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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  Well Gone GMC ! - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By Brian - November 1 - 10:30 am

  My wife and I are expecting our first child and we looked at every SUV, CUV possible to find one that was reliable and safe for our new addition. As soon as we saw it on the lot, we were in love. Chrome accents against the black and white background made for a shapr looking vehicle. The ride is great and smooth. Engine is plenty powerful. Interior is nicely refined and very quiet. Rear legroom is unrivaled by any other vehicle. Rear sliding seat gives an extra 4 inches if needed for back seat passenger. Not badly priced either.

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  Great truck! - 2002 GMC Yukon XL
  By Veronica - October 31 - 7:32 pm

  It is the most comfortable vehicle I have ever been in. Its a 2002 and I dont feel like they make them the way they used to

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  Everyone rides with me! - 2003 GMC Yukon XL
  By football mom - October 30 - 4:33 am

  The great thing about our GMC YukonXL is we have room for the book bags, sports equipment bags, grocery and friends! We never have to tell someone we dont have room. However, we end up driving more than we would like to. We purchased this vehicle with 14,000 miles and the ride is wonderful. We previously bought Suburbans and the difference is unbelievable. The GMC is has a better ride and the interior and exterior appointments are much nicer. However, it rattles and squeaks a little more than I like. For all the comfort I turn the radio up. The kids can watch a DVD while we listen to XM radio. The GMC is the way to go!

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  My new Denali - 2004 GMC Yukon
  By Etrauda - October 29 - 2:00 am

  We bought this new GMC Denali on January 22, 2004. We have to homes to travel to being 400 miles apart from each other. When driving on the highway I believe the Denalis ride is 2nd to none as far as smoothness and comfort go. The more we drive it the more we love it.Three times back and forth from Mass. to Northern Maine in style, and it just keeps getting better.

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  GMC Denali - 2004 GMC Yukon
  By lz5sbv - October 29 - 2:00 am

  All around great vehicle. Interior upgrades for 2003 brought the vehicle to a much better quality level.

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  Loving my New Truck in CA - 2007 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Love this Truck - October 26 - 3:20 pm

  I have always wanted to own a truck. I had a mid-size sedan for a year and with two kids, I knew I needed more space. Went to check out the GMC Sierra and I fell in love with it the minute I saw it. I owned a Suburban before and I thought that ride was average. The Sierras ride is smoother; it feels more like a car ride. The gas mileage is not bad (what can you expect from a truck, right?). I recommend this truck to anybody who wishes to drive a nice looking truck.

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  ENVOY SLT REVIEW - 2003 GMC Envoy
  By LEFTY55 - October 22 - 10:00 am

  THIS VEHICLE IS ONE OF THE TOPS IN ITS CLASS THAT IVE SEEN SP FAR. THE TURNING RADIUS, THE HORSEPOWER, THE COMFORT, IT ALL ADDS UP TO "A+" IN THIS MANS EYES.

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  Going strong - 2009 GMC Sierra 1500
  By captaingood - October 15 - 9:00 pm

  original owner 2009 103,000 miles daily driver 100 miles every day to work and back. this truck has never let me down rain or snow i never miss work or anywhere i need to go.

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  Pleased - 2003 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Pop-pop - October 15 - 2:00 am

  I am pleased with this vehicle. Roomy and easy to get in and out of. Plenty of "inside" storage space (rear seats fold down for a huge platform). Plenty of power.

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  New Year New Truck/Great Truck Great Yr - 2006 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Darkcloud - October 10 - 7:40 am

  I picked up this truck on New Years Day. Have already driven over 250 miles. Power heated leather seats are very comfortable. Interior is luxjurious and instruments and gauges are well positioned, very readible for day and well illuminated for night driving. XM Satellite radio with Bose sound system is incredible comnbination that gives exceptional listening experience. Beautiful and functional interior styling. 4X4 has great handling on highway and very nimble in city traffic. Wind noise is almost imperceptable when driving at highway speeds. Park feature of power exterior passenger mirror makes parallel parking a full size truck as easy as parking an automobile. This is a well build truck.