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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  Not that great - 2004 GMC Canyon
  By p burke - October 21 - 8:02 am

  This truck was in the service center for lots of little things. The problem was, I use the truck for work and and it would stay in dealership 2 days. I owned it one and half years it was in for 9 services. Check engine light, head light assembly fogging up, power window stop working, side molding falling off, rough idle, air bag sensors on. But I will say, when it ran, it ran good. It was reliabilty issues that drove me to Toyota. I put trucks to the test I visit 15 homes every day. A new truck should last a least a year without problems.

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  Love My Acadia!! - 2013 GMC Acadia
  By Kaydee - October 20 - 12:32 am

  Bought in 2013. Love the seating configuration and space inside. Love inside and out. Thinking it might be time for a new one. The only major con I have is the seatbelts. We have a GMC truck and the seat belts are great. This one the latch hitch is extremely hard and bulky. Reminds me of an older model. The part that is secured to the seat will not move hardly at all. It is so stiff that it can cause major damage when accidently sitting on it or trying to crawl through the back. Several gashes on the knees. The head rest curls forward to much. Wish that was a little more adjustable but understand it may be for safety purposes. Overall a great choice!

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  Happy with my Envoy Denali - 2006 GMC Envoy
  By Peter - October 16 - 6:12 pm

  Tows my boat and my trailer with no problem. I believe the 6000 lbs load capacity. Originally I wanted a Denali Yukon but the Denali Envoy fits better in my garage - a key purchase decision by the way. Lots of power and with a family of five with two big dogs, the trips to the cottage are easy. Fuel consumption is fine. I get the same mileage as I got on my 2000 Ford Windstar. The DOD works as advertised. I would buy this vehicle again.

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  Love it! - 2002 GMC Yukon
  By AJ - October 15 - 9:08 pm

  I would definitely purchased another Denali. It is a nice looking, well built GM vehicle!

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  Last GM product Ill ever purchase - 1998 GMC Sonoma
  By Jim F - October 15 - 2:56 pm

  Worst vehicle I ever purchased, and the last GM product Ill ever purchase. Rear bearings went after 3000 miles. Rear calipers and parking brakes went at 8000 miles. Had on again off again problems with the ABS braking system, the calipers, and the the rotors for the first first 5 years. Replaced the brakes pads 5 times, the rotor twice and the calipers twice all in 40,000 miles. Idler arms, tie rods, oil cooler lines and steering box all need to be replaced lines in the 6th and 7th years of ownership. $4000 in repairs since the 36,000 mile warranty ended and the truck only has 46,000 miles on it. Truck has never been abused and is driven by my 81 year old father.

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  Nice Truck - 2003 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Truck Man - October 15 - 11:56 am

  Excellent truck. Electronic controls replaced under warrenty. Get 19.5 mpg on a 30 mile trip to work one way. Great sound and very comfortable ride. 5.3L engine that would pull a house up a hill.

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  2008 Sierra 1500 - 2008 GMC Sierra 1500
  By K. Hays - October 15 - 12:36 am

  I have owned this truck for three weeks. This is my first truck and am loving it. We chose the Sierra over the Tundra. Both trucks are very quiet with smooth car-like ride and handling. Sierra got the nod because of ease of access and interior design. So far, I have averaged 16 mpg in non-freeway driving.

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  Awesome Ride - 2004 GMC Yukon
  By cnmciver - October 14 - 2:00 am

  Awesome Ride! Love all the extras. Good for family vehicle. Wish i would have purchased the XL for the extra space in the back for groceries, stroller, etc.

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  gmcresalereview - 1999 GMC Sierra Classic 1500
  By scott cavaness - October 13 - 10:00 am

  Good history of running efficiently without breakdown or problems. Look and inside leather has received many compliments with the extended cab allows great 5 seating capability.

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  Disappointed - 2002 GMC Sierra 3500
  By JK1 - October 13 - 10:00 am

  i really really really wish I had bought an F-350....