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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  Back to re-review after 6 months - 2008 GMC Sierra 2500HD
  By SLC - June 22 - 5:30 pm

  I wrote my first review in June after trading in a 2004 F-150. It has only got better and better. Absolutely no issues. Fuel mileage has gone to over 23 MPG on a recent hiway only trip of 600 miles, to between 15-18 MPG back and forth to work and weekend trips. I have not had this kind of acceleration since my 61 Vette. There are no rattles or any fit/finish problems. Only oil changes and tire rotation. I would not trade this truck for any other on the market. I did extensive reseach and I am so glad I choose this HD2500, Duramax/Allison. I would recommend this truck to anyone, no hesitation.

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  Nice for towing - 2003 GMC Sierra 2500HD
  By john gentry - June 19 - 6:30 pm

  This truck was bought for towing and does a great job pulling our fifth wheel camper.

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  09 Sierra Ext 5.3L Stealth Gray - 2009 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Eric Henson - June 14 - 11:43 pm

  The dealership was great in selling me what I wanted. I looked at Dodge, Ford and Toyota and I kept going back to the Sierra. I love this truck for the look and the price.

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  "Eli" - 2007 GMC Sierra 1500
  By leecp34 - June 10 - 4:33 am

  I traded in a 07 Dodge 2500 Cummins. I wasnt pulling as much. Surprised that every day I like the truck even more. Gorgeous truck just hope that the mileage goes up. 700 miles on it averaged 17 on highway.

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  Amazing GMC Truck - 2004 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Darren - June 8 - 7:13 pm

  Everything about this truck is amazing, from the way it drives, to all of its abilities, towing, hauling, etc. The most impressive thing is the Autotrac 4WD system, I have off roaded with it in the snow, and never slipped a tire, even in over a foot of snow!

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  GMC Duramax 360HP w/6 speed Allison - 2006 GMC Sierra 2500HD
  By Charles Kendrick - June 6 - 4:46 am

  The new Duramax engine is better than I hoped for. It has tremendous acceleration, quieter than ever and reminds one of a sports car. The 6 speed Allison has smoothed the shifting much better than the 5 speed Allison. Cruising at high speeds is unbelievable for a heavy duty truck. This is my third Duramax 4WD 2500HD and they keep getting better.

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  better than ford - 2001 GMC Sierra 2500HD
  By v8loverr - June 4 - 10:00 am

  I think that GM did a great job on the new 2500 HD Crew Cab. I had a 1500 extra cab and when I saw the Crew Cab I had to have it and I have loved it sence. I feel that everyone should get a 2500 HD. It has it all onstar heated seats and all the goodies. So go and get this truck you will be happy with it.

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  GMC ENVOY Best SUV on Market - 2002 GMC Envoy
  By Frank J. Schmidt - June 4 - 10:00 am

  Having owned 5 Ford Explorer SUVs, the GMC ENVOY was a surprising improvement, both in performance and reliablity. My last Explorer SOHC, blew the engine from the bad timing chain. I need an SUV, so I looked at them all. The GMC had this new in line six @270hp, more powerful than all the V8 on the market. Hydro formed framing makes this a very solid vehicle. Pulling power is more, corning is less than every other SUV. Trans is smooth, rides like a car. Love it.

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  professional yes - 2002 GMC Envoy
  By cstock - June 2 - 2:43 am

  now have 6000 miles, very happy, great interior, lots of power, looks good, no problem with build quality, so far so good.

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  Good even in town - 2007 GMC Yukon XL
  By Chad - May 31 - 5:00 pm

  I purchased the Yukon XL to replace my minivan. Expected gas economy worse than my minivan. So far Im 1mpg better. Increasing tires to 40psi and driving efficiently garners 18.5mpg city. Havent had a road trip yet but I am looking forward to it. Bigger, safer and more fuel efficient than my old Montana? Ill take two.