will keep it for a long time. Guess my driving habits suit GM products better. This truck has 5.3, 323 gears,2wd, locking rearend and HD towing.Confort scored 8 cause stiff HD suspension (I guess). Build quality an 8 cause of interior parts a little weak. Reliability was 9 mainly cause of my past history with GMs. Havent owned this one long enough to tell. Thats my 2 cents worth.

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  great design, but GM almost blows it... - 2003 GMC Sierra 1500
  By built for work - October 26 - 3:06 am

  I use mine as a strict work truck,; cloth seats, rubber floor mat and auto was only option. Easiest vehicle to drive I have own; very docile and predictable. But GM botched the steering shaft coupler; rattles across rough terrain.

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  Lots of life left - 1998 GMC Safari
  By Jeff - October 25 - 7:02 pm

  2nd owner of this AWD and I now have 120,000 miles on it. Took it to Colorado Springs (from Pa.) this summer and had no problems. Van got between 18 and 20 MPG going 70-80 MPH but would get 24.5 going 55. In cColorado Springs it got 16.5 MPG. Only problems I ever had with van was a water pump at 115,000. It has been a good Van. Outstanding AWD in the snow. Better than my 4X4 truck. 4.3 cyl. probably the best 6 cyl. on market but could get better MPG.

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  Yukon Pride - 1995 GMC Yukon
  By terri - October 21 - 11:36 am

  We bought our Yukon brand new just off the truck. We had to go looking for it, because they were new on the market and everyone was wanting one. We have never regreted it. They do not make the 2dr type any more, it is a classic. I have received numerous compliements on the great sporty look it has. It has been extremely reliable and fun to drive. It has leather interior and still a nice looking vehicle. I was hit from behind once and the Yukon was tough and did not sustain much damage even though the lady that hit me with a Suburban had tremendous damage.