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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  2003 Denali Is Great I Have Owned 3..... - 2003 GMC Yukon
  By Lewis - August 16 - 2:00 am

  I have owned 3 Denalis over the years, and the vehicle is great and I have never had any problems. The 2003 has a lot of new features that made me trade my 2002 in, with only 11,000 miles on it!

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  GMC TERRAIN - 2010 GMC Terrain
  By Rambo - August 12 - 7:30 am

  Rides like a dream.Great vehicle.The little motor is very pept up.Looks great.I was going to stay away from government motors but the terrain won me over. If you crive it your hooked.Love the moveable back seat.

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  2007 GMC sierra single cab work truck - 2007 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Jeff - August 12 - 3:37 am

  I have had this basic gmc work truck since 2007 bought it brand-new havent had any problems out of it except I had a little problem with the Throttlebody but that was it the truck rides very Smoove only thing that sucks is I drove the truck a lot of long distance and because its a single cab it hurt my back a lot I have taken this truck for a lot of road trips from hauling cars all the way to North Carolina from Holly enclosed trailers full of furniture in Florida this has been one of my favorite trucks I just recently sold it to get a bigger truck and I got a Ford F1 50 super crew which I hate every bit of this Ford F1 50 I really miss my GMC single cab truck I would much rather have that than this ford and I got a Ford F1 50 super crew which I hate every bit of this Ford F1 50 I really miss my GMC Single cab I would recommend getting that Chevy Silverado or the GMC Sierra my GMC had 136,000 miles on it right before I sold it never did any maintenance on it all I did was change the oil and replaced the throttle body thats it

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  2007 GMC sierra single cab work truck - 2007 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Jeff - August 12 - 3:37 am

  I have had this basic gmc work truck since 2007 bought it brand-new havent had any problems out of it except I had a little problem with the Throttlebody but that was it the truck rides very Smoove only thing that sucks is I drove the truck a lot of long distance and because its a single cab it hurt my back a lot I have taken this truck for a lot of road trips from hauling cars all the way to North Carolina from Holly enclosed trailers full of furniture in Florida this has been one of my favorite trucks I just recently sold it to get a bigger truck and I got a Ford F1 50 super crew which I hate every bit of this Ford F1 50 I really miss my GMC single cab truck I would much rather have that than this ford and I got a Ford F1 50 super crew which I hate every bit of this Ford F1 50 I really miss my GMC Single cab I would recommend getting that Chevy Silverado or the GMC Sierra my GMC had 136,000 miles on it right before I sold it never did any maintenance on it all I did was change the oil and replaced the throttle body thats it

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  Lovin this truck! - 2007 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Grogol - August 5 - 10:46 pm

  Ive wanted a pickup for years, but never thought it was practical for me. Then I had a certain birthday and thought I better get one while I can still enjoy it. I did a lot of research and narrowed it down to the Sierra and Toyota Tundra. I thought the Sierra was a better truck overall and was a better value. The quietness and build quality really reflect well on GMC really doing a "Professional Grade" job on this design. Im lovin every minute of owning this outstanding vehicle. Im looking forward to a long hunting trip with my two sons in November and hopefully will bring some deer home in the bed.

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  GMC Sierra Sharp and Long Lasting - 2004 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Jerry - August 1 - 8:50 pm

  I have this truck four years now and not one problem. Mine is a sport side in black with added chrome. It looks and rides great. Instead of a heavy duty package, I have the easy ride suspension. It handles and feels great. On the open road it rides like a luxury car.

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  QUALITY PLUS - 2004 GMC Yukon
  By ROBERT T. SHAW - July 30 - 10:00 am

  IVE OWNED THREE EXPLORERS SINCE 1992. IVE BEEN A VICTIM OF THE FIRESTONE/FORD TIRE FIASCO. IVE SPENT MORE $$$ IN ONE YEAR ON FORDS SERVICE MISDIAGNOSISTHAN THE COST OF REGULAR MAINTENANCE ON MY WIFES 1995 HONDA ACCORD FOR THE ENTIRE TIME THAT WEVE OWNED THE HONDA.IT IS FINALLY A RELIEF TO GET A VEHICLE THAT CAME RIGHT - "OUT- OF-THE-BOX"

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  MOVE OVER FORD - 2002 GMC Sierra 1500
  By PHILR - July 22 - 2:00 am

  BEST TRUCK ON THE PLANET

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  new owner - 2004 GMC Envoy
  By wheeler,m - July 18 - 2:00 am

  Im a first time GMC buyer and purchased the 2004 Envoy EX after driving multiple suvs in the same class. It is a quality suv and i am well pleased so far in all aspects. I was afraid it would be to big and bulky for every day driving but have found it to handle great in all types of road conditions. Does well in snow and rain. My grandchildren love the dvd and with their car seats placed in the 3rd seat i can see them well through the rear view mirror. This is a plus for me.

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  GMC Envoy Experience - 2004 GMC Envoy
  By raw100 - July 18 - 2:00 am

  Excelent vehicle delivers all that is promised