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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  I Love This Truck! - 2007 GMC Yukon XL
  By Kelly - July 30 - 3:16 pm

  This truck drives great! We have two small children and it works great for our family.

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  This Truck needs help! - 2004 GMC Sierra 2500HD
  By Ron Sanders - July 30 - 5:13 am

  Truck rides very rough. Trucks brakes are sluggish. Truck is 6 litre not great gas. Truck has had all kind of problems! If you have to stop fast you are in trouble. Thats why this truck has been in 3 fender benders. Had to replace complete rear brakes and rear seals .

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  Great driving vehicle - 2009 GMC Yukon XL
  By dash - July 29 - 12:33 pm

  The handling is great. Great improvement with the Nav-- gives great definition to detail. The heated seats work great. Backup camera gives excellent details to items behind your vehicle and is a great help to hooking up to the boat trailer. Vehicle is a whole lot more than I expected.

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  Mr. Meticulous Highly Recommends - 2007 GMC Yukon
  By legaleagle - July 27 - 10:24 am

  I have owned 5 foreign cars/trucks. 1 VW Jetta in my teens, two BMWs and 2 Range Rovers. My last BMW was just too small for my growing family so we decided on another SUV. We considered the X5, the Armada, the new ML, and the Navigator. After driving all, we were thoroughly impressed with the 07 Denali. To us, by far it was more luxurious than all the others, the ride quality is top of the line, it had ample interior space, and its exterior is quite impressive-and Yukon has an excellent reliability track record. We have black/cashmier, fully loaded with every single option. At least one person does a double take every day I drive it. To spend $50K and not have any remorse says it all.

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  Second time around in the GMC Yukon - 2004 GMC Yukon
  By dtyler - July 27 - 10:00 am

  This is my second purchase. I traded a 98 Yukon for this one and there is a world of difference. The ride is like a dream, quiet, firm but not stiff, breaking seems to be more than adaquate, a real change from the old front disc and rear drums. Confidant that the vehicle will stop without worry. The ease steering is different and the suspension is much smoother than my old 4WD. The 5.3L engine is smooth and powerful, better gas consumption and real joy. Styling is great and the new Silver color is nice. I just couldnt wait to trade and Im glad that I did.

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  2500 HD SLT - 2004 GMC Sierra 2500HD
  By rws88 - July 27 - 10:00 am

  During the first 3 months my truck was in the shop 6 times. Radio would not return CD, without it for 3 days. Once for extending camper mirrors, passenger side motor bad. Once for A/C, recall part not replaced prior to purchase. Three times for 4 WD, computer chip keeps going out and shifting into 4WD low on its own regardless of speed. Ill go back to the Ford F-250 with the V-10. More power, better gas mileage and reliability.

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  2004 SLT Envoy - 2004 GMC Envoy
  By Sailshar - July 27 - 10:00 am

  Envoy is exactly what I hoped for. Traded in 1998 Envoy for this car; the 2004 is much more improved.

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  Most Excellent! - 2004 GMC Yukon XL
  By Videoarizona - July 26 - 11:03 pm

  Ive never owned a GMC product until this truck. Very impressed with the build quality, performance and reliability. I average 16mpg around town and 19mpg on highway at 75mph! Towing my 4200 pound sailboat across country and back gave me a 14.2 mpg average! Ive had one small re-occuring problem concerning the rear heat on my SLT truck having a valve stick. We dont use the heat very often in Phoenix, so no doubt that has a lot to do with it. The rear air works very well! I have all the options but the DVD system and sunroof. As I said before, Im impressed, GM. Good job with my truck.

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  I cant believe no one said! - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By Packer Tahoe - July 26 - 5:20 pm

  Just over 1200 miles so far. We like it, but my wife misses her Tahoe. No major complants so far except has no one else opened their second row windows yet? Oh my god the air pressure variations will blow your ear drums right out! Major problem.

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  pretty good truck overall - 2013 GMC Sierra 1500
  By gmcdriver2 - July 26 - 10:41 am

  paid probably $3K too much, but got what I wanted; a really great looking fully optioned truck that can hold its own in a pasture or heading to a nice dinner all dressed up. A few minor and sometimes annoying negatives are far out-weighed by the pros and overall satisfaction with this great truck. Ive driven 7K miles since bought new in June 2013, but terrain and weather conditions since then have been pretty varied, so I fell like the review reflects a fair perspective from a guy who has driven lots of trucks. This is the nicest one so far for me. Granted I look forward to driving the new 2014 and experiencing those upgrades too, but the 2013 model stands its ground pretty well.