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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  THE Large SUV to own!!! - 2004 GMC Yukon
  By GjB - November 1 - 2:00 am

  I LOVE this vehicle. The only downside is the city gas mileage, particularly since the gas prices are up right now. Other than that, we chose this vehicle over the FORD expecition and the Lincoln Navigator because of its exceptional power and clean interior styling. It is also a bit pricey, but we plan to keep it until the wheels fall off!

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  Awesome Denali - 2005 GMC Yukon
  By Bronco4me - October 30 - 8:09 pm

  We looked at Escalades, Navigators, Excursions, Expeditions, Tahoes, etc. but really liked the Yukon Denali the best overall.Excellent horsepower, fair fuel milege, very comfortable seating for a family of 4 and gear. If you have the need for more than four then you better get the XL or you will be disappointed.

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  Third Astro or Safari/love them all - 2003 GMC Safari
  By lobo55 - October 30 - 5:40 pm

  Since I realize that they are built on a truck body, I have no disappointments with the ride. They are quality built and can tow my large Coleman pop-up camper anywhere in the country, including the Rocky mountains. My other two had well over 200,000 miles with very little maintenance and I am confident that this one will be just as satisfying

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  GMCs Hot Truck is still a truck - 2002 GMC Sierra 1500
  By silky - October 29 - 9:40 am

  Wants: A vehicle to haul stuff and still be sporty. GMCs Sierra 1500 with the HT package seemed a good bet. A 4.8 liter 270 hp motor, auto trans and heavy duty suspension. After 8k miles Im disappointed. The engine lacks low end torque often shifting in first gear to pass or merge with authority. The ride is choppy on the freeway and gas mileage is poor, best 15mpg.

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  Beautiful Ride - 2002 GMC Envoy
  By Spratke - October 28 - 11:10 am

  Enjoy each time I step in and turn the key.

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  Its been good... few flaws - 2000 GMC Jimmy
  By Bin Good - October 27 - 3:38 pm

  I purchased my Jimmy brand new, and have enjoyed it so far. The leather seats are super comfortable, and it has a good ride. So far, most things have worked. The defects Ive experienced are the battery and the turn signal switch. The factory battery was defective, and to make a long story short, Im on my third battery!! Acid leaked out of the other two. I cant really blame Jimmy for that... After 91,000 miles, my turn signal switch has gone out (I think) there is a blinking noise eventhough the blinkers arent on.

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  Love New Canyon - 2006 GMC Canyon
  By Jill - October 27 - 3:02 pm

  I used to drive a Dodge Ram 1500 at 15 MPG or less. Since even the Dakota gets only about 17 MPG and I needed a truck, I test drove the GMC Canyon. I have a 5 cycl, automatic, with FWD. I just love it!!! Best truck I have owned in the compact category. Gas mileage is anywhere from 20 MPG to 25 depending on my payload, wind...etc. This truck handles sssoooo much better than the Dodge Ram did and I really like Dodge products. Interior may not be as fancy as Dodge but I can live with it.

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  GMC (Grand Mas Chariot) - 2001 GMC Sierra 1500
  By bfrano - October 26 - 5:23 am

  Have driven on different vacations R/T East - West, North - South. Each time the grandkids were present and traveled comfortably. A good feature is that on "Antiqueing" trips, I can purchase an item and not have to worry about the cost of freighting the items. Recently, I test drove a Tahoe, Yukon, and and an Expedition because I needed a set of step sides/running boards. Afterwards, I decided to keep my GMC truck and buy the accessories.

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  1% Customer - 2001 GMC Sierra 2500HD
  By PhlatOut - October 25 - 10:00 am

  This truck drives like a half-ton and works like a one-ton. For its size it is remarkably easy to drive. The seats are very comfortable, even on long trips (bucket seats w/console). For a 6.0 liter 3/4 ton truck I have gotten good gas mileage most of the time (14mpg mixed driving, 17mpg peak highway).

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  Very Comfy - Nothing but Problems - 2002 GMC Yukon XL
  By - October 25 - 10:00 am

  This vehicle has been in the dealership for repairs 4 times already, and is about to go in a fifth time. The On- Star wouldnt work (2 times in), and on several ocassions the truck would not start. The first two times in for this problem they couldnt find a problem. They have just replaced the fuel pump and ignition switch and hopefully, that will work. The day after picking it up from this work, the rear speakers went out and at the same time the service engine soon light lit up!!!