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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  Middle of the road - 1997 GMC Suburban
  By texan - June 13 - 3:31 pm

  This SUV is OK. Not bad but not real great. The fuel pump has gone out 4 times and the AC broke. Not bad for 147,000 miles. Handles nicely but hard to park

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  Nice Ride - 2005 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Truck - June 11 - 1:56 am

  I considered the Tundra and new F150 and am very happy with my choice. It is powerful enough to easily pull my 20 powerboat and the ride is like a big, roomy luxury car. I like that I can select the automatic 4WD mode and forget about it on dry pavement without hurting anything. Unlike on the Tundra, the back seat of my extended cab version is actually usable for adults.

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  A Lemon - 2003 GMC Envoy
  By Disgusted - June 10 - 10:35 pm

  This is the worst car/SUV I have ever had. Hands down. 6 MPG city. 10 highway. Is all over the road. Have had a Toyota Forerunner - Excellent a GMC Suburban - Excellent. This is simply a piece of junk.

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  Best truck Ive ever owned - 2006 GMC Sierra 1500
  By rick spriggs - June 10 - 2:33 pm

  It has 4 wheel steering and it is great when im towing my trailers or I need to park in a tight spot. The truck has all the power I need and it gets about 18-19 mpg, 16 mpg when towing. The seats are like sitting in a lazyboy, very comfortable. I love my truck.

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  Solid Machine - 2000 GMC Yukon XL
  By TG - June 9 - 4:16 am

  Ordered truck new when 3/4 tons became avaialble. Ordered the 40/20/40 front seating, a big help when using the truck as a P/U filling the entire back, which is why I bought a truck and not a soccer mom SUV. rdered with 3.73 gears and put taller LT235/85/R16 tires. With the combo I get 17 mpg on the highway, with 2000 lbs of stuff and cruising at 70 mph. Has been very reliable, not to say that I have not had to have repairs done, most expensive was replacement of the exhaust manifold bolts, 3 broke off, mechanic said it was a design fault. New bolts were much beefier. Can tow 10K lbs with ease. If you are looking for economy, by a Prius, but I would not want to drive it for 16 hours.

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  Power and Good Looks at a Great price! - 1999 GMC Sierra 1500
  By kendawg - June 9 - 2:00 am

  I purchased this truck used in December of 2002. It has been a great truck so far, with lots of power (5.3L) and nice features. I have not had to do anything other than regular maintenance (oil changes, transmission service, brakes, etc,,)I have always been a Ford man, but now that has changed. When I sell this truck I am definetly going to get another GMC.

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  New Duramxx - 2017 GMC Sierra 2500HD
  By Bob - June 8 - 5:31 am

  Folks were nice and knowledgeble. Unfortunately i asked for a loaner pick up or a large SUV and was stuck with the smallest Buick SUV that id ever seen. Not the dealers fault, but there is still a tapping in my Duramax engine that they say is normal, this is the noisiest Duramax ive ever owned, and ive had 5 of them. All the others were a pleasure to drive with plenty of power, this one is pathetic. The only reason im keeping it is because the new Ford front ends are ugly, as soon as Ford changes their headlights ill be getting rid of this GMC and going back to a Ford F250 King Ranch. Its very doubtful that this will be published but as stated below, you have my permission to publish.

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  Great Truck - 2001 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Gary - June 8 - 5:06 am

  Overall this was a fun truck to own and drive. The fact that Im sitting here typing is a testiment to how well its built. I rear ended a semi- trailer at approx 50 MPH on the ice. Bumper went under read of trailer and engine took full impact. No air bag deployment becuase of this, but I was safe and sound. My only complaint would be that ALL GM trucks 1999 to 2001 have an issue with air leakage on the passenger side, making it extremely uncomfortable for the passenger in cold climates. Despite the fact I have a repair bulletin on this GM acted dumb abouot the problem the times I called to complain.

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  Well-built truck - 2010 GMC Sierra 2500HD
  By sierra - June 7 - 10:53 am

  I recently purchased a 2010 2500hd 6l gas truck with 6 speed tranny, i am very pleased with the towing and ride quality of the truck, it pulls the 7000 pound trailer with ease, i would recommend this truck for anyone looking for a cheaper alternative rather than diesel.it has 200 km but i am sure fueld milage will improve, currently said 14 mpg highway towing 10 mpg, but not broke in yet.

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  The best full size SUV - 2004 GMC Yukon XL
  By the best truck - June 7 - 4:36 am

  The best truck, best cargo space, Theres not lot of space in 3 row seat and 2, but there is a lot of good stuff in it.