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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  GMC Duramax 2500HD SLT - 2006 GMC Sierra 2500HD
  By alybry4 - October 6 - 1:50 am

  Looked a long time for a new truck and this one was the best. The Dodge MegaCab has a larger interior but the GMC has nicer creature comforts. Tremendous acceleration and quiet ride. I got the rear seat entertainment package with the DVD and the kids are having a great time.

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  The Best Mid SUV From GM! - 2006 GMC Envoy
  By BJR - October 5 - 4:19 pm

  I have owed 4 Chey TrailBlazers and the Envoy beats it hands down. The ride is beyond smooth and it drives and handles like a car. Chevy needs to learn from their sister company GMC. This SUV sticker shows 21 mpg on the highway, but mine averaged 26.5mpg over 20 miles at 55 on cruise control. You cant beat that TrailBlazer.... GMC great job!

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  my gmc - 2002 GMC Yukon XL
  By Nams YUK - October 4 - 10:00 am

  Drives like a car. Has nice turning radius. Great leather seats(8). Great interior flexibility. Wife loves driving it.

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  Denali - 1999 GMC Yukon
  By B C T - October 2 - 8:44 pm

  This truck is far greater than any Ford ever built. It is the perfect combo of a heavy duty truck and a luxury vehicle. Anyone who doesnt like the gas mileage think about this, you are pushing about 6000 lbs down the road. It is still a truck and for that the mileage is actualy not that bad, depending how you drive it. The Denali is the most comfortable vehicle I have ever driven, car or truck.

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  Great ride except for long trips - 2004 GMC Envoy
  By Jim - October 2 - 5:01 pm

  I special ordered this vehicle with specific intent to travel with it. To avoid extreme temperature changes, we ordered cloth interior with dual power seats. I have this vehicle over 2 years and have not had one thing go wrong with it, even one rattle. I average 19.5-20MPG with even a little more on long trips. The power reponse and ride is excellent for a truck. My biggest complaint is that the seats are just not comfortable at all. We tried both the leather and cloth and thought the cloth was more comfortable.

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  My new favorite car! - 2007 GMC Yukon XL
  By Teodora - September 30 - 5:13 pm

  OK so I used to drive a Mercedes Benz G wagon. I thought this Denali would be way slow. But to my suprise it was not! I love everything about it. It gets up and goes whenever I hit the gas, and the navigation is very helpful.

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  Awesome Vehicle - 2017 GMC Acadia
  By Kurt - September 29 - 2:30 am

  I downsized from a 2015 GMC Sierra 1500 SLT All Terrain to a 2017 GMC Acadia SLT1 All Terrain. The new version of the Acadia (interior) is a smaller version of the Sierra. I love them both. Awesome vehicles. I have the upgraded version of the Acadia with the 20" tires/rims. Handles great. AWD feature had the Acadia handle well in the snow. Very comfortable leather bucket seats. Electronics sync with phone. Never have to touch the phone once its plugged in. GMC did a fantasic job with the downsized 2017 Acadia.

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  What did you expect? - 2004 GMC Yukon XL
  By bman63 - September 28 - 10:00 am

  I have read many reviews about these vehicles. Its great as far as I can see. The brakes are much improved from my former 1999. The interior is upgraded, the fuel economy is much better, improved 2-3 mpg in city and local. people complain about the gas mileage, buy a minivan. They complain about acceleration, buy a Porsche Cayenne. Nothing beats the overall experience of owning and driving a GMC Yukon XL. This is the 4th one have bought. Previously I had a 1995, 1999 and a 2001. They are great vehicles that do not need an excuse.

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  Amazing truck - 2008 GMC Sierra 1500
  By boostedz06 - September 27 - 8:52 pm

  I had been searching for a truck for a while and finally settled on this one. Picked up a used 2008 with 32000 miles and ive had it for over a month and absolutely love it. It rides sooooo smooth like a caddy and gas mileage is pretty good. Highway at 65mph is 23mpg. Toyota cant touch that. I have the 5.3. Havent had it long enough to say how the reliability is, but i know from experience these Chevys are so tough. I have the HD tow package and rear locking diff and it pulls my 20 Cobia like its not even back there... Interior is nice and tight. No rattles, no quirkiness. No engine rattle or cam bump. Sounds As if the motor is not even running. Truck is just pure quality!

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  American Made Built With Quality - 2007 GMC Yukon XL
  By Josh - September 27 - 4:43 pm

  Who says American made cars are to plain and simple? Well not my 07 GMC Yukon Xl. It has plenty of power, plenty of room, and is very comfortable.