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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  97 GMC Jimmy - 1997 GMC Jimmy
  By steve-o - July 23 - 2:00 am

  I drive 100+ miles daily. No major problems, have 120k now. Get 22 mpg with AC always on

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  Best truck ever owned, great off road but no hummer - 2012 GMC Yukon Hybrid
  By mattharrisa - July 19 - 6:13 pm

  I love this vehicle .I got 13 city mpg in my previous all wheel drive 2005 denali and consistently get 19 city mpg in my Denali hybrid 4 wheel drive. I get about 20 mpg highway now vs 17 mpg in previous non hybrid Denali . I frequently go off road and had my doubts about the 22" wheels but hasnt presented a problem, although Im not pushing it off road. I do frequently ford a wide river that I need to cross to Get to my cabin up to about 18" water depth in 4 wheel drive, but wont attempt it at higher water depths. I usually ford about a foot of water with absolutely no problems. I have 22,000 miles with no problems except having heated seat replaced under warranty.

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  Best vehicle Ive ever owned - 2000 GMC Sierra 1500
  By wjs - July 19 - 10:00 am

  Over the more than 2 and 1/2 years Ive owned this truck I have really come to appreciate the attention to detail taken in its design and build. It has more power than I thought would be needed, until I towed with it. The 7500lb chipper towed easily and seemed right at home behind me. Between the outstanding interior components and the solid, powerful drivetrain I would recommend this vehicle over the competition any day.

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  The Van of Vans - 1997 GMC Safari
  By Jonhnny - July 17 - 2:00 am

  I have a trailer and its the only thing that can carry 8 people + a 5,000 pound trailer without a sweat

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  GMC Syclone - 1991 GMC Syclone
  By Trent Hall - July 16 - 2:00 am

  The GMC Syclone was produced in limited numbers during the 1991 model year. I purchased this vehicle with high expectations. They were exceeded in the performance department. It is a great vehicle to drive and lots of fun on the track. It has been an excellent vehicle.

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  Better than I could have ever imagined - 2002 GMC Yukon XL
  By BranCat - July 15 - 4:33 am

  My husband and I bought our Yukon XL last summer. We have 5 kids and are expecting our 6th in September. We upgraded from a minivan and we were so excited about having what we would call a luxury vehicle to cruise around in. Our vehicle came fully loaded and we just cant say enough about it. We have never had to do any major repairs on it expect for replacing the original alternator just this past month. I love the leather seats and the roominess. We are going to purchase a 4th row for the cargo area to accommodate our growing family. I cant say enough about this vehicle. We are going to drive, drive, drive ours until it falls apart. Even with the gas prices, it is well worth it!

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  yuka-97 - 1997 GMC Yukon
  By manolo marin - July 15 - 2:00 am

  comfort inside, safety on highways, very useful in hard tasks

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  RZOPIONION - 2000 GMC Yukon
  By RZEMAN - July 15 - 2:00 am

  WE HAVE DRIVEN THIS VEHICLE TO AND FROM FLORIDA AND WINNEPEG TWICE(OVER 8000 MILES). IT TRUELY IS A JOY ON THE ROAD. ITS QUITE ,EFFICIENT AND THRIFTY. MY PRIMARY CAR IS A 430LS LEXUS AND INENJOY DRIVING THE GMC AS MUCH

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  I Love This Car - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By jenplus3 - July 14 - 8:26 pm

  This car is everything I want. I am a mother of three very busy children and this car fits all our needs. I wanted the luxury componets, since I am in it so much , but it has such family friedly features everyone loves it! Drives nice. All the extras in this car make all the difference. I feel safe in it with my kids. The interior styling is great, but I also think it has a stylish exterior too! Better than Lexus or Mazada.

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  Takes a lickn & keeps on tickn - 1995 GMC Yukon
  By v ohare - July 12 - 2:00 am

  Purchased the Yukon new between X-Mas & New Year 94. Best vehicle weve ever owned. While the gas mileage isnt great at 15 MPG the maintenance has been nil. I track cost per mile on maintenance and repair and this is, by far, the best rig wever ever owned. As an example, until 80K miles our repair cost totaled $140.00 (an electrical switch). Had a choice of a company car, any American made vehicle, I chose another Yukon. Americans can build great vehicles and this is one.