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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  05 GMC 2500HD Duramax/ZF-6 Manual - 2005 GMC Sierra 2500HD
  By ~jc~ - June 24 - 10:50 am

  I enjoy this truck. The diesel has a lot of pep. The manual trans. is nice after getting a feel for it. The build quality for my W/T is less than desired. Handling is excellent for a truck this size. Ride is smooth. It has some design faults (ex: windshield wipers rise only about 3" from glass, pain to work on) and penny pinching faults (ex: no sun tint on top of windshield). All in all, I recommend.

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  This Car Kicks Butt - 2004 GMC Yukon XL
  By Cooper Young - June 23 - 2:00 am

  My wife was concerned about driving a "bigger" car. Shes always driven Volkswagens. She LOVED driving this car (we actually started out with the Yukon Denali and then bought the Yukon XL Denali.). Dont get me wrong, its a truck - its got the power of a truck and the size of a truck, but it is one, great luxury car.

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  Love my new SUV - 2004 GMC Yukon
  By Honey Cone - June 23 - 2:00 am

  I love my new GMC Yukon, Denali 2004. The word Denali, means "GREAT ONE" and that is what I have. I traded in my 1999, Toyota, Landcruiser, (my second) and was very hesitant about purchasing anything else. I made the right choice! My gas mileage is better than my toyota and is better than the sticker mileage and any review that I read. I am now sold on GMC. This is a GREAT suv in every way!

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  The best truck I have had - 1999 GMC Sierra Classic 1500
  By Scott Thornton - June 21 - 10:00 am

  I bought this truck for the price I got on it. I have not been dissapointed. It only has the 305 automatic so when I put my travel trailer (750 pound tounge, 10000 actual)it is a bit sluggish and it kills the gas milage. I have added a freer flowing exhaust and air filter and routinly get 17 mpg city and 25 on the road. I baby it though. The looks are spot on for me and my son plans on buying the truck from me in a few years. If you get a good deal on one of these trucks GET IT!! you wont regret it

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  3 Months and 4,500 Miles later... - 2007 GMC Sierra 1500
  By blharris77 - June 17 - 2:43 pm

  Overall Ive been very pleased with my 2007 GMC Sierra SLT Z71 4X4 5.3 liter. Drives straight and true with a very tight feel. Steering is very responsive, exhaust tone is just aggressive enough but not annoying. With the Z71 suspension the ride is a little rough but that is to be expected. A friend has the handling suspension and his rides much better (but mine looks better!) Only complaint is the transmission seems to hesitate between 1st and 2nd if youve been slowing down (as approaching a stop light) and then attempt to accelerate without coming to a complete stop first (like when the light turns green before you get there). Also noticed the brakes squeal sometimes.

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  2007 GMC Sierra Classic Z71 - 2007 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Robert Okray - June 15 - 9:46 am

  My last truck was a Chevy and ran 250k. My Gmc has 90k and runs like new. Dont be cheap, get the SLT. All the goodies are awesome.

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  2007 GMC Sierra Classic Z71 - 2007 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Robert Okray - June 15 - 9:46 am

  My last truck was a Chevy and ran 250k. My Gmc has 90k and runs like new. Dont be cheap, get the SLT. All the goodies are awesome.

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  2nd GM car And love It! - 2006 GMC Yukon XL
  By poneill466 - June 12 - 11:53 pm

  I bought this 2006 GMC Denali back in September as a Certifed GMC. So far everything has been great no complaints. I have to disagree on what people have say about the gas. You dont buy a 5000 pound car for fuel economy. I avg 14.8 around town and 19.7 hwy. Love my car! Will buy another one

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  I love this car - 2003 GMC Envoy
  By muycutie - June 9 - 2:00 am

  The ride is incredibly smooth and quiet. Its the perfect height, not too high but sits up just enough. Its very comfortable as well.

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  The Best Vehicle GM Makes - 2010 GMC Terrain
  By Pat - June 7 - 8:06 pm

  I have owned this vehicle 3 months and have 5000 miles on it. NOT ONE THING has gone wrong with it! Everything works as advertised. I have not seen the dealer for anything. The sound system is truly incredible. I love the XM radio. I got 34 mpg on a recent highway trip. I love the backup camera and the bluetooth.