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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  ZR2 (Zenith + Rare for 2) - 2003 GMC Sonoma
  By Whobuff - October 31 - 2:00 am

  If you ever want a vehicle with the look of an SUV, the versatility of a truck and very comfortable interior, GET this Truck.

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  I love this truck - 2001 GMC Sierra 1500
  By drgroth1 - October 29 - 3:00 am

  I have driven this truck cross country several times, a few of these trips required towing another car behind. I went through Colorado and had no trouble keeping up with the rest of the traffic even though I was fully loaded and towing a loaded car behind me up the mountains. I have driven in snow in Minnesota and even though I do not have four wheel drive I did not have any problems, I did have snow tires installed. I get 20mpg, which is great for a truck. I cannot say enough good about this vehicle.

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  Ultimate Family Ride - 2001 GMC Yukon XL
  By DAVID C - October 28 - 9:16 am

  This is one of the best family size SUV I have found. It has plenty of room for 3 children in car seats and all needed accessories. Gas mileage is very good for what you get. Over 325 horsepower and safety features for children. It is not for everyone. Only people who need one should buy one then you wont have to gripe about the gas mileage. Like I said you get what you pay for. It is built for comfort strength and safety. When I wear this one out I will buy another

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  Fun Four Wheel Drive - 1992 GMC Sonoma
  By jtpaletti - October 27 - 1:00 am

  The truck is great. I havent had any major problems with it yet. I absolutly love the four wheel drive.

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  my xl - 2004 GMC Yukon XL
  By ssaammiieellaa - October 26 - 10:00 am

  it is a great car 2 own

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  GMC Sierra Crew Cab - 2004 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Dcg - October 26 - 10:00 am

  The vehicle itself is great. I would stay clear of Midway Nissan/GMC if you want to leave with any dignity. I am still trying to figure out how they added every maint service/Logard/theft gaurd/etc, etc, etc onto my contract without me wanting it. They have given me no follow up communication depite 2 very pointed letters. The GMC Sierra truck however is great. My family loves it this far.

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  sick little ride - 1992 GMC Typhoon
  By gat - October 23 - 2:00 am

  This has been the best auto i have ever owned. It is the best pullen up to kids in there trans ams or z28s and blowin them off the roadthey usually have a funny look on there face when i beat them they think its a blazer. It is so rare people dont evan know what they are anymore.If you find one you better buy it.

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  GMC Envoy Review - 2002 GMC Envoy
  By D.C. - October 23 - 2:00 am

  Great SUV! Love the stereo system,and having kids the DVD system dramatically reduces the "Are we there yet?" questions.

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  Great little truck! - 1996 GMC Sonoma
  By stevedb - October 22 - 2:00 am

  Truck has over 117,000 miles and has never let me down. Made mostly short and day trips. V-6 had great power for passing and hauling. V-6 & auto trans got 22 city and 25 highway mpg (better than L4/Maunal was rated. Only did regular maintenance, no other $$$ were spent. Only complaint ss lack of good lumbar support on seat. I am buying another one now due to the great rebates and my GM Card points.

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  A Life Saved - 1990 GMC Safari
  By Rachel Terpstra - October 20 - 2:00 am

  My fiances family has had this van in the family since new. He got it from his parents. We loved that van. It saved my fiances life 3 weeks efore our wedding. Three days ago though my fiance got into a seriouse car wreck. A cement truck pulled out in front of him across 2 lanes of traffic while he was going 45 (55 speed limit on a rainy day) he couldnt stop in time and the van colided into the truck. He is alive and if you looked at the tractor trailer you woldnt believe it.The police say that if not for that van he would be dead. We loved our van and plan to get another.GMC has my vote for best cars around!