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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  Dependable Family Vehicle - 1997 GMC Suburban
  By FLEX - March 25 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle has proven itself especially if you have a large size family. Whether in hot/cold climate, the surbuban always started and performed above standards. Very roomy, dependable, and stylish.

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  its a good un - 2004 GMC Sierra 1500
  By jdl - March 23 - 2:03 am

  Rides like a luxury car with power and handling of a sports car. 18-19 on the highway at 70-75 -- great improvement over my 01 extended cab. For the money,it is best on the market and looks better than the sister Chevy. Pulls 22boat with ease. Hunted all last season over rough terrain -- still no rattles. Get one.

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  Yukon XL Denali, second to none! - 2005 GMC Yukon XL
  By NDrevins - March 21 - 10:00 am

  2nd Yukon XL Denali. Love them. Great turning radius. Excellent comfort. No complaints at all.

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  06 SLE1 Crew 1500 - 2006 GMC Sierra 1500
  By stevestr - March 20 - 4:50 am

  Test drove Tundra and others. Came back to GMC because of superior deal and value, including room, comfort, etc. I highly recommend this truck to anyone looking for something that is solid, reliable, and the best possible value on the market. Thanks GM, Great Job!

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  Great Crossover - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By Dan Pearson - March 17 - 4:43 am

  We traded in our 2005 Yukon for this vehicle. Were not sorry we did. The interior and exterior are nicely put together. It seems like GM is finally trying to do things right. It is fun and comfortable to drive. Overall, were pleased with the vehicle, but think some things can be improved on. First, the mileage, while better than the Yukon, is not what they advertise it to be. Second, the sun visors are useless for sun coming in from the side. These need to be longer or have an extender built in. Last, the Navigation system DVD is not perfected. The unit keeps freezing up. We have had out unit replaced twice now.

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  FUN SUV - 2002 GMC Yukon
  By brandon - March 13 - 1:27 am

  a Perfect SUV

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  lovin the new ride - 2001 GMC Yukon
  By pstaab - March 12 - 11:29 pm

  I bought my wife the new SLT with the 5.3 liter V-8 to replace an old Jeep Cherokee. She loves the Yukon so much, I cant get it away from her. It is surprisingly fun & agile to drive with all the bells & whistles youd expect from GMC. I highly recommend this vehicle to anyone looking to step up to the full size SUV market.

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  MY Denali - 1999 GMC Yukon
  By Michael Ohmer - March 12 - 5:53 pm

  This has been the best darn SUV I have owned or driven. Not one problem except for the short brake pad life.

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  2002 GMC 1500 SLE - 2002 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Ray Teske - March 12 - 10:00 am

  If this vehicle got better gas mileage it would be a 12. Ive driven pickups as my primary vehicle for the last 9 years. They ride far better than a car, can carry whatever I need to carry, get me where I want to go in the worst weather imaginable, and they dont cost any more than a car, except for the gas mileage thing. Im a big man who needs room in a vehicle and these trucks give me that in spades. If you dont want to squeeze into a small car, get a truck.

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  Typhoon - 1992 GMC Typhoon
  By tyfoon - March 10 - 10:24 pm

  Best SUV for the money. Fastest SUV ever made.