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 GMC 4WD Pickup - 2003 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Walt Moore - May 29 - 7:36 pm

  I bought this new and its generally been great. The windshield wiper control module burned out but that has been the only unscheduled service in 37,000 miles. So far I really like this truck and would buy it again, but I wont really know for another 15 years, which is about how long I plan to keep it.

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  Excellent says it all! - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By Jim V. - May 29 - 11:40 am

  We needed a vehicle to haul 2 children and thier friends. Gas mileage was a concern. This vehicle has plenty of room and great gas mileage. A added bonus was the fact that everyone that sees it comments how great it looks.

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  Happy Yukon XL Owner - 2004 GMC Yukon XL
  By M. Pauls - May 28 - 3:46 am

  Before i bought my Yukon, I rented them from Avis and Hertz. Loved driving them better than Caddy Devilles that I used to rent. Bought my 04 XL in fall of 04 and have never been sorry that I did. My first SUV..mid size SW before (Olds and Buicks) Drives like a car. My wife enjoys driving it. We have been on highway trips with 8 on board including all of the luggage. Amazingly the brake pads lasted for 80,000 miles before they needed to be replaced. Replaced them with original factory pads and they also lasted 80,000 miles. I like my 04 better than the newer 2007 to 2010 ones because of the folding armrests on the front bucket seats. The newer ones dont have them anymore.

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  This is one amazing truck! - 2008 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Denjhe - May 24 - 12:26 am

  I have had my Black/black 08 Sierra Denali for about 2 months now. Amazing power. Amazing comfort.. Amazing headturner. A beautiful ride in every way. The MPG of 11-12 in the city is a bit of a nuisance but if you spend $42K for a truck you better not whine about the cost of fuel!! If you have the means you should buy this truck.

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  Duramax Powered - 2004 GMC Sierra 2500HD
  By Montana diesel - May 23 - 3:00 am

  I have the 2nd generation LLY Duramax engine in mine and i love it. I had to replace the injectors when i bought it at 130,000 but other than that i have just been upgrading. The ride is great, the seats are comfortable, the fuel economy is good, 20-24 highway, 15-18 city, if i keep my foot out of it(hard to do with 400 HP and 600LbFt of torque on tap). I have not had any major breakdowns since owning it. The transmission did blow up at 143,000, but it was a freak electrical short that caused it to engage 2 gears at once(lots of chunks in the pan). It actually got me all the way back to the shop in limp mode which was about 25 miles, 10 of which on a logging road.

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  another awesome gm truck - 2004 GMC Sierra 2500HD
  By ronald tootle - May 20 - 10:00 am

  this is the fifth (sixth if you count my Tahoe) gm truck that i have had and it is by far the best. talk about reliable. a heavy duty truck that has no problems pullikng my triler in any clime and place. in the snow, on the beach, it does not matter. talk about space, i have two kids and a dog and we travel with no problems, even on long trips. i will never own another type of truck, from any dealer...now a hummer...that is a different issue. ron tootle major, us marine corps camp lejeune nc gm truck owner since 1985 1985 chevy s-10 1988 chevy s-10 2001 chevy silerado ext cab z-71 2002 gmc sierra ext cab z-71 2002 chevy tahoe 4x4 2004 gmc sierra 2500hd quad cab 4x4

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  Impressive Vehicle - 2003 GMC Yukon
  By High Road - May 17 - 2:00 am

  I drive an average of 45K a year. I just trade my 2001 Yukon SLT (w/ 95k) for a 2003 Denali. I loved the SLT, got many positive comments on it. The new Denali is clearly a step above. It is faster, handles better and most shocking to me; it is more fun to drive. The Denali is not inexpensive by any means, but NO vehicle matches it in overall looks and performance for the price.

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  Highway Cruiser - 2014 GMC Sierra 1500
  By bigw2014 - May 8 - 5:04 pm

  This truck is great on the highway - smooth ride even empty, unbelievably quiet, comfortable seats, lots of luxury features. I am coming out of an Infiniti SUV and this thing compares very favorably with it on the highway. I am getting about 19-20 on the highway thanks to the cylinder deactivation, which you can only see indicated on the dash, you never feel it at all. It feels like a Mercedes, everything is solid and tight - hard to believe this is a GM product it seems so well-built. I drive country roads at night, the lights are ok - not horrible not great. Get the fog lights, they help. I run the fog lights all the time.

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  Pleasantly surprised - 2004 GMC Sierra 1500
  By rooddoggie - April 29 - 4:43 am

  I bought my 04 SLE extended cab 2WD last month and this truck gives me so much for my money. It accelerates effortlessly with the 5.3, shifts smoothly with the AT, and get 22 mpg on the freeway... thats right, 22 MPG!

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  H.D. - 2005 GMC Yukon XL
  By Huber Dufum - April 24 - 8:46 am

  This has been the most comfortable, smooth riding, trouble-free vehicle I have ever owned. On the highway at speeds of 65-70, I get 19- 19.4 mpg without air and 18.5 with air.Of course when you drive faster than that, mpg drops like a lead rock. Cant complain for a vehicle this size.