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 truck, high price - 2007 GMC Sierra 1500
  By sweettruck - March 20 - 6:03 pm

  I bought the performance package which came with 20" wheels. Great traction on snow, ice, rain and dry pavement. Excellent acceleration. Definitely great fuel economy.

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  Great truck - 2009 GMC Sierra 2500HD
  By Carl - March 18 - 11:10 am

  Recently purchased an 09 GMC 2500HD with the 6.6L Duramax diesel 4WD. Came from an 08 Toyota Tundra 5.7L and the GMC can not only haul twice the weight and tow 5000lbs more but it also rides smoother when empty. It returns 20mpg unloaded on the highway and the engine note is just enough to remind you that youre driving a diesel but quiet enough to be mistaken for a gasser. The interior is also a nicer place to be than in the Toyota, with more style and materials of a slightly higher quality. The Allison transmission is very smooth and always shifts at the right times. Test drove against the F250 and found the GMC a better all rounder, that stopped and accelerated better. Payload equal.

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  Great Truck, Great Brand - 2010 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Vermonter - March 16 - 10:00 am

  This is the third GM truck that I have owned, and this is the best so far. Very comfortable ride,lots of power,and for a truck it has good gas mileage,17.8 miles per gallon. Interior isnt fancy, but its functional and easy to use. The only complaint is that the headliner rattles a bit, but the dealer says they can fix it. I have had no major issues with my other GM trucks and am not expecting any with the is one, overall great truck!

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  General Motors Renaissance - 2007 GMC Sierra 1500
  By GMCMan - March 14 - 4:46 pm

  This is my first pick-up and to be honest, it may be my last because it was built to last a life-time. This has to be the finest GMC that I have ever owned and this quality is a product of general motors renaissance.

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  The Yukon Hybrid is it - 2008 GMC Yukon Hybrid
  By Jason - March 14 - 3:20 am

  Ive only been driving the Yukon Hybrid for about two weeks now, and I must say bravo for GM. Its so quiet, you barely hear it coming. The hybrid drive shifts so smooth you cant feel it shift.

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  Best Choice for a Family - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By TNcarman - March 13 - 7:20 am

  I just bought this car for my wife. Carbon Metallic with Ebony Leather, the DVD player and dual sunroofs, everything is on it. I have to say the car is great. Tows well, drives like a car, and my wife loves it. No doubt it will be in my garage for another 5+ years. If crossovers/SUVs are what you are looking for, just dont bother and buy this car.

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  Excellent Vehicle - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By JP - March 10 - 8:53 pm

  Really enjoy the comfort and features of the Acadia. Only complaint is the transmission could be smoother, a problem I anticipate them fixing for the next model year. The leather seats are very comfortable. The suspension is very smooth. Highly recommend the parking assist.

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  The best large SUV Ive ever driven!! - 2004 GMC Yukon XL
  By Paulo - March 7 - 2:00 am

  i love the denali. once i sat in the drivers seat i fell in love with it. it has great throttle response, and a very comfortable ride.

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  my truck - 2003 GMC Sierra 1500
  By donny - February 26 - 2:00 am

  I love my truck, very awesome.

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  GMC Outdid Themselves - 2007 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Chuck_Yager - February 25 - 6:46 am

  I have had this truck 6 months now and I absolutely love it! My family has owned many GM trucks and this one is by far the best that they have ever produced. The power is excellent and the ride and drive are much better than you would expect to get from a truck. I wish that I wouldve gone w/ the Vortec Max package and gone w/ the SLE2 trim, but I am extremely happy with it and have no real regrets. I coonhunt and tow a jeep to go rock crawling and this truck is definately more than capable in both situations. It does seem to be alittle spin-happy in certain situations, but great in 4x4. The seats are hard to clean(lint roller). I looked hard at the other brands and they just fell short.