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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  God Bless Them Yukons - 1996 GMC Yukon
  By sugadashane - December 26 - 6:44 am

  I have a 96 Yukon and I just bought it about a week ago, a long time Chevy/GMC fan I just love this truck. It has a 6 inch lift and is chipped and ram aired to get me 350hp on the dyno. Truly not a force to be messed with. Will go through anything anytime anywhere.

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  Is it Montana tough? - 2014 GMC Sierra 2500HD
  By awenaw - December 25 - 9:19 am

  Just bought a 2014 GMC 2500 Duramax with z71 off road package 3 weeks ago, currently has a little over 2000 miles. Went huntin two days ago in a couple feet of snow and while crawling in 4lo up an old logging road I managed to twist the mounts on the front drive axle, destroyed the axle seal, broke the universal joints on the front drive line and cracked the transfer case. The truck just has so much torque at low rpm its unbelievable. Love the Duramax/Allison combo but I seemed to have found a weak spot GM didnt find during testing. The ifs as well as everything behind the t-case stayed true and held strong but the 4x4 components failed under very little stress and throttle input.

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  Greatly Improved - 2006 GMC Envoy
  By Anonymous - December 24 - 7:23 pm

  I traded in an 04 Envoy XUV. This Envoy Denali is so much better. With a few improvements this could easily compete with any luxury SUV on the market. Even though this is considered a Mid-Size SUV, it is still quite large. Gas mileage is actually slightly better with the V8 than the 6 cylinder because of the Displacement On Demand (rated at 16 city – 22 hwy). I don’t understand why people complain about gas mileage. They should buy a small compact SUV. With the air compressor you can put air in your own tires. Its smooth riding with the Luxury Ride Bilstein Shocks and quieter with added sound proofing. Color keyed assist steps are a nice touch. Compaired to an XL, this handles much better.

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  2007 Yukon XL Denali - 2007 GMC Yukon XL
  By JM - December 24 - 1:56 am

  Upgraded from a 2003 Envoy XL. Love the Denali model. Big truck, the 6.2l engine has a nice rumble to it. MPG is as you would think, about 12mpg. But hey, if you wanted 40mpg, go buy a Honda.

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  2008 4.3ltr Sierra W/T - 2008 GMC Sierra 1500
  By lvl477 - December 23 - 2:13 am

  This is my first new truck. I traded up from an 03 Malibu. I gotta say, if that car handled like this truck does Id still have it! Its like floating over country roads compaired to riding in a friends 08 Ram. But, you still get a solid amount of "feedback" (Enough to keep you interested in driving.) Its solidly manufactured, and gorgeous on the inside! My only complaints are 1) $800 extra if you get the DIC included? 2) Still no cabin air filter... maybe by 2010 and 3) Itty bitty headlamp bulbs...dont get me started on the factory Fog-lamps

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  GMC Tough - 2005 GMC Canyon
  By fatboy - December 22 - 4:43 pm

  So far this truck has been everything I thought it would be for a small 5cyl truck. It gets the small jobs done perfectly and is a lot less expensive than the Tacoma. It is also easy to change the oil and air filter. Nice room under the hood.

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  Great Value - 2005 GMC Envoy
  By Phillip - December 22 - 2:42 pm

  I looked at several SUVs including Grand Cherokee,Commander and Explorer, but for the money you can not beat the Envoy XL.The 3rd seat has more leg room than our old 99 Suburban.It drives great and for the money you get a whole lot more options.

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  NW Napper - 2002 GMC Yukon XL
  By NW Napper - December 20 - 2:00 am

  It has been all we wanted and more. We dont tow anything with it, but could tow 5 tons. It is more capable than anything else I have tested. Everybody gets out of your way. It gets about 12 mpg in town and 16 on the highway.

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  May be better choices - 2000 GMC Sierra 1500
  By RDJ0829 - December 20 - 2:00 am

  Overall disappointed. Replaced all brakes and rotors at 15000 miles. Dealer said dont drive enough. Never happened to my other cars with similar miles. New Battery after 2 years. Now a noise in steering?? I am not looking forward to the future years...

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  Phil & Mindy 6-07 - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By PhilMindy - December 19 - 9:16 pm

  We have enjoyed our Acadia and having over 1,000 miles we are ready for the road ahead. The engine noise a little noisy on heavy acceleration, the dash imperfection is anoying but I had the dealership take care of this. I could not have abuilt a better vehicle myself.