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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  2005 GMC 2500HD SLE Crew Cab SB 4WD 6.6L - 2005 GMC Sierra 2500HD
  By Larry Sinclair - July 11 - 7:30 am

  This 6.6L turbo with the 5 speed auto trans performs excellently whether driving empty or pulling a 30 RV. Interior is very plush (all the bells and whistles)and extremely quiet and comfortable on the road. The dash layout and field of vision behind the wheel is excellent. Added a bedrug and Pace Arrow bed-locker with power tail gate for security and improved MPG. Added ONKI brush guard for added protection from Colorado wildlife. This is a real truck for all occassions with added luxury and comfort!!! For 06 the manufacture has added 30 hp and 6 speed auto trans to an already outstanding rig.

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  Excellent on everywhere - 2002 GMC Yukon
  By F Z - July 11 - 2:00 am

  Excellent on everywhere except poor Fuel Economy in city (13mpg), on highway (19mpg)

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  JOMA Loves His Jimmy - 1996 GMC Jimmy
  By JOMA - July 9 - 2:00 am

  Since I bought the Jimmy, I have had nothing but good luck with it. Other than normal maintenance which I do every 3000 miles and new tires and brakes twice since I have owned it, I have had no major mechanical problems.

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  SLT 2 6 Cyl Terrain - 2010 GMC Terrain
  By kelpie99 - July 6 - 8:13 pm

  When I went shopping for a new SUV, the Terrain had so many more features then the rest of the pack, that the purchase was a no brainer. I like that the navigation system is constantly updated and no disc is required. The car is quiet and feels solid. No rattles or noises at all. The interior leather and plastics are well done and of much higher quality then the GMs of the past.

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  2002 Yukon by Otis - 2002 GMC Yukon
  By Otis - July 5 - 2:00 am

  This has been the best of the 3 previous SUVs that Ive owned. It has has meet all my expetations of great SUV.

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  Silervado to GMC - 2003 GMC Sierra 1500
  By wrench1 - July 4 - 7:10 am

  Traded in a 2002 Silverado for this 2003 Sierra. Got the color and options that I really wanted, plus improved performance with 2003 trucks. Build quality was poor with lots of visits to dealer for minor warranty repairs, but now the truck has been terrific. Looking now to downsize for a smaller truckk with almost same towing for fish/ski boat. Fuel mileage has been 21-23 with 5.3L and 3.42 rear, synthetic oil, tires pumped up to 44 lbs always.

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  Great Van if you need the space - 2001 GMC Safari
  By dave - July 2 - 2:00 am

  This Van is excellent for space i really need it beCause i have 5 kids. love the features i love this van.

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  BIg Red - 1999 GMC Sierra 1500
  By the Big Red - June 30 - 2:00 am

  Got this veicle as a left over in 2000, didnt want red, but it has grown on me, the trucks styling is modern, but not over board like a Dodge, and does not look like the sheet metal was hung on the truck like Fords, it is what it is supposed to be a pick-up truck, not a tractor trailer or a car. Reliable with close to 50,000 miles, nothing more required but routine maintenance, and new tires. it looks good sitting in the driveway. I would recommend a GMC to anyone,it rides well, and looks good and works hard.

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  Love It - 2000 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Taber - June 29 - 8:10 pm

  This vehicle has been the best vehicle I have ever owned. It is dependable and has had no problems since I purchased it.

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  So far so good... Love my Envoy - 2002 GMC Envoy
  By John26830 - June 28 - 10:00 am

  Only have had it a short time but love all aspects of it, Test drove 5 other suvs and this one fits my needs, The deal went smooth and I will watch out for the things others have been having trouble with, but none so far, Power and the handling are as expected, interior is very comfortable,The standard options are aplenty.