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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  like/love it - 2003 GMC Yukon XL
  By riz - January 1 - 10:00 am

  Had two problems within 6 months...the 4x4 went and gear box had to be replaced as well as the pwr box in the seat, controls the power seats and heater. Otherwise, love it. Avg. mileage is 14, not bad. Love the cargo room! 3rd row is heavy but can be handled by one man and comes out easily. I am 6 and could use more leg room. Captain chair arm rest is too close to body to lay comfortably. This new design is not smart. Have added bull bars for a great look better buy than the Navigator and Expedition.

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  One Great Truck - 2005 GMC Envoy
  By bmarkdc - December 31 - 10:58 pm

  I bought my truck in June 2005 and absolutely love it. The power is great the styling is sharp and the quality is impressive. A week after I bought it, I was sideswiped by a semi. The crash protection is amazing. The truck stood up very well and had I been in my old Camry not sure what would have happened.

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  Denali king of the road - 2006 GMC Yukon
  By PMM - December 31 - 7:01 pm

  After growing out of a BMX X5 the Denali has quickly become the household favorite. Plenty of room, handles very well and gets moving when you want it to. Tried the Z71 and it failed miserably compared to the Denali. We also bought the vehicle with the 20 inch rimms and it is terrific on the highway. Over 70 mph it lumbers in regards to the handling but we love this truck. Navigation is good but Magellan Roadmate is a much better option so if you want to save money skip the Nav package and get the Roadmate. Well crafted vehicle.

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  The Jimmy that could... - 1997 GMC Jimmy
  By HellHound - December 31 - 4:31 am

  As a former GMC mechanic turned US Marine, I know these trucks better then most. Being stationed in N.C. it sees all types of miles and weather. It has yet to fail me. I read most of these complaints and all I see is poor owner maintence. The only major problem I ever had with the truck is I spun a main bearing while pulling a much larger F-250 out of 1ft. of mud. But my little GMC did it with out hesitation. $400 in parts, no biggie! The power these trucks create and off- road abbility is mached by very few in there class. The engine is relible, strong,and decent on gas. I have 6 friends with the same truck who have never had a problem. Take care of this truck and it wont let you down.

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  Corvette SUV - 2006 GMC Yukon
  By nwwriter - December 31 - 1:11 am

  Excellent SUV for the price. If you are looking for a luxury SUV to provide the best performance, handling, comfort, cargo capacity, amentities, technology, reliability, then this is the SUV to purchase. In addition, 0% financing and excellent prices. Tested MANY SUVs and the only other to beat this one out is the Toyota Land Cruiser/Lexus 450 but much pricier and Toyota salespeople are terrible to deal with.

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  Canyon a Great ride - 2005 GMC Canyon
  By Greg - December 31 - 12:32 am

  This is my 6th compact truck and by far the best. My last was a Japanese brand- mistake. Interior convenience is so much better and the seat material so much more durable. I have a low end version with 4 cyl and auto, the power is suprising and I still get 16 mpg around town.

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  Pleased - 2002 GMC Sierra 2500HD
  By Gary - December 30 - 6:36 am

  We enjoy our 2500K HD Diesel powered truck except the cloth seats (front) are not comfortable on long runs. We are of average weight and find ourselves having to stop frequently. The seat become flat and loose cushion after being seated for short lengths of time. Order leather bucket if you can.

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  Bold -- Right for the times - 2010 GMC Terrain
  By Clayt - December 30 - 12:16 am

  I did tons of research on all competitors for at least four months before my Envoy lease was up. Drove them all and settled on purchasing (owning)the Terrain. I chose the AWD 4cyl leather seats SLT-1 model. More bang for the buck. Good gas mileage and very comfortable interior.All the Tech stuff is neat. I love the bold/mean exterior look. The vehicle has swagger! My hats off to GMC for building top quality into their vehicles now. I rate the car a No.10. Fit and finish good. The only thing I dont get is why with all the tech stuff built in why GM didnt include a garage door opener. Doesnt make sense. Other than that the SUV is a perfect fit for me.

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  Good Mid-sized Truck - 2005 GMC Canyon
  By RSWARD - December 29 - 3:50 pm

  Very happy with the truck. Like the I5 engine, good acceleration, fun to drive, gas mileage is around 17 (city). Get compliments on the vehicle. Would have liked a better turning radius. Interior plain and simple. Otherwise very happy with the truck and got a good deal on it with all the rebates.

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  Great - 2004 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Joseph skii - December 26 - 10:00 am

  Love it. Has most everything I want. Enjoy to drive with power I need.