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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  Love this truck - 2000 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Spanky - February 20 - 10:00 am

  Purchased brand new; 130,000 miles. Has performed exceptionally. I live in the desert and am used to problems with plastic pieces breaking; not so much with this truck. still looks like new after 10 years. Maintenance issues: Plastic retainer on tail gate latch (and cover that broke trying to access it) at 120,000 miles, Water pump (at 105,000 miles), fuels pump went bad around 40,000 miles (cause of bad gas) and dealer replaced (under warranty) with S-10 style pump. Caused many problems. Once I went to an independent repair shop, it got fixed right. Took 45 min to lower spare tire cause of warped plastic sleeve that jack handle goes into. Ave mpg 15-17 (including 70+++ mph to Vegas).

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  Nice Ride - 2002 GMC Yukon XL
  By Thomas Beck - February 8 - 10:00 am

  Great ride and handling but could use better brakes which work well but seem soft. Mileage exceeding window estimate and getting 17+ mpg on the road and 14 in town. Like driving a cruise ship on the road and surprising how nimble it is in the city considering the size. My fifth vehicle of this type and by far the best in every regard. People notice it too which is nice. Worth the extra price over the base model.

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  sweet truck - 2001 GMC Sierra 1500
  By tjones - February 8 - 10:00 am

  All the LS! based engines knock @ startup and seems to be less of an issue as miles add up/mine is 5.3 with towhaul opt.Smooth and tomb like quiet @ 80mph. 3:73 rearend pulls like crazy (I can pull my 245500lb boat and tandem trailer with ease. I had dealer send out and install leather in the 40/20/40 split seats(better leather than factory too. Ive driven trucks 35yrs/ Ford150/slverado1500s(the chevy never left me stranded in 200k/ford let me down @ 150k.So far,this is the best one I have ever owned. Try adding an extra quart of oil. 22mpg hiway beats the 12 and 14on the chev and ford.

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  Carried-over suv - 2003 GMC Yukon
  By pedorguze - February 8 - 10:00 am

  Yukon 02 owner. This 03 is a good carried-over from Yukon 02. That cant be better than current model. But as many said that GMC should do much up the customer services that should be provided well from its worldwide dealers from now.

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  best buy - 2002 GMC Envoy
  By budl - February 8 - 10:00 am

  Ihave driven Mercedes, Lexus, and Land Rover of simular trim level and quality and find none to do the job as well for the price. I have yet to see a 42,000 dollar lexus pull a 3 ton trailer!

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  100% truck - 1995 GMC Sierra 1500
  By tom galvin - February 6 - 5:13 am

  Had 1995 GMC ext cab Sierra truck for 2 yrs now and love it. Tows almost everything, strong, safe. Got in accident, no damage crushed other cars fender. Looks nice, comfortable. Second row kinda compact. Drive it all around Atlanta and north Georgia for work. Fun to drive off road. No major problems, but a/c went out 1 year ago. Keyless entry, 20 mpg average, 4wheel drive capable, can see very well at night, good get up and go. GMC perfected the truck. Im going to give it to my son in one year when he can drive and Im going to miss not having it everyday.

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  Great Vehicle - 2007 GMC Yukon XL
  By Alex - February 4 - 10:33 pm

  I was waiting for this model to be available from the used car lot. I finally found the one I liked and was not disappointed. How surprised I was to achieve 17.5MPG driving 75MPH. I love every feature in this truck. Great improvements in the steering, suspension and transmission. the truck is much more stable and smooth on the road compared to 2001 model I had before. Great job GM!

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  GMC Yukon XL - 2004 GMC Yukon XL
  By robinsonja - January 30 - 10:00 am

  This vehicle is truly a family comfortable automobile. Its size and power entertain both the truck lover and the family provider.

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  Excellent truck - 2000 GMC Sierra 1500
  By jagrant - January 30 - 10:00 am

  One great truck. Only have changed oil and tires. Great acceleration especially compared to my Expedition. Very smooth ride. We tow a boat, 4 wheelers and a small 5th wheel and it handles great and doesnt get sluggish.

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  2004 Duramax - 2004 GMC Sierra 2500HD
  By LyleT - January 30 - 10:00 am

  Absolutely the best truck I have ever owned. During its maiden break-in run I got 23.8 mpg. When engine is broken in mileage should be even better. I drive between 55-65 mph and this seems to be the "sweet spot" for performance. Got it to haul our slide in camper and this will be no problem now. (Not like our 91 Silverado which on its best day with only one person got 20 mpg)