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:

• 

  Why an Escalade when you have a Denali! - 2004 GMC Yukon
  By Denaliondubs - September 16 - 2:00 am

  I love my Denali, it is the best SUV I ever had and when choosing between an Expedition, Escalade, and the Denali the Denali just was more for me. A better ride than the escalade and a cleaner look then the Expedition it wasnt a hard decision. Only thing I wish GM had did was to make it come with wood on the steering wheel like the Escalade. Other than that GMC makes some awsome trucks!

• 

  The Best Mid Size SUV - 2004 GMC Envoy
  By Shakira - September 16 - 2:00 am

  I am very happy with my suv. However, I do have aleak in the front passenger side of the car. Whenever it rains water leaks into my car! I also had to take it in afeter only 2 months. The heat off switch had t be replaced. Otherwise I love my vehical!

• 

  Awesome Truck! - 2002 GMC Sierra 1500
  By rawannam - September 15 - 10:06 am

  I have no idea why GMC cancelled the Quadrasteer but I hope they bring it back by time Im in the market for my next truck! Its an amazing truck, drives like a car, and you would have no idea its as big as it is being that its so nimble. Would highly recomend this truck!

• 

  Love It! - 2009 GMC Yukon XL
  By PeakLover - September 15 - 6:50 am

  I recently traded in my 2001 Yukon XL Denali (which I really enjoyed) for a 2009, because I wanted the latest safety features (side air bags, stability control, and digital OnStar). This Denali is well-made (thanks, American auto-workers!) and has many new features (such as rain- sensing blades). Yes, I know it doesnt get the politically-correct mileage (14 in town/17 highway) but at least now Ive consolidated down to only one vehicle. I bought now because I assume the now-Government owned GM would force fuel-savings changes into the design that consumers dont want (e.g., no more spare tires).

• 

  Careful driving at NIGHT - 2017 GMC Acadia
  By Thomas Santoro - September 10 - 10:10 pm

  I bought this vehicle after one test drive. I was pretty much sold on the 2017 Honda Pilot. The new 2017 Acadia changed my mind quickly. I never expected one vehicle would satisfy me like this. HOWEVER, driving at night was a different story. Horrible! I cannot believe "Professional Grade" would illuminate the road so poorly. Maybe, a recall is in order. I do not do much driving at night, BUT I would expect the lighting would match the rest of the vehicle.

• 

  i trust this vehicle - 2003 GMC Yukon XL
  By Mohamed - September 7 - 10:03 pm

  best suv, better than all ford suvs

• 

  My new GMC Sierra SLT Vortec Max Crew cb - 2007 GMC Sierra 1500
  By 1sttimetruck owner - September 7 - 4:30 am

  I just bought my truck a few days ago. I got the vortec max SLT. I was worried about such a big engine and fuel economy (6.0 liter) but when under moderate excelleration or on the highway it only uses 4 cylinders giving it better mileage than my mini-van that I traded in on it. It is very comfortable and the fit and finish of the leather and brushed aluminum trim competes with a Mercedes or BMW. The new design is way ahead of anything else I have seen on the road, when people see it they cant help but notice its size and intmidating looks. Yes I also got it because I have neer owned anything but a GM automobile, but after driving it around I know I made the right choice.

• 

  BUY AMERICA - 2004 GMC Sierra 1500
  By GATOR3434 - September 5 - 10:00 am

  GREAT TRUCK, 10 TIMES BETTER THAN ANY FOREIN TRUCK

• 

  No Comparison - 2003 GMC Yukon XL
  By imi003 - August 28 - 2:00 am

  Still a great value vs overpriced Escalade ESV without the obnoxious front end. Unparalleled acceleration and handling for a 3 ton machine. Mileage may be bad relative to small SUVs, but quite good considering the performance and weight. Compare mileage to Excursion. My old Ford averaged just 8.5 MPG. Denali XL looks just as good at the club as it does pulling a 7000 pound trailer. Excursion just looks obese.

• 

  Great Truck! - 2002 GMC Sierra 1500
  By dnlintl - August 23 - 10:00 am

  Bought the truck as a family vehicle for the wife an 2 kids. Plenty of room for every one. I would have preferred the crew cab version if they werent so dang expensive!