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:

• 

  Excellent Buy - 2007 GMC Sierra 1500
  By docknow - March 14 - 12:33 am

  My last truck was a 1997 F-150 4wd extended cab and it was the best riding truck that I have ridden in including Chev and GMC and it had 187,000 with NO problems. I purchased thw 2007 1500 Sierra in April 2008 and I could not have made a better decision. This crew cab rides and handles like a sports car, it has the Z71 package which is too firm in some situations but excellent in others. I have recommended this truck to many of my friends who are Ford and Dodge lovers, three have swithed and are very happy.

• 

  This Truck Is A Winner - 2009 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Clinton - March 7 - 9:20 am

  I traded a 1997 Sierra with 215,000 miles for an 2009 Sierra 4WD Z-71 crew cab after a search of every make out there. I should have went straight to the GMC dealer as I have not been disappointed. This truck rides/handles like a car, gets great mileage (avg 17.1 in mixed driving) and is loaded for comfort. I have had two issues addressed by dealer, rubbing noise on drivers door and rattle in drivers seat belt system. Both fixed on first visit. This is not the least expensive truck out there, but the looks, fit, finish and quality makes it a winner.

• 

  GMC Sierra - 2003 GMC Sierra 2500HD
  By myoder - March 1 - 5:03 am

  Best pickup I have ever owned, plenty of power and is very comfortable

• 

  My new Terrain - 2010 GMC Terrain
  By Paul - March 1 - 4:23 am

  I bought this vehicle after almost 2 YEARS of looking because it met all my needs: good commuter/economic mpg, useful storage/carrying ability, great looks, great features, great price, comfortable and solid. I paid $28K for an SLT-2 and Im really enjoying this vehicle. I enjoy both the exterior and interior.

• 

  Best of the best - 2003 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Tyler - February 28 - 4:23 pm

  I just recntly purchased my 2003 gmc sierra z71. I am truly amazed with the truck it has great power along with gread gas milage of a full sized truck. my frien has a 2002 ford f-150 4x4 and does good to get 12 mpg with conservative driving... he is now convienced to but a gm i dont blame him, i tip my hat to gm .. great job!

• 

  It aint General Motors Crap anymore! - 2002 GMC Yukon XL
  By MAGICBUS - February 28 - 10:00 am

  This vehicle is perfect for my lifestyle. It has had no more problems than my BMW and the Dealership has been very good. This is my third Yukon! I would definately recommend, but I am tired of seeing so many.

• 

  Got Heavy? - 2007 GMC Sierra 1500
  By john claeys - February 27 - 8:00 pm

  OK, so it is a full-sized pick up. but does it have to be so heavy? "Drives like a car", I dont think so..unless youre referring to a 56 Buick! This truck has heavy steering and an unpleasant oversteer, I have to actually drive it out of turns. I have noticeable brake fade coming down the mountain. I have tried to drive with the perverbial "egg under my foot" and have managed a whopping 15mpg combined driving...far less than Ive heard others tout.

• 

  amazing truck!!! - 2004 GMC Sierra 1500
  By cdr1991 - February 25 - 4:30 pm

  My dad had originally bout this truck, it was the first 04 in Alaska at the time. He used it to comute 60 miles away for about 3 years, then I used it to drive to school about 30 miles away. Not once has this truck not started, even at -40 it started right up. Not once has it ever had any Major problem. Only mat. That has been done is oi change and brake pads. It is the best truck that my dad or I have ever owned. I am currently at 163,200 miles! Still defect free. My brother as well bought one of the same year since he liked mine so much, and he has the same thoughs about it. It is a amazing truck

• 

  SLT 2 - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By Sanford Scholton - February 24 - 10:40 pm

  Great car. 2000 miles on it so far. Seats 7 very comfortably. Good if not great power. Gotten 25 mpg at 70 mph. Lots of attention to detail. Interior is very nice and comfortable. GMC has a real winner

• 

  gmc crew cab - 2002 GMC Sierra 3500
  By marmcn - February 22 - 10:00 am

  awesome power with the turbodiesel and the cummins transmission. can pull the anchor(boat) with the camper up cascade passes and still pass empty powerstrokes