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 - 1993 GMC Jimmy
  By franlee - October 18 - 2:00 am

  it has been a pleasure to have driven a jimmy gmc 4wd truck loved the color and the way its built and also the way it runs.

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  Best Truck for the Money - 2008 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Matt - October 17 - 6:30 am

  I have been looking at buying a new truck for a while and the Sierra Denali is by far the best bang for the buck, that is if you can afford it. The truck has the best ride and handling of any truck I have ever driven. Gas mileage is not to great, so far I have average 15 mpg in the city and I got up to 22 mpg on the highway, but that is not to bad considering you have 403 HP on tap. The truck has excellent fit and finish and the exhaust note is very nice. If you pay sticker for this truck you will be paying way too much, I managed the get the 2WD model with the upgraded 20" chrome wheels for $35,900 (retailed for a little over 42). Bottom line, a great truck for the money.

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  A great truck - 2002 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Bob Woods - October 17 - 2:00 am

  This is a great truck, it performs as advertised and delivers 20 MPG at 70 MPH. It has the 5.3 and drags my 20 foot fifth wheel like its not back there. Will repost after one year. This is my third GM truck, my last one was an 88 and before that a 67.

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  Love the style & power, like the rest. - 2007 GMC Yukon XL
  By Armdogs - October 14 - 8:30 pm

  I love the exterior styling of this vehicle and the actual driving experience. After 16 months, still love the low rumble of the engine, the power and the smooth ride. Also pleased with the space for both passengers and cargo. Most complaints are minor design flaws noted by other owners. Front console needs compartments, 2nd row needs under-seat storage, 3rd row should fold flatter, remove easier. Main complaint is the brake dust rusting on the sides of the vehicle behind the wheel wells!

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  Sweet Car - 1992 GMC Typhoon
  By Ryan111 - October 14 - 2:00 am

  Very fast, powerful, rare vehicle. Coolest looking car Ive owned and deceiving extremely quick acceleratio

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  Love this SUV - 2004 GMC Envoy
  By miltonw - October 12 - 10:00 am

  I bought my Envoy in October. I got a great deal on it and even used my GM Visa credits ($1,750) additional discount. I LOVE this SUV. Its quiet, smooth and handles great! Only thing I dont like is the gas mileage. My short mileage trip to work nets me about 13+ MPG, but its rated at 16 in the city.

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  Buy Buy Buy - 2002 GMC Envoy
  By malibuss - October 10 - 2:00 am

  Great handleing and driving vehicle. Tows a trailer with ease and still stops great. Great performance and great build quaility. I cant wait to get a 2003 XL for the extra room.

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  Made the right choice - 2007 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Rico - October 8 - 1:06 am

  I purchased the 2wd crew cab w/ 5.3, SLE1, and 20 inch rims. Extremely pleased with purchase. Ive owned all other brands including GMC before and this is the best truck I have ever owned/driven. Debated GMC vs. Toyota for months but went with GMC due to inside/outside looks and GMC mileage better. Toyota has very nice truck but GMC hit the mark w/ this one. The 20 inch rims make the truck as far as looks concerned. Get the remote start, this is my first vehicle with remote start and now I wouldnt by another vehicle without it. I can start truck from inside restaurant and truck is nice and cool inside when I go to put kids in car seats. Im starting to feel really spoiled in this thing.

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  99 GMC SONOMA TRUCK - 1999 GMC Sonoma
  By kayebee - October 6 - 2:00 am

  has fancy truck top, 5 speed transmission, pretty green color both body and matching top, tinted windows, gray interior.

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  Yukon GT - 1994 GMC Yukon
  By Andres - October 4 - 2:00 am

  My Yukno has never given me any trouble. It is a great car and it looks great too. The 4-wheel drive option gives me alot of extra power. The only thing that bothers me is the low horsepower count.