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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  Yukon, Truly Professional Grade - 2000 GMC Yukon
  By Phil - March 12 - 10:42 pm

  Handles great, lots of space, comfort, not a timid 4x4. Used it for hunting and boating. very dependable ride that looks great and performs well. No complaints, one of the best vehicles I have ever owned.

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  Needs a V8 - 2016 GMC Canyon
  By T Duffy - March 12 - 9:47 pm

  I have had trucks, suvs for over 25 years, this is a looker but the engine is so sluggish going up the hills of Western, Pa. I cant believe how terrible the power is. It rides nice over 55 and overall nice space, front seats not real comfortable. Bose audio just ok, got a speaker rattle with anything in a decent loudness. Its a company truck so Im cant complain but really needs a V8 for how heavy this truck is. Do not like the break assist while going down hill, i think I know how to break.

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  2004 Envoy - 2004 GMC Envoy
  By Jackson - March 12 - 9:40 pm

  Like the look and drive of the car. My main problem has been reliability issues. I have had the fuel injection system replaced along with issues with the air pump. Also, service four wheel drive light has come on teice and was unable to put the Envoy into 4wd. Envoy currently has 35,000 miles and I am questioning whether or not to keep it.

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  2500HD 4x4 6.0L - 2002 GMC Sierra 2500HD
  By joel - March 10 - 9:36 am

  I really love this truck. I call it "big truck". I dont like the gas mileage, aprox 13 mpg but what could I expect. It definilety has the pulling power, and the acceleration that I would want. I drove a couple of F-250s and I just didnt like the ride quality as much as I do this truck. Im very happy with this truck

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  My Sonomoa Lexus - 1999 GMC Sonoma
  By rich lloyd - March 9 - 3:49 pm

  What a great little truck. Only problem in 57000 mi were left power window, cd player, alt., compressor. Normal stuff. Beautiful interior. Cant believe GM built such an ugly interior on their follow up Colorado. I call it the Lexus of small trucks and will be keeping for many more years or until GM builds something as nice

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  A truck is a truck - 2007 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Gregs Work Truck - March 8 - 9:13 pm

  We purchased this truck for the sole purpose of hauling things. We chose the regular cab, 8ft bed 4.3l automatic work truck. We have rental property and we decided we needed a basic truck with lots of bed space. Our GMC does the job very well. We load lots of stuff in the back and doesnt strain, not one bit. Sheets of plywood and drywall fit perfectly. I am not a fan of trucks, so I dont get excited driving it. The flip down covers for the power ports broke and were replaced. The rubber stops for the gas cover broke and were replaced. All else is good. Its a truck. The airbag light comes on and shuts off the engine. The dealer updated the software and it hasnt happened again.

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  GMC Envoy - 2004 GMC Envoy
  By RParadine - March 8 - 2:00 am

  So far, we have been very pleased with this vehicle. We did a lot of research prior to purchasing this vehicle, mainly comparing it with the Jeep Cherokee. The salesman we worked with on the Envoy was very knowledgeable on the vehicle and its many features. There was no hype, just facts. All in all, an enjoyable experience and as I said above, we are pleased with the vehicle so far.

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  Love This Truck - 2011 GMC Sierra 1500
  By ewrob - March 7 - 6:33 am

  i just bought this truck and i dont want to get out of it,it has the 5.3 afm on it and i cannot tell when it switches between 8cyl to 4 i had drove the f150 which is a very good truck but i think the sierra has it beat hands down

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  Great Truck - 2006 GMC Sierra 3500
  By rick - March 7 - 3:43 am

  Excellent drivability. This truck has more power than the comparable Ford or Dodge, better mileage, and is MUCH quieter! (Im a Dodge man) Mileage varies from 22 (cruise at 55mph, no load) to 12 (90mph with truck loaded and 14,000lb trailer). Plently of room in the cab and a full length bed too! Only problem with the truck is the moonroof has stuck open 3 times and lots of wind noise when open. The moonroof cover is designed more like a screen - the sun sure gets hot at an angle that directly shines on driver. The original tires had sidewall integrity problems at 55K. Goodyear great with warranty issues. The fuel gage takes a while to show that the tank is actually full (10min - 1hour).

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  Hope its only once - 2007 GMC Yukon
  By RJ - March 6 - 10:27 pm

  Just purchased 97 Yukon SLT, was on first 1200 mile trip, felt like I dropped two gears and all the warning lights came on, that was at 860 at 1140 happen again and the motor stopped, hairy on the expressway. Computer problems I guess, its in now being looked at. Hope this is a one time deal, love the ride, handling, appearance and it is very quiet. Had several GM SUVs, all good, this seems to be best, will see when dealer is done with it and I get several more thousand miles on it. Will do a update at a later time. Do not want to scare anyone away, can happen to any vehicle, thats the price for all the computers and advancments.