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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  Awesome SUV - 2000 GMC Yukon Denali
  By viianen - September 13 - 7:12 pm

  This truck has been up the rocky mountains down some back country trails and in some crazy winter storms and yet it looks and feels brand new. Truck has lots of power considering the it weighs the same as a super duty. Comfort is amazing. Truck is over ten years old and 150K in it and it runs like a beauty. Changed the plugs and wires, normal maintenance and no major issues. Truck has loads of room and even with it packed to the rim it feels empty when loaded. Excellent truck recommend one to anyone.

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  Best vehicle ever owned!! - 1991 GMC Suburban
  By Ron - September 11 - 1:59 pm

  I bought my 91 Suburban in fall of 90! It currently has 178000 miles on it and has performed flawlessly for 15 years. My only regret is that I did not buy two of these in 90. I plan to keep it as long as I can--perhaps even installing a new engine if necessary. The vehicle is still in showroom condition as I have kept it out of the Midwest salt for the last several winters. What an awesome purchase for 22K out the door w/ warranty. GM knew how to build them in 90!! Has anyone out there had a similar experience??

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  Best of the Best - 2009 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Black Beauty - September 9 - 7:03 am

  Great truck to drive, handles soooooo good. The 20in wheels is a great option to have. the 5.3l v8 is so smooth. I looked at Ford, Toyota, Dodge and I kept going back to Gmc, I feel like I made a great choice.

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  Could be better - 2006 GMC Envoy
  By moondawg - September 9 - 1:29 am

  The drive is fair. I love the power of the 4.2 AWD. Brakes are mushy, drinks a lot of gas. The ride is so so. I had a Buick Rendezvous with a much better ride

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  Bestest truck ever! - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By Lisa - September 8 - 4:56 pm

  I really enjoy it and hope to stay in the GMC family for a long time. This pretty much summed up all I wanted. It has the space of a full size SUV, yet the class of a luxury car and the styling of a sporty SUV. Like i said everything I could have possibly asked for!

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  2004 GMC Yukon XL Denali - 2004 GMC Yukon XL
  By torra - September 8 - 10:00 am

  As nice as the Escalade but alot less expensive. Rides great, very quiet. plenty of power.

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  2016 GMC Yukon XL, - 2016 GMC Yukon XL
  By C - September 8 - 4:12 am

  This is a great vehicle. It is comfortable on long trips at least for the driver. The back seat is tight, but right now some of the kids are small. We have 8 people in our family so we got the 9 seater which gives us one extra space. Im very happy with the vehicles road noise, comfort, power, and AWD/4x4 in the winter. This would be my wish list on the next re-design though: I would love to see a "well" in the back cargo space area like in minivans. I know it cant be too deep because of the spare tire, but anything would be helpful. This would naturally increase the cargo capacity, plus things wouldnt roll out when you are on an incline (soccer balls, cantaloupes, watermelons, etc.) Perhaps they could put a faux floor that could come out or stay in depending on the needs of the owner. Also, this is crazy, and maybe Im the only one to think of this, but I would love to see sliding doors on the suburban/yukon. Its a beast to park, and if you actually have kids like we do, no one is allowed to open doors until we open them for them. If the sliders were there like on a mini van, it would be the ultimate family vehicle. I know a lot of people buy these with small families in mind so its probably not a big deal to them. And, the running boards are slippery when wet. Could it be possible to put a different coating on them? In any case, its a great car and Im glad to have it. GM, what do you think of the ideas?

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  New Owner - 2006 GMC Envoy
  By JIMMY - September 7 - 1:04 pm

  Fun to drive in the short period Ive had it. Easy to park, good vision. I wish the seat would fold flat.

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  I love my GMC Denali Envoy - 2006 GMC Envoy
  By Cyndycyn - September 6 - 11:15 pm

  This is the 5th SUV that I have owned and by far the best. The ride and way it handles far outclasses any other SUV I"ve had. Its a gorgeous looking car also. So far though, Ive only been getting 12 mpg and was told that I"d get 15-17. I"m not happy about that.

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  Good comfortable transportation - 2005 GMC Canyon
  By roadrunner1722 - September 5 - 7:46 pm

  Very pleased after about 1 month. Much more comfortable than the 2000 Sonoma x cab that it replaced. Back seats comfortable, 2.8 engine has more pep than the 2.2 and gets about the same gas mileage. I would like a bed a little larger though.