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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  my favorite vehicle - 1997 GMC Suburban
  By waderboddle - March 4 - 8:44 pm

  This vehicle is over nine years old but is still solid, quiet and dependable. I have owned it for five years. It handles well for its size, tracks well and is a pleasure to drive. Current odometer is 170k. Motor is still quiet and peppy. I use synthetic oil. The downside of this truck is the fuel pump. If you plan to buy one and can hear a buzzing sound, with the engine running, coming from the rear license plate, replace the fuel pump. Also check the gas tank for rust. Ive replaced the pump twice myself. I was blessed, both times when it died it was parked.

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  Excellent truck - 1997 GMC Jimmy
  By matt - March 4 - 2:42 pm

  I like GM vehicles and have owned my Jimmy since new. I think it works very well up here in our Canadian winters. I have had to do some repairs to major components but very vehicle out there needs maintance and repairs. My guess is that the trucks that people are having trouble with was likely from people not having the proper maintance preformed. Overall I love my Jimmy. Its comfortable, great in snow, handles and brakes well. The a/c and all the options work just as they should. Fuel milage is fair, but if I was really looking for mileage I would drive a Chevy Cavailer. When I go to replace my Jimmy I will buy another GM SUV without a doubt.

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  Fine Truck - 2005 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Myran - March 4 - 5:50 am

  I love getting into my GMC. It is well built. It is comfortable to the people in the back seat, and it is nicely appointed.

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  Female Point of View - 2005 GMC Envoy
  By DMT - March 3 - 2:36 pm

  As a short female, this vehicle isnt totally adaptable to my size, but it does have great handling abilities. I have owned SUVs for years and this is very comparable to the top of the line Jeep I used to own. It has tricks and gadgets that even fascinate my husband. I am glad I own this vehicle.

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  I should have bought 10 of them - 1993 GMC Vandura
  By TomL - March 1 - 8:30 pm

  I bought this van used, with 180,000 miles on it, and it ran like new then. Now I have 260000 miles on it and it still runs very well, there is some slight engine(valve train)noise, but I turn up the radio and it goes away. I am very religious about oil and fluid changes, which will extend the life of any vehicle, but this is the 4th GM van I have driven over the 200k mile mark, one went over 300k. It has the 4.3 ltr V6/auto and averages 22mpg highway empty,which isnt often, its a WORK TRUCK. The only things I have replaced:waterpump(started leaking 135m out/got me home), exhaust-cat back, brakepads/shoes,tires,and drivers door latch. Even the side sliding door works with little effort.

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  GMC Sierra - 2005 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Jerry Wright - February 25 - 7:20 am

  This is my 1st crew cab, Ive owned quite a few extended cabs in both GMC and Chevy. I believe this truck is the best handling of all the trucks Ive owned. This has a 5.3 V-8 which is what I needed to pull my boat. It is a SLE model which has cloth seats, which I like better than leather. The seating is very nice and comfortable for large people and small alike. I would highly recommend this truck.

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  2005 Yukon - 2005 GMC Yukon XL
  By Gregnice23 - February 25 - 12:23 am

  I am very pleased with my truck. If I had the chance to buy this truck again I would. Excellent fuel economy, best in class. Strong build. GMC reputation. Overall driving experience is great. I use this truck for everyday purposes and I am pleased.

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  What a Ride! - 2006 GMC Yukon
  By Nena W. - February 24 - 12:56 pm

  This SUV is great, a little on the pricey side but worth it. We own a 2002 Yukon XL. This new Yukon is loaded with all kinds of new things (like a button that brings the gas pedal closer). It drives solid and smooth. The kids love the DVD package. I love the XM radio. If you havent driven one- you should. I am glad that we bought another Yukon.

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  2006 Yukon Denali - 2006 GMC Yukon
  By Bill - February 24 - 8:00 am

  A wonderful driving experience. Smooth ride, excellent handling, extremely comfortable. Nicest SUV Ive owned so far (#5). Has all the horns and bells and whistles, and they all work.

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  Overall Review - 2007 GMC Yukon
  By Rick Rana - February 22 - 1:10 pm

  This vehicle is very sound, but I am disapointed with the gas mileage. My 05 Yukon got better mileage.