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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  2007 Yukon SLT-2 4a - 2007 GMC Yukon
  By SLT-2 4A PACKAGE - September 3 - 3:23 pm

  Only a week old, I searched up and down the Florida coast for this great truck. Gray with light leather int with every option available. So far, she is my dream truck and a sure head turner sporting the 20in polished wheels and very hot looking exterior. This baby has enough toys to keep anyone happy on a long trip or just sitting in the garage :) GM has come to the plate on this truck ! I love my new GMC Yukon

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  A very good performer, meets all specs. - 2005 GMC Yukon XL
  By TheColonel - September 3 - 12:56 am

  With approx. 7000 miles traveled, I find this vehicle meeting all specifications as advertised. Driving on highway, side roads and in snow it is better than expected. Interior room and ride comfort is rated high by all who have been passengers so far. Dash board computer read out on gas use, miles per gal, next oil change etc. is an excellent addition. Steering wheel controls for almost everything. At this time, I rate it excellent. If GM wanted to make it better, they did! Its this model.

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  Junk, plain and simple, AVOID THEM. - 2002 GMC Envoy
  By Citizen Z - September 2 - 9:11 pm

  This is a classic "throw away" vehicle, it is not built to last longer than the factory warranty period. When it does have a failure it is always Major and cost a fortune to fix. With 150,000 it needs a new engine, the VVT solenoid and sprocket have both been replaced, the oil pressure sending unit has been replaced (it still will not hold oil pressure at idle), the oil pan seal (silicon, no gasket) is a $500 repair, the valve cover gasket is a $400 repair, front wheel bearings fail every 50,000 miles and are a $500 job, the transmission slams into gear after coasting for a bit which makes me suspect that it is failing too. It averages 8-13 miles per gallon, which is beyond a gas guzzler. The check engine light is always on for something different(not a "loose gas cap") and the cruise control will not work if the check engine light is on. It rattles, creaks, pops, squeaks, and has major major wind noise. Fix one thing, and something else fails within a couple of weeks.

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  Nice Truck - 2001 GMC Yukon
  By dekenney - September 2 - 5:48 pm

  Sold wifes 93 Ford Explorer and bought her the 01 Yukon with 76K miles. Quite a bit bigger than the Explorer, and she loves it. 4wd system works great. 3rd row of seats come in handy, and fold easily. Very comfortable for any distance of driving. Why buy foreign when these work well, have more comfort, and dont cost an arm and leg to repair?

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  Bad Transmission - 2008 GMC Sierra 1500
  By junkgmcsierra - September 2 - 6:40 am

  GMC will not stand behind there Trucks. My 2013 Sierra has ahard banging type clunk noise when shifting to 3rd gear sometime it feels like the powertrain is going to break. After several attemts to have it resolved including a test drive from a GM rep i have been told this is normal condition. GM bulletin # 01-07-30-042G. This truck has less than 9k miles on it.

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  slice of heaven - 2004 GMC Yukon
  By Adam Symons - September 2 - 2:00 am

  My previous vehicle was a 1998 Ford Explorer. I was considering three vehicles: the FX 45, the Audi Allroad and the GMC Denali. I test drove them all and settled on the Denali. The engine is excelent along with the interior finish. I never used to listen to music, however the XM radio on the Nav screen thrills me beyond end. My only disappointment is that the factory wheels on the Denali are a pedestrian 17 inches, and for a vehicle this large there should be an option to upgrade to a larger rims and wheels.

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  2004 GMC Sierra Z71 - 2004 GMC Sierra 1500
  By zackm58941 - September 2 - 2:00 am

  sweat truck, very pleased

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  A New Experience - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By Shirlee - September 1 - 2:53 am

  We are overwhelmingly pleased with our new 2007 Acadia. After owning several new SUVs of different makes and models the Acadia surpasses them all! A totally different experience in the "SUV World". My husband drives a pickup and I drive the family SUV, but now when we go on an evening out, trip, etc., my husband jumps in behind the wheel of our Acadia. If we have friends that are joining us, he always offers to pick them up! What a switch! I wish everyone in the "SUV World" would test drive an Acadia. They would experience what I am talking about! The Acadia is certainly a new experience for us and I am sure we will continue to purchase them in the future.

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  Never Again! - 1999 GMC Jimmy
  By PRM - August 29 - 11:35 am

  Quite nice to drive, when it works. Ive never had a car with more issues. 36K warranty not nearly enough. Ignition module replaced three times (once under warranty. 35K, 65K, 98K). Smoke from the steering column as your electrical fails is not fun. New engine at 70K (radiator failed, overheated and took out the head and engine). Catalytic converter replaced at 106. Passenger recline lever snapped off in passengers hand and cant be fixed (the shaft broke). The AC stopped at about 100K. I havent investigated yet. Other than that, no issues to speak of!

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  Went with the Denali over the Escalade - 2007 GMC Yukon
  By BCB VA - August 29 - 10:35 am

  I went back and forth for a month and a half between a Denali and Escalade, decided after figuring the personal prop tax in VA, payment & DP diff., and cost to insure...I saved $180 a month...and the Escalade didnt have the NAV or rear camera or I-pod jack built in, only xenon and airconditioned seats were not. I came out of an Escalade so the step back was hard, but it was a great decision. I bought a black on black, every option for a great lease price. I get all kinds of compliments, the build quality is head and toes above previous models, and the technology is great. Performance is crazy for a 3 ton truck, ride and handling are car like, and visibility is much improved. A+ and its American!