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 truck - 2005 GMC Canyon
  By neil lockhart - August 10 - 10:10 am

  I have driven GMC trucks for 20 years after driving Fords for 16. They have never been in shop for repairs, so I bought another one. Its a great truck with plenty of power. I get 20mpg and a lot of compliments. It cost me $6000 less than the Japanese models and has more power than all other trucks in its class. Dont let the so-called experts fool you, if you can still get the good pricing, go for it.

• 

  Hands Down - 2007 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Smokchasr - August 10 - 8:26 am

  One ten-minute test drive in icy conditions will tell you all you need to know about this trucks capabilities. The traction control and handling give the driver the confidence needed to get where you need to go even when faced with the brutal whiteout and drifting condition. Evidenced by a trip through Snoqualmie Pass when it was closed to tractor-trailer traffic. Two in the morning, no plows out, and 6- 8 inches of wet snow having fallen, and 100 feet visibility. My Sierra passed crawling traffic, breaking through lane burms with ease and control. In order for the driver to feel comfortable in those conditions, the truck has to transition between lanes without tipping or sliding.

• 

  Good family car - 1999 GMC Safari
  By Dave - August 9 - 9:54 pm

  We bought this van used a few years ago, and have done nothing but drive it hard all the time. My wife uses it daily with 3 kids. We have taken many very long trips and it is very roomy and comfortable. Only problem has been an alternator(easy to replace myself). Also the front brakes wear faster than some other cars, but not too bad. Over all we really love this van(kinda square looking though!) I cant think of anything new I could buy that can do all this does so well!

• 

  New car purchase - 2010 GMC Terrain
  By John Paul - August 9 - 3:10 am

  Bought new. I bought the 4 cylinder for the gas milage but I get only about 400 miles on a tank of gas on trips. They advertised it to get 600 MPG on atrip. Local I get about 19 MPG.

• 

  Envoy Nightmare - 2002 GMC Envoy
  By K Cooper - August 8 - 8:54 pm

  I have had my Envoy since Oct. of 2002 and now have just under 50,000 miles on it. I love the way it looks, rides and performs, however I have had way too many problems to list. Engine failure at 5,500 miles, transmission at 48K along with the rear differential. GM has covered most of the repair costs but the down time and reliability isnt good. Hopefully they have worked out the bugs for the 05s and 06s.

• 

  Good Family vehicle - 2005 GMC Yukon
  By Ray - August 8 - 6:03 pm

  If you need a large, family car - this is it. We bought it for the 3rd row seat and storage behind it. We tried the shorter version but with the 3rd row up, you had little storage room left. The long version is the way to go. Handles well (braking, cornering, acceleration) for such a big vehicle. Be aware, even with an reasonable foot, it will average 15 mpg hwy and 12 city.

• 

  2002 to 2004 - 2004 GMC Yukon XL
  By Bobby M. - August 8 - 2:00 am

  Ive traded a 2002 Denali for a 2004 XL Denali for more rear space and leg room in the third row. I do miss some features that was deleted from the 2002 Denali. Deleted items: music mute on steering column, console data feedback and computer, underhood service lamp, and the 2 service plugs in the rear.

• 

  DISAPPOINTED - 2004 GMC Yukon
  By tara crotts - August 8 - 2:00 am

  I AM HAVING A REALLY BAD EXPERIENCE WITH MY 2004 DENALI. I HAVE A REALLY BAD POPING NOISE UNDER THE CAR IN THE EXHAUST SYSTEM BUT THEY SAY THEY CANT FIX IT THEY DONT KNOW HOW TOO. SO I TRY NOT TO DRIVE UNLESS I HAVE TO , I PARK AT THE END OF THE PARKING LOT, SO KNOW ONE WILL KNOW ITS MINE. ITS SOUND LIKE SOMEONE IS UNDER IT HITTING IT WITH A HAMMER. YOU PAY 50000 FOR A VEHICLE AND ASHAMED TO DRIVE IT. I WOULDNT RECOMMENT ANYONE TO BUY ONE NOW. IT NOT WORTH THE EMBARRASEMENT.

• 

  Practical use in rough country - 2005 GMC Yukon XL
  By j savini - August 7 - 1:26 pm

  In wet or muddy conditions you need to disable the stabilization system and let the wheels spin the mud off or face getting stuck. In snow or ice the system works good.

• 

  Great - 2005 GMC Canyon
  By schrn - August 6 - 1:34 pm

  Great mileage for a truck. It has good pickup speed in traffic and manuevers well. Has a good turning radius. I havent tried it off road yet.