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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  1st Time GMC Owner - 2007 GMC Sierra 1500
  By 1st Time GMC Owner - April 22 - 2:16 pm

  All of my life I have owned Chevrolets and never considered buying a GMC because of the price difference. I splurged this year and paid the extra cost for the GMC and I now see the difference. The cab is so much quieter, the ride is so much better, and you can definitely see the "Professional Grade" that is advertised! I reccommend this truck to everyone but their is a considerable price increase over the standard Chevy truck.

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  Great vehicle - 2010 GMC Terrain
  By Kory - April 21 - 3:30 pm

  I purchased a Terrain after looking at the Chev Equinox. My wife and I decided on the Terrain because we could get the options we wanted for less than the other. Its been a great vehicle. Wonderful interior and I love the exterior styling. I would recommend it to anyone.

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  Sorry to say my last GM product - 2006 GMC Sierra 1500
  By GDBYGM - April 21 - 1:20 pm

  Like others my truck ran flawless for the first 15,000 or so and then the problems began. The rear drum brakes started to squeal every time you applied them, dash rattle, headliner rattle(dealer attempted to fix-rattle is back). Approximately 20k turning the steering wheel produced a weird noise(dealer tried to repair-its back) 26k new front rotors and pads(my other vehicle has 71k with original pads if your wondering about my driving). 37k new belt tensioner and belts(squealing noise) 39k main engine seal leak(luckily repaired by GM) 41k steering link rattle(replaced link) and now "service brake system" message displayed. Thank you for stealing my $34,000 GM

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  Best truck made - 1995 GMC Sierra 1500
  By mdn - April 21 - 2:00 am

  has 196500 miles, only thing I have had to do is: a/c compressor, rear bearings, rear main seal in engine...knock on wood, not even a water pump yet or alternator...no tranny problems EVER...put chip in as soon as I got it..got 21 mpg w/350 engine on vacation trips!!!!I tow trailers and haul often...best truck I ever owned..I wish I could buy another same model new!!!!

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  We love our Yukon XL ! - 2003 GMC Yukon XL
  By Texas SUV owner - April 21 - 2:00 am

  This is a great vehicle. We upgraded from the shorter older bodystyle Tahoe. I have 3 girls and it is a peice of mind that my family is riding in safety. I love the all the gizmos and gadgets like heated seats/steering controls and Onstar. I love how the Radio stations are set to each driver! My wife drives is most of the time and I know my family is ALWAYS safe! Dont skimp on the Envoy XL if you have a family of 4 or more, pricewise, you are not far from the Yukon XL, Get It !

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  Gas Hog - 2005 GMC Envoy
  By The Wards - April 20 - 4:10 pm

  While the GMC is a sharp looking SUV, the gas consumption is terrible. No where near the quote on the window sticker. And for the amount you pay, youll have to choose between the payment or the gasoline. Just make sure you check out the service dept. of the dealership. All that is promised in the sales pitch isnt necessarily going to be full filled by the service dept.

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  Love this truck - 2009 GMC Sierra 1500
  By ted - April 20 - 12:10 pm

  Traded in my 2007 Duramax classic body for this truck. It is the best truck I have driven. Its fun to drive, great build quality. Great highway ride and good off road (but sits a little low) Handles ice and snow like dry pavement. I would recommend this to anybody loking for a change from the rough riding poor handling truck of a few years back.

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  Great mid size truck - 2016 GMC Canyon
  By Andy - April 20 - 6:36 am

  Great ride ,very quiet cabin, good fuel economy for a truck, 6 cylinder has plenty of power. A pleasure to drive, you would not think you were driving a truck. A lot of tech features if you like that kind of stuff.

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  Real Happy after 3 years! - 2003 GMC Yukon XL
  By Mike - April 20 - 5:40 am

  I bought my Denali new and I do a lot of towing. At the ramp, it will jerk my 6,500 pound wet boat out of the water with ease. Never any skidding or hesitation. It has also held up much better than expected and has been exceptionally reliable. No problems except one battery in 3-years with 45k miles. Better than Japanese cars I have owned. I added an K&N free-flow air filter and acceleration has noticably improved. When punched, it really moves out. While no econo car, it will take me over 500 miles on one tank while cruising at 80+. I calculated it around 16 MPG. In pure city driving I get around 12 to 13. I would buy another without question; I just dont want to part with my 2003!

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  GREAT TRUCK - 2002 GMC Yukon XL
  By California Guy - April 19 - 10:00 am

  Just sold the Toyota Sapling (Sequia). Bought myself a realy SUV and not sorry for buying American. Already taken a few trip hualing and off road driving. It may be a big truck, but I have been over and thru stuff the Toyota would not think about trying. The best part of the purchase of the Yukon XL was the cost was cheaper then the Toyota, yet I got 100000% more truck, quality and abilities. This is a major keeper and will be in my garage for many years