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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  Almost perfect - 2007 GMC Sierra 1500
  By WORK TRUCK - February 7 - 5:33 am

  My only complaint with this truck is the transmission. The transmission does not down shift right when you make low speed turns. I have gotten as high as 21 mpg on the highway with a few mods. I have installed cold air, programmer, and exhaust. My daily driving average is about 16 1/2 mpg.

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  The Best SUV I Have Ever Driven! - 2007 GMC Yukon
  By Brandon Bauer - February 6 - 7:16 pm

  This Yukon is amazing! The ride and handling is as smooth and responsive as most luxury cars I have owned. The interior is unlike any GM has put out there yet - certainly better than I expected for a $35,000 SUV. It is almost too quiet - could use some more volume from its Bose stereo system.

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  I Love My Jimmy!! - 1996 GMC Jimmy
  By Britt - February 6 - 2:41 pm

  I love my Jimmy. When I get enough money I want to get an SUV just like it. Maybe a newer Jimmy with not as many miles. I love the ride and the comfort. It doesnt feel big, bulky, or boxy like an Explorer.

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  Great vehicle - 2006 GMC Yukon
  By chevy truck man - February 6 - 12:54 am

  Our 2006 Chevy Tahoe is a great vehicle. It is roomy, rides comfortably, has plenty of performance. It is the best vehicle we have had. Even better than our 1999 Surburan, thats hard to beat.

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  03 Yukon XL - 2003 GMC Yukon XL
  By Kerry - February 4 - 10:46 pm

  Rides very well. 5.3 is slightly lacking in power, but good enough to tow a 3000 lb boat. Only problem has been tire wear due to previous owner not rotating tires. According to our tire dealer, these wear tires very quickly if not rotated every 6k miles. My wife gets 18 mpg on the highway and 15 in town. I get 16.5 on the highway. Overall, very satisfied.

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  Jimmy - 2001 GMC Jimmy
  By bat nedo - February 4 - 10:23 pm

  I bought this GMC Jimmy RWD with manual transmition. Very powerful for its size and also very quick. The 4.3L engine competes very well with many cars and I personaly am very impressed with it. The only thing I dont like about it is that the panels make some noises when going through bumps but I dont mind that.

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  Canyon z71 crew 4x4 - 2005 GMC Canyon
  By CrazyEyez - February 4 - 6:03 pm

  I just got the truck in October already has 4110 miles on it and I got it with 88 miles on it. Fuel mileage really stunk at first, but as with other owners I’ve talked to, it’s getting better as it breaks in some more. The ride is pretty good, though it is stiff being that mine is the 4x4 z-71. Handling is pretty good for a truck. The inline-5 motor has plenty of power, but it lacks in a good strong sound. The engine, though more powerful then the old 4.3L v-6, doesn’t sound as powerful as the v-6. I drove a 4.3L powered 2000 Blazer 4x4 4door, and I am missing that extra 25lb-ft of torque that the 4.3L has over the inline-5. And though I haven’t had a chance to, 4wd seems pretty strong.

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  Engineered to be a True Crossover - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By sbestmann - February 4 - 10:13 am

  Changed from a H2 to this crossover. GMC listened to the consumer! A lot of storage comparments, sliding center armrest, well positioned cup holders, electric liftgate etc. The leather seats are very comfortable. Steering is height adjustable and telescopic. Very large rear doors allow for very easy entry to the rear seats. Driving this car is a blast. The interior is very luxurious and quiet. I highly recommed the HUD. Airbags everywhere! Sliding/reclining second row captain seats are awesome. You sit down to take command in this crossover and everything just feels right. It has a very attractive instument cluster. The exterior is very appealing. Go take a look! We love it!

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  The Yukon Experience - 2003 GMC Yukon XL
  By slick - February 1 - 2:00 am

  The Yukon xl is an awesome vehichle. It has power yet looks awesome and rides like a dream. I hauled three kids and a wife pulling a sixteen foot flatbed from mccomb ms. to mobile alabama last weekend and it was an awesome tripin the yukon xl.

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  my story - 2001 GMC Yukon XL
  By sue smith - February 1 - 2:00 am

  at first the vehicle was supurb. after time and almost three years later the little things are starting to fall apart. From the beginning I have had to have most everything replaced from the seatbelts to rear wiper hose. I was very upset since this was a vrand new very expensive vehicle.