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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  Anyone else run out of gas - 2000 GMC Sonoma
  By jgcops - September 15 - 10:19 pm

  After 6 days with the truck I ran out of gas becuase the gas gauge didnt work. The dealership was very helpful until they had to pay $2500 then they said sorry you are on your own. Upon further review of S10/Sonoma web sites I see that this gas gauge problem is not just mine. My rear passenger door handle also broke after a couple of months. It does get good gas mileage for a truck, and the 4WD works excellent. Overall, this is not a bad small truck, but everytime I get in and see the low fuel light on and I know it is full, I become angry and want to get rid of it.

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  Somethings missing - 2007 GMC Canyon
  By oscarcat - September 15 - 7:39 pm

  Nice quiet ride, smooth shifting automatic. The good ends there. Unless you opt for the $500 power package available on upscale or special order vehicles, there is no way to unlock the passenger door from the outside. Unsafe and inconvenient. The front has 4 cup holders, but none hold a 1 liter water bottle or adjust. In the extended cab, the rear seat cup holders do hold a 1 liter water bottle. With standard upholstery the seatbacks do not recline. Seems GM could have made the tilt-forward access handle on the seatback recline as well. Unless you get an upscale model I would think before buying this vehicle due to the inconvenience factor.

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  Great SUV - 2002 GMC Yukon XL
  By Scooter - September 15 - 5:23 am

  Traded in our 99 Suburban for this car. All I can say is that this is the best SUV on the market. You can comfortably drive all the way to Canada From Texas, or pull a good size trailer, or even pull someome out of a ditch. It does everything superbly. Itevens handles deer remarkably well. We hit one near San Angelo going 70 and the massive bumper stopped the deer from damaging much. All that suffered was the grill and turn signal. I would definitly buy one again.

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  Transmission/ride - 2008 GMC Sierra 2500HD
  By Craig - September 14 - 9:13 pm

  This truck is by far the worst riding vehicle i have ever owned. I understand it is a HD, but come on GM, youre not always towing with it 100% of the time. I cannot believe the research and development guys at GM designed it that way. The rear end bounces 60% the time when empty or partially empty. tryed changing shocks and tire pressure adjustment. helped out about 5%. The new 6 speed tranmission in my truck needs work. There is a delay in shifting between 2nd and 3rd gear. This happen 10% to 20% of the time but is annoying.When the delay happens engine racing anywhere from 200 rpm to 1000 before the shift takes place.Tranmission engages harshly when shift happens. Look elsewhere.

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  The Best of the Best - 2003 GMC Yukon XL
  By Tennvolfan - September 14 - 10:00 am

  We have owned GMC Suburbans since the 70s. We bought them long before they were popular, but they have always been the most dependable, roomy, functional vehicles on the road. We always buy the 4 wheel drive model. We love them and would not have anything else for our family vehicle.

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  Very happy 2003 GMC Envoy Owner - 2004 GMC Envoy
  By BMBowen - September 14 - 10:00 am

  Excellent ride. Great handling. Very well thought out interior. Roomy. Versatility.

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  Great Power with 6.0 liter - 1999 GMC Sierra 2500
  By roy - September 14 - 12:56 am

  ABS electronic module - replaced by dealer in Virgina only problem. Drove 300 miles to pick up - has one of first 6.0 liter engines. Great power. Engine does not show up as option in parts stores until 2001.

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  Dead Reliable - 2005 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Dennis - September 13 - 1:50 pm

  This is my 4th new GMC full size. They are more reliable than the 3 new Mercedes automobiles I have also owned. Comfortable seats...easy highway cruiser. The 6000 engine is great, but loves gas!

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  Update - 2004 GMC Sierra 1500
  By schodack bassman - September 12 - 12:50 am

  Overall this has been a good vehicle. Nice looking truck with a nice ride. Xm radio a must and the 6 CD Bose music system is great. Only complaint is about drive train noise. Seems the locking differential kicks in often with a clank. Dealer says normal. Had minor problem with front end the dealer took care of quickly and without complaint. Over all good value. Will buy another some day.

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  Im impressed - 1999 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Bob - September 11 - 5:36 pm

  My first full sized truck. 5.3L engine has been great. The truck has 80k miles and has had very few mechanical problems. I easily average 16 to 18 mpg around town and 20 to 21 mpg on hwy which is darn good for a full sized truck.