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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  Great Fun to Drive Total Enjoyment - 2004 GMC Yukon
  By PCB4ME - December 18 - 10:02 pm

  I have driven sports cars and sedans and this has to be one of the best built and best riding vehicles I have driven. The heated leather seats have been great during the cold winter mornings. The Bose audio system is pretty nice as well. The engine is strong and the vehicle has great towing ability and I am getting about 18mpg on the highway with the 5.3L V8

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  Job well done - 2005 GMC Envoy
  By mark - December 18 - 7:57 pm

  I came out of a 99 Mountaineer AWD 8 cyl which I loved. I was not thrilled with the changes Ford made. I find the Envoy more sturdy and has more creature comforts.

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  Near Perfect - 2008 GMC Sierra 1500
  By OD - December 18 - 12:06 am

  The absolute best truck on the market! Had my Sierra w/ All Terrain package for three weeks and at just under 3k miles, I couldnt be happier. Rides like a luxury car on the highway and an off-roader when needed. All Terrain package runs just under Denali as far as price but maintains more of the off- roader feel. Z71 package w/ 20" chrome wheels, 5.3 liter V8, 2-tone leather seating, & much more. I am getting 20 to 21 mpg on hwy & 17 city! Not bad for a larger V8 that really isnt meant for fuel effiency. Overall, best truck on the market after extensive checking and I couldnt be happier. If you are looking for a real deal with a great feel do not stop short of at least drinving one!

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  Good workhorse truck - 1999 GMC Sonoma
  By regandlou - December 17 - 10:37 pm

  Surprised at how reliable this truck was. The extended cab enabled us to carry personal items, snacks, etc.

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  Fun and good gas mileage - 2004 GMC Canyon
  By Jim Salern - December 17 - 7:58 pm

  General Motors should have made this truck ten years ago and scrap the Sonoma. This truck rides quiet and smooth. The steering is tight. The gas mileage is good. Since I got my truck, other people I know have bought on e too. I love the 5 cylinder engine. Although car magazines rate the new Tacoma and the Hondas new pick-up truck a higher rating, Ill probably buy another Canyon when this one gets old.

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  My Review - 2004 GMC Canyon
  By Blake - December 17 - 10:28 am

  A good truck, American made and used for light hauling, presonal use only. I receive compliments on this vehicle. I have the off road, not beeing used off road.

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  Excellent SUV - 1st Domestic in 15 years - 2006 GMC Envoy
  By Matt G. - December 16 - 10:29 pm

  This is the 1st Domestic SUV I have purchased in over 15 years. I am very satisfied so far. I was sold on the red tag promotion from GM. This SUV is powerful, comfortable, user friendly and has plently of features for the price. The satellite radio is great and the OnStar for a year was also a great selling point. I would definitely recommend this SUV.

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  One Tight Truck! - 1998 GMC Sonoma
  By Dave Lauber - December 15 - 4:38 pm

  This truck now has 118,000 miles on it. I bought it used when it had about 30,000 miles, and today it drives exactly the same as the day I bought it. I am a heavy driver, and I beat the living daylights out of this truck. I use it to haul heavy musical gear every weekend for shows approx. 200 miles round trip! The back is usually loaded to the hilt, and even with the 4-banger, I can hardly notice its loaded. I have (in 5 years) replaced the serp. belt, radiator and drive-train control module. Everything else is original, and it looks new/used.

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  05 Denali - 2005 GMC Yukon XL
  By SUV Mother - December 15 - 9:06 am

  The Denali XL has a very smooth ride. It has a great turning radius. Handles well in the snow. The engine is very quiet. Would like more gas mileage. The brakes are lasting a lot longer than my Toyota Sequioa brakes. Plenty of room for car pooling. Would recommend a change in where the CD player is (my purse is always changing the CDs) and a larger console compartment. Which should include a slot for pennies, not just other change. The covers for the cup holders are touch - very frustrating because everytime you touch them or set anything on them, they open. There are a couple of cubbies that have not use. Also, Im disappoited that the finish on the console rubs off so easily

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  Family 4 life - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By Carol Moreau - December 14 - 3:37 pm

  This has been an awesome family vehicle. With young children and activities this made the best SUV for school carpools, Volleyball tournaments, softball, parties and roadtrips. Now that my kids are all teenagers, it makes a safe ride for newbie drivers. Also great for hauling my son to and from to college.