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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  I must be lucky - 2000 GMC Jimmy
  By Cat - February 21 - 12:40 pm

  I bought this truck with 70,000 miles on it already about 3 years ago. I have not had any major problems at all with it since Ive owned it, and its now over 100,000. The only thing so far has been the audible turn signal thing is broken so it clicks even when you dont have the signal on - Ive gotten used to it and barely notice it anymore, so I havent bothered to get it fixed. I like the ease of switching to 4x4. I dont think it handles as well as the Jimmys previous body style in 2W or 4,but is less bumpy. (I had a 94 Jimmy prior to this one.) I think its very comfortable and like the power driver seat although passengers dont like the lump in the floor.

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  My Sixth One - 2001 GMC Yukon XL
  By Hoover - February 18 - 2:00 am

  Suburbans have evolved from vinyl interiors, industrial-grade paint and truck-like ride. This one almost feels TOO civilized.

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  Love It - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By gmbeliever - February 17 - 3:23 pm

  Just took delivery of our new Acadia in the medium brown with black leather. Drives a lot better than our previous Pathfinder. If the reliability is there, I may have to continue with GM. The styling is great and the practical use of space is perfect inside. We were very close to getting the Buick Enclave, nicer style and more luxury inside, but my wife and I are just not ready to drive a Buick. Maybe in 10 years or so.

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  Best GMC I have owned - 2002 GMC Sierra 2500HD
  By Great truck, Rich - February 16 - 8:26 pm

  End of year clearance when I bought it. I got a good deal. I use it for work and hauling a 5th wheel camper. You hardly know you have the camper behind it. It is a pleasure to drive and with nearly 90k miles it is rattle free and quiet. The long bed makes towing a pleasure. The 4 wheel disks brakes are3 greatpaired with the ABS, I still have more than half the pads left, my other car is a Ford ambulance, Ill take the GMC any day over the Ford, Dodge is noisy and only has short beds with the crew cab. Im planing on a new GMC soon with a few more bells and whistles.

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  Adequate for my needs - 2003 GMC Yukon XL
  By Rob - February 14 - 7:30 pm

  Ill preface this by 2 things. 1-Ive never owned an American car & 2-Im coming from a Lexus to a GMC. I bought the car for my wife and kids-we needed the room which is great. I like all the space and the captains chairs for car seats. The interior is nice but not great but again I bought for the space. Gas mileage stinks but I knew that going in. I like the styling. Ive been a little disappointed with the service from the dealership, but not a huge concern. Because Ive nevered owned an American car I bought the extended warranty. I bought this car off a one year lease with 27k miles on it. All in all after 4 months of ownership Im pleased with it. Handles great on the highway.

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  Love it - 2005 GMC Canyon
  By countryhonk - February 14 - 12:04 am

  I love it. My last truck was a Toyota Taco 4cyl 4x4. My new Canyon 5 cyl has twice the horsepower and 2mpg better than the anemic Toyota. This truck is loaded with more gizmos than I need. My enthusiasum may be do in part by the ten thousand dollars I saved with the "employee discount for everyone" I paid 18000 w/tax and the window sticker was 26935 Even so this is a very nice truck and the G80 locking rear diff is what makes it happen for me. I have read that people say the straight 5 lacks power? Nonsense! Maybe if you put it in a heavy hummer, anyways this motor gives me better mpgs w/auto than my manual Toyota 4cyl. This truck smokes the tires ! Get a little higher in revs to make it work

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  Good truck!! - 2005 GMC Sierra 1500
  By steve b - February 13 - 9:20 pm

  I bought this truck after driving the Ford, Dodge and Chevy. I had a trade and the dealer offered me the best deal. The P rated tires that came standard with the Z-71 package were junk, so I spent a few more bucks and got the same size 17" BFGs. That dropped the mileage from 22-23-to 18-20 depending on speed but the reliability is much better. The auto transmission does seem weird at times but the all aluminum block V8 with the higher H/P is just fantastic.Overall the trans is good. I tow a light weight camp trailer and I forget its behind me. No problems so far. 12,000 miles through all kinds of weather. For the money, best truck I ever owned and I have had a few. Good looking truck..

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  Why is there no active fuel management? - 2010 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Jock Russell - February 12 - 11:10 pm

  Yukons have active fuel management 22 mpg why not the truck truck only gets 17 mpg if lucky this was a poor design

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  Canyon-Great Truck for the Money - 2005 GMC Canyon
  By Tom N - February 11 - 1:30 am

  The GMC Canyon is a great looking, very functional truck, particularly for medium duty use (truck is rated 1300 lb. payload, 4000 lb towing capacity). Interior is very clean looking, straightforward and functional with easy controls. Great ride, and 5 cyl is a good compromise between power and economy (21 mpg on last tankful, averaging just over 20 mpg). Seats could be more supportive but are not uncomfortable. Extended cab gives good inside storage capacity, but would not recommend it for passengers on long trips. If you need room for more than 2 passengers, go with the crew cab instead. Got a great deal on this truck on the fly 4WD, duraliner and tonneau for 22K

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  Speed Style Durability and Comfort - 2005 GMC Yukon
  By Randy - February 8 - 2:12 am

  This vehicle is the best bang for its buck. The Denali has the most to offer for the larger SUV without feeling that floaty truck feeling.Has the most horsepower in its class,standard options are fulltime AWD,a great Bose 7CD system,heated front and rear seats, overhead rear climate control, XM satellite radio, OnStar, traction stableization system and by far the most comfortable seats of all the SUVS There are many other complements and I can rattle on with all of the performance and comfort options but if you are in the market for a great SUV and you dont want to compromise on performance, the Denali is it miles above the competition. Take one for a spin, get on the highway and youll see