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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  I love it anyway - 1996 GMC Yukon
  By Betsy - December 12 - 2:03 am

  Bought my truck new 9 1/2 years ago... now has 148,000 miles on it... Up until this year, had very few repairs, but this year, I have replaced brakes, alternator, battery and the fuel pump twice. Just spent $1300 to get rid of a "Service engine soon" light, and I still have the light... So I get my 2nd fuel pump this week. Other than that, I love my truck, but feel it may not be as reliable as Id like... May need to buy new. It also eats a ton of gas!

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  Rays 2004 Sierra Sle 4wd - 2004 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Ray #3 - December 9 - 10:00 am

  This gmc sierra is a totally great truck.Its fun to drive a great performer overall..would highly recommend it to anyone

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  Ill only buy Duramax - 2001 GMC Sierra 2500HD
  By Max-This - December 8 - 11:50 am

  This is by far the greatest and most comfortable truck ever made. And if power and performance are what you want then this is the truck for you. The only trouble I had was with the injectors and luckily they were covered by the LB7s extended 7year/200,000mile warranty. Other than that I have never had trouble with this truck. Plus the aftermarket for Duramaxs is so wide open to your imagination.

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  4 years w/my Jimmy - 1994 GMC Jimmy
  By Gal-a-van-tin - December 6 - 3:27 pm

  When I bought my Jimmy, it had 68K on it and lots of surface rust. I had that removed and now it needs it again. I like the interior except, would like a movable console between seats for extra space. I bought it for the 4WD feature to feel more secure in bad weather. Also, I wanted to do lots of road trips and camp out of the car. This is great! A twin-size mattress fits in the back comfortably and I can go almost anywhere with it. The engine has been very reliable and my mechanic says I should have no problem getting another 50,000 miles out of it. I have had basic repairs and maintenance, but nothing out of the ordinary, $100- $300/yr. I would change a few things with the design.

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  GM Makes Great Trucks! - 2009 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Kevin - December 4 - 10:40 pm

  Was looking at Tacoma (dont need a big truck) extended cab & test drove one for the weekend, and I have to say the GMC blows it away for build quality, ergonomics, power, and gets nearly the same mileage. I guess the large size can be a minor inconvenience but the Sierra is so much better than any smaller truck, I opted for full size. Get the power folding side mirrors! Small things like touching the turn signal, and it blinks three times for easy lane changes, power seats for driver/passenger, options for interior lights, door locking, etc. The Sierra makes me believe GM really knows how to design & deliver a fantastic vehicle, which gives me confidence theyll be around a long time.

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  Very Comfortable. A joy to drive. - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By GAR - December 4 - 9:50 am

  This vehicle is very comfortable and is fun to drive. The feel of the road and the handling is fantastic. I just cannot believe it is a 5000 lb vehicle. The gas mileage is good and the performance is better than I expected for the weight. I am impressed with how quickly it will move when I need it to. The shifting is smooth as silk and I continually am amazed at how quiet the interior is. GM did a great job on this one!

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  GMC Yukon - 2005 GMC Yukon
  By Jason - December 1 - 9:05 pm

  Overal, a very enjoyable SUV. Very reliable the first year I have owned. Would definitely buy another GMC Yukon again.

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  My third Denali but not my last - 2005 GMC Yukon
  By Wilich - December 1 - 8:21 pm

  I have owned just about every luxury SUV auto available, including Mercedes, and the GMC Yukon Denali is far and away the best SUV vehicle I have driven. The quality gets better every year it seems too, despite a high level each year. My only "wish" would be that it would have selectable AWD vs. 2Wheel drive.

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  2005 Envoy Denali - 2005 GMC Envoy
  By Theroider - November 30 - 9:32 pm

  Drives like a dream. Solid ride. Extremely quiet at cruising speed. Very agile to maneuver. My wife, who never thought she would care for a truck, now only drives the TRUCK! I cannot get her out of it. It is extremely stylish and not very common on the road (Denali version). Interior design is exceptional. Its not typical GM plastic on top of fake wood. There is actually real wood on the steering wheel. Nice touch!

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  Proffessional truck!!!! - 2003 GMC Sierra 3500
  By truckinisfun - November 30 - 2:00 am

  I love the tramendous performance of my sierra at a ropping 325hp and 370foot lbs. of tourque.I also love the way it steers with my camper hooeked to the back,anyone who likes trucks should deffinetly at least check it out.