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 ultimate rock - 2003 GMC Yukon
  By sami fargo - October 25 - 10:00 am

  Very comfortable, handles great. love taking it up the mountain to go skiing

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  GMCs stink - 1996 GMC Jimmy
  By DB from PA - October 21 - 6:33 pm

  Many electrical problems with this since purchase, wipers, lights, radio, mirrors, interior light/door switch, etc. Got them fixed. Weak drivers side door hinge, O2 sensors go bad frequently, never received letter about ball joint recall and paid out of pocket instead. AC has had problems, fan switch....must I go on? Buy a Toyota, Nissan or Isuzu instead and save yourself some headaches. GMC needs to go back to the drawing board on this one.

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  Black Diablo - 2003 GMC Yukon XL
  By Coach Dave - October 21 - 10:00 am

  My Yukon Denalli is an excellent vehicle. I purchased the "black diablo" to serve my firm as a comfortable way to transport myself and many of my employees to various meetings and job sites around the Mid-Atlantic and Ohio Valley regions. The vehicle is comfortable for all during our average 3-6 hour trips. She handles well and gives one the sense of safety in almost all situations. I am delighted to have made the purchase and would strongly recommend the Yukon XL to those interested in the purchase. One draw back: I would only ask for better gas mileage. The beast can certainly eat-up her share of gasoline.

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  Terrible Attempt at a Truck - 2003 GMC Sonoma
  By Bruce - October 20 - 4:17 pm

  Ive had this truck for 2 years now and I absolutely hate it. A friend had one and I thought that it looked good, so I bought it without testing it at all. What a dumb move. It gets terrible fuel economy. Has absolutely no power, terrible, no passing power at all, no bottom end. Have to put it into 4X4 low to get any power. That is where it is actually good. In the mud it is great, cause it is so light. The 4X4 low will crawl along at 200 rpm. However, the interior is way too small, and I sit so that my hip is bent and bothers me amazingly on long trips. But, it is in the shop as we speak having the transfer case replaced (50063 km).

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  Love my Jimmy - 1998 GMC Jimmy
  By Chris - October 19 - 10:42 pm

  I had purchased my Jimmy with 80000 miles on it and have put 13000 more on it since purchase and have loved all of them. My wife and I have taken out camping, gone out of town and just plain drove the crap out of it. The 4wd works great and pulled out plenty of fords with it. Overall its the best vechicle I have ever owned.

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  Build Quality - 2005 GMC Envoy
  By MPG - October 19 - 8:24 pm

  I purchased the Envoy XL (SLT V8) in March 05 and have covered 2800 mi mostly around town. We recently had twins, and now with 4 kids total needed an SUV. I like the quite ride, and have upgraded the rear sway bar for better handling (highly recommended). The V8 has good power and sounds good too, but idles a little rough compared to others. My main concern is with the build quality of the vehicle. The paint job is very poor(Carbon gray) and also I have a warped/distorted windshield. The A/C performance in hot/humid weather is useless below 1500-2000 RPM. MPG is 11-12 around town! These issues will be brought up at the first service. Check out trailvoy.com if you have an Envoy/Trailblazer.

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  01 YukonXL - 2001 GMC Yukon XL
  By Steve - October 19 - 10:16 am

  Great vehicle on long trips, not an around town vehicle (gas mileage) Had problems with water leak in front pass floor, dealer said it was sunroof, found problem was spot weld burned thru fender wall, water would collect in fender and leak into passenger area during heavy rain, so much for professional grade. I repaired the problem with GE silicone. Also major problem with windshield washer pumps. Seems that if the battery leaks acid it will flow down and destroy the pumps which sit right under the battery. Another Professional grade design. I say that because when I brought it to the dealer for repair they asked if my battery leaked. I asked if they have come up with a fix, they havent

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  Denali.....A step above all others - 2006 GMC Yukon
  By Juan J. Escobar - October 18 - 2:38 pm

  This vehicle is fun to drive and, turns many heads. I get compliments on it every time I take it out on the road. Gas mileage is even better than what the manufacturer states because I used 5w30 synthetic oil at the first oil change. Presently I am getting 17 miles to the gallon on a combined hiway and city driving.

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  I love my Yukon! - 2005 GMC Yukon
  By pen - October 18 - 11:44 am

  This is the first full size SUV Ive owned and although gas is now $3 a gallon, I love my Yukon. I get around 19 mpg on the highway and 17 in town. The interior is very comfortable for a short person since the gas & brake pedals move forward. I dont feel like Im sitting right on top of the steering wheel.

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  Subtle, but well executed - 2014 GMC Sierra 1500
  By jmred - October 16 - 10:54 am

  Have had 3 fords (last w an ecoboost so spoiled on torque) and only now coming back to GM. Had a silvy that was rock hard in terms of durability... But rock hard plastics in the cab sucked. I came back after creaking and lackluster workmanship in the ford turned me off. Silent cab. Not quiet.. Silent! Wife is actually ok w me adding new pipes! This is a z71, All Terrain, so very nice interior and fitting of a lux car. Outside is all business. Nice, subtle change for gmc; modern look that grows on you and doesnt betray the heritage. 5.3 is much stronger than the old one and you cant feel the v4-v8 switches.