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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  Best SUV or CAR ever awesome wish 4 one - 2004 GMC Yukon XL
  By Laurie Boykin - May 18 - 2:00 am

  wish I had one

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  Sierre Style, Ride and Quality No.1 - 2004 GMC Sierra 1500
  By temple62 - May 18 - 2:00 am

  It is no wonder the Sierre is the only truck lists the Kiplinger List top 10. Coming from the Toyota 4Runner and Ford F150 crowds, this beats them both for quality, handling, comfort and style. The 2004 Dodge Ram is a vible competitor but too pricey when you do the comparisons of bang for your bucks.

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  Totally Awesome - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By Acadia - May 15 - 11:16 pm

  I drove the MDX, Pathfinder, Jeep GC, XC90, Tribeca, Tahoe and Explorer. None of them came close to Acadia. The capacious interior was second to none. The amount of interior storage is unsurpassed. I ordered one with everything and a second row bench seat and waited nine weeks. The rearview camera is a must since rearward vision is limited due to a small rear window. The transmission is still somewhat reluctant to downshift.

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  Darn good little GMC - 2000 GMC Sonoma
  By E.C.Butler - May 13 - 2:00 am

  I find it to be an ideal small truck for everyday beebopping around that I do. Very manuverable and enough power to pull a pop-up camper here locally.

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  2002 Gmc Duramax, 4wd Crew Cab - 2002 GMC Sierra 2500HD
  By Rich Hartmann - May 12 - 11:33 pm

  One of the best trucks I have owned. I have had no problems whatsoever. the biggest repair (only repair) was a universal joint. I tow a 5th wheel camper and am quite satisfied with the performance. Braking is smooth and sure in all conditions, the 4 wheel disk brakes still have a long way to go when checked at 80+k miles. I do my own maintenance and have crawled under and around this truck and I am impressed with its sturdiness and build quality. It has what appears to be one of the most massive frames in any similar truck Ive looked at. I like everyone else would like to see better fuel economy. I would like to see an easier to change fuel filter. Yes I will buy another GMC, probably in 0

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  Safari: The Un-Minivan - 2002 GMC Safari
  By Tahoe086 - May 12 - 2:00 am

  The Safari is a Mid-Van so I wont have to say its a Mini-Van any way...the V-6 offers great power for a minivan and the towing compacity is great and needed...I am also pleased to note that it is Rear wheel drive which is AWESOME!!

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  Great Truck - 2002 GMC Yukon
  By Postman - May 11 - 2:00 am

  I am very happy with my new Yukon. The ride is great. I cant believe how quiet the drive train and tires are. Speaking of tires - what is up with putting Firestone tires on? This is an extremely comfortable highway cruiser. The power is there if you need a quick jump from 65-80 to pass someone. Visibility is good. I would recommend to anyone who wants a full size SUV. This is a very nice, competent package

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  GMC SIerra HD Duramax - 2005 GMC Sierra 2500HD
  By Richard - May 9 - 7:43 pm

  This truck pulls a 30 foot RV travel trailer with absolutely no problem. Using the tow button helps slow everything down with ease. This truck is much more quieter than Dodge or Ford. It has lots of power and looks great, unlike its competition.

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  The Denali XL, wooh what a truck! - 2003 GMC Yukon XL
  By The engineer - May 8 - 10:00 am

  I have had it for about a month, its great. I am the second owner, previouis owner put 9000 miles on it. I purchased for the wife and kids. Has plenty of space, the entertainment center combine with the bose system is great. Interior is awesome, the vehicle has all the bells and gadgets. Very safe and easy to drive, my wife is only 4-11". She loves it so much she wont let me drive it anymore. Has plenty of power and is perfect for road trips; towing; no problema! the 6.0 liter can handle it. Great vehicle worth every penny. I do recommend it for a family no larger than five.

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  How I get along with it... - 2005 GMC Yukon XL
  By ravinder - May 3 - 11:23 pm

  Its a great vehicle. I really enjoy driving it and it looks extremely good rolling on chromes. The only thing I didnt like is the quality for the interior because its only been one year and some of the material used over the cup holder lids and the center console is starting to peel off.