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:

• 

  Power at a price - 2004 GMC Yukon
  By notaconservationist - February 1 - 2:00 am

  Wow this car is comfy. Gas mileage is something to be desired. I dont know why you need AWD for highway driving - maybe they should offer a 2WD Denali.

• 

  body frame rust very bad - 2006 GMC Canyon
  By jorge - January 29 - 4:44 pm

  body frame rust really bad my is a 2006 and is really rusty cheap material

• 

  Excellent Balance - 2002 GMC Envoy
  By jackjrp - January 29 - 2:00 am

  Not perfect but it dusts the competition. Especially quiet at cruise and a ride that equals/exceeds all competition. Inline six has a nice sound but not as wonderful as all the magazines portend...again, though, better than the competition (though not up to BMW standards).

• 

  2010 Sierra 5.3 v8 reg cab short-box - 2010 GMC Sierra 1500
  By tommy - January 29 - 2:00 am

  Note that I bought a rare configuration: 5.3 V8 in a SLE short box reg cab with Z60 sport suspension (this web site did not allow me to select this description). Traded a Silverado WT 4.3 V6 SB for this one. what a difference in ride, quietness and power. This truck is a rocket and is more maneuverable than my old long box.

• 

  I love my Black Beauty - 2004 GMC Yukon
  By sammy d - January 28 - 8:55 pm

  It is the greatest truck I have had. I had a 1995 Chevy Tahoe, I would never buy another one, although the gas is not the greatest, the interior is great and the truck is quick considering it weighs just over 5,000 lbs. All in All I love my 2004 Denali, and would never trade it for anything, except maybe a new Denali.

• 

  04 GMC Canyon Crew Cab 4wd - 2004 GMC Canyon
  By dwnszer - January 28 - 4:13 pm

  Pretty much what I expected. Had only one problem. Front end was aligned wrong which caused premature wear of the front tires at 17500 miles. Dealer replaced tires and realligned quickly. I have the crew cab with four wheel drive. Works good in our snow filled winters. Rides very smoothly gas mileage not as good as I had hoped.

• 

  Justins Jimmy - 1999 GMC Jimmy
  By Justin - January 28 - 3:43 pm

  Reliable, good gas mileage, excellent repair record, comfortable ride, minimum maintenance required, sound system good quality.

• 

  Great Family Transportation - 2016 GMC Yukon XL
  By Randy Schaeffer - January 28 - 12:24 am

  This is my sixth Yukon/Suburban. This one is light years ahead of the previous versions.

• 

  Good workhorse - 2001 GMC Jimmy
  By capelt - January 26 - 8:24 pm

  I have been exceedingly satisfied with my Jimmy, having pushed it a bit further than most city dwellers might. It has hauled heavy loads cross-country more than once, and has performed almost as well as a full size truck (and coming from a ranching family, I know trucks). I have been a little disappointed at some of the electrical problems with the gauges. That said, I enjoy driving this truck very much, and it has responded well to every curve Ive thrown it, from rural snow drifts in Maryland, to rocky ranchland in central Texas. Its not a glamorous vehicle, but its a workhorse in true GMC fashion, and I plan to keep my truck for a long time to come.

• 

  Nice Little Truck - 2005 GMC Canyon
  By Phil - January 26 - 5:53 am

  Overall, a good light-duty truck and I am happy with it. Fuel ecomony is about what the EPA said it would be (23MPG Hwy / 19MPG City). Fun to drive and the I-5 engine with the 3.42 rear end is peppy enough for everyday driving, but the cruise downshifts if you are climbing any significant grade at all - and rather abruptly! Cruise set on 65MPH will indicate 1750 RPM. No mechanical problems so far (6300 mi). I ordered it with leather seats & most of the available toys. No squeaks or rattles and the body is very tight. A good little truck for todays high gas prices!