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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  Sweet-looking truck, but....... - 2009 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Adam - April 5 - 5:40 pm

  I purchased a SLT Crew cab 4wd with the all-terrain package. The finish on the truck is awesome, and the chrome with the silver birch color great. Ive gotten many compliments. Ive been impressed with the mpg of around 20.5, and this truck handles great. My only issue is that my starter went bad @1000 miles. I found myself stranded on my way to the beach. GMC did take care of me and fixed my truck, but Im disappointed to have mechanical difficulties so soon. There are also not many parts available yet for this model. I hope this proves to be a dependable truck in the long run.

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  Like A Luxury Sedan - 2002 GMC Yukon XL
  By T Vandivort - April 4 - 3:50 am

  The main feature of a Yukon Denali XL is its size, which is very comodious. Weve taken trips of 400+ miles with six people and all their gear, including Christmas presents, and not filled the cargo area yet. The seats are comfortable with plenty of variation in lumbar and thigh support and lots of legroom. Other very surprising positives are the handling and ride, which are like a luxury passenger car.

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  Built rock solid, only detroit for me - 1991 GMC Jimmy
  By ryanmiller - April 4 - 12:12 am

  Well I bought this car with 19,000 miles on it and it will not stop running. Right now my odometer turned over to 277,000 and it runs like a new car with no oil burning. I have added many performance parts over the years and often take it to the mountains and beach. I hunt and fish with this as well as offroad alot. I have mine locked and geared raised on 38" TSL swampers.

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  I love my G-mc! - 1999 GMC Suburban
  By ImATXAggie - April 3 - 6:01 pm

  My family have been loyal GMC drivers/owners for as long as I can remember. I wouldnt want to own or drive anything else.

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  What a great MidSize - 2006 GMC Envoy
  By Tim - April 3 - 11:52 am

  The Envoy rides incredibly smooth and handles quite well. I read the reviews prior to buying and wasnt expecting much in the way of handling so maybe my expectations were low However,I think the Envoy handles quite well for a vehicle of its size. I am equally impressed with the power. It accelerates very smoothly both from a stop and highway driving. The tranny shifts smoothly and its tough to even feel when it "kicks down" to pass. The interior is roomy, quiet, and comfortable. Controls are easily accesible and the Bose stereo system is flawless. The interior looks very nice, but I can see quality becoming and issue if it is abused, but normal use shouldnt be an issue.

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  Be Careful! - 2003 GMC Envoy
  By jch - April 1 - 7:46 am

  The seats on this car, while attractive, are very stiff and not comfortable on long trips. The biggest problem, however, has been the noise - sounds like there is a valve "tapping". Local dealers have claimed that they dont hear the noise and that nothing is wrong. I will be stuck at time to trade/unload! Stereo has been replaced a couple of times. There were 2 recalls from the factory. Seatbelts also stick!

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  Canyon Review - 2006 GMC Canyon
  By diatribe - April 1 - 12:56 am

  I purchased this truck for use in my courier business and have been very pleased with it so far. The interior comfort is good, however, it would be nice if the seats would recline backwards. I think they dont because its an extended cab, however, that would be a nice feature. Exterior styling is head-turning everywhere I go. I have a Silver Birch model with and A.R.E. Cab High cap and get many compliments. Excelllent fuel economy. Pure highway driving between 60 & 65 MPH, on cruise control with automatic, result in 24- 26 MPG. A highway/city mix, still results in over 20 MPG. Pizza delivery driving, however, results in about 11 to 13 MPG. Truck is rated 13 city, 17 hwy.

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  Too many problems - 2000 GMC Sonoma
  By Joe - April 1 - 12:42 am

  I bought this truck used when it had 90K. After having it for only a year the transmission blew on me. I had just replaced the clutch and when the transmission went out it took out the clutch too. I spent $2000 repairing it. I only had the truck for 2 years and I regularly maintained it but in those two years I spent about $4000 in repairs. This cant be normal for a newer model car.

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  GMC Jimmy 97 - 1997 GMC Jimmy
  By FarmerD - March 31 - 9:27 am

  The only major problems I have experienced with the Jimmy has been electrical - had to replace ignition switch which caused "CHECK ENGINE" light to stay on and the transmission to shift erratic. I also had an over heating problem that required me to replace the Radiator pluseI had a minor transmission leak where the shift lever enters the transmission body.

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  GMC 2500 HD - 2007 GMC Sierra 2500HD
  By freedomrules3 - March 31 - 3:53 am

  I really like the bigger roomier cab on this truck. It tows my camper with ease and has lots of power to spare in the 6.0L engine. I do wish it got just a little better gas mileage but with power comes consumption. I would buy it again I like it so much.