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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  Excellent Ride - 2002 GMC Yukon
  By marshal - May 3 - 2:00 am

  Great ride, excellent handling. Well built vehicle. I found the turning radius and steering of this vehicle much better than the GMC Jimmy, although that was a smaller model. The headroom and elbow room in the front seat is excellent. Very spacious.

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  SONOMA - 1997 GMC Sonoma
  By Paul Behr - April 29 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle is very fun to drive and is also a pleasure to have

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  My safari - 1997 GMC Safari
  By mamoke - April 28 - 2:00 am

  Love everything about it but it has become difficult for me to get in and out of it because of my short legs and arthrities.

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  Richs Youkon - 1994 GMC Yukon
  By RLKelley - April 27 - 2:00 am

  I have never owned a truck that is more dependable.

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  Love of my life - 2005 GMC Sierra 2500HD
  By Roger - April 23 - 7:23 am

  Love the truck. Drove the Ford and the GMC and fell in love. Drives sweet. Tow a 10,000 lbs 5th wheel and dont even know it is there. Transmission is great uphill and down. Bose stereo is great. Heated leather seats and dual climate control are sweet. Would recomend this truck to anyone.

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  I LOVE this vehicle - 2000 GMC Jimmy
  By SargeWolfe - April 20 - 2:00 am

  37,000 miles in 2 1/2 years and not a lick of trouble. Reliable, strong, comfortable, attractive. Great in snow and offroad. Would definitely buy it again. This vehicle has needed nothing in all this time.

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  1999 GMC SUBURBAN 4X4 - 1999 GMC Suburban
  By CAE - April 20 - 2:00 am

  I LOVE THIS VEHICLE. IT HAS CLASS, STYLE, RELIABILITY, COMFORT...AND MUCH MORE

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  Love this truck - 2002 GMC Yukon
  By DOC - April 20 - 2:00 am

  This SUV is the best driving/riding vehicle I have ever been in.

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  Suburban replacement - 2002 GMC Yukon
  By eltebe - April 15 - 2:00 am

  I replaced my ten year old suburban with this vehicle. I use it for work and family use. My first trip was an 800 mile round trip to visit my daughter.It was a joy to drive on the interstates and in the city. Very comfortable and almost nimble in heavy traffic. Great lines of vision. Very low wind noise at highway speed. A very comfortable ride quality. Go get yourself one!

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  Yukon SLE - 2002 GMC Yukon
  By WMLASK - April 12 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle is great to drive. The ride and feel are excellent for such a large heavy vehicle. Im amazed at how well it holds the road. The 5.3 V8 is very powerful. Im very happy with the comfort/feel/performance of this vehicle.