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:

• 

  Envoy - 2005 GMC Envoy
  By cowboy - July 29 - 7:46 pm

  Marshmallow springs, licorice whip sway bars...maybe with hot fudge it would be a treat, but for driving down the interstate or up a two-lane mountain road, this thing is scary.

• 

  Big, Bad Dude! - 1999 GMC Suburban
  By aezernack - July 29 - 7:20 pm

  This beast rules the road! I have owned this vehicle for 3 years. It now has 127000+ miles on it and the only repair has been a new fuel pump. I have replaced the brakes and other regular maintenance stuff. The engine runs like the day I bought it and the A/C is arctic. The interior has held up nicely despite 4 kids. The exterior is still in excellent shape. No rust anywhere. I absolutely love this truck and have already bought another 1999 for my wife.

• 

  Yukon problems - 2001 GMC Yukon
  By bobrmd - July 29 - 7:18 am

  I own a Denali and will trade it in.This vehicle needed brakes and drums at 15k miles with very light use. I had the antilock brake problem fixed twice. There is a recall in effect in Canada because the antilock brake sensor corrodes from road salt leading to activation of the antilock mechanism at low speeds. GM claims the incidence of this in the US is low, but the problem is under investigation by our goverment safety agency. if you have this poblem then file a report with traffic safety or if you are contempalting buying one of these vehicles check to see if your vehicle has had brake problems and if they are corrected. It cost me $500 bucks each time.

• 

  Why GMC? - 2003 GMC Sierra 1500
  By steven - July 28 - 10:16 pm

  I own a 1993 GMC 2 door SLE and it has performed well over the past 12 years. Its dependable and rides good. This is why I bought another GMC. I find the 2003 to be just as well built and dependable. The 5.3 engine is a good combination of power and smoothness I want in a vehicle, and my mileage runs around 17 mpg. Of course this drops significantly if I jump on it , or drive in the 70/80/mph range.

• 

  Good commuter! - 2005 GMC Canyon
  By Tim - July 28 - 1:32 pm

  First the details: 2dr regular cab Z85 SLE with the 5cyl 3.5L automatic. I purchased this vehicle as a commuter and have been enjoying it a lot. I wanted the additional power of the 5cyl, but didnt need the extended cab. Combine the extra power, all the electric options/conveniences, and an automatic and you have a great commute vehicle. I looked at the Chevy Colorado, Toyota Tacoma, and a full size Silverado to compare. The combination I wanted was style, power, no extra cab, automatic trans, a way to transport the bike, and an occasional trip to Home Depot. This provided a great compliment to the weekend sportier car with a manual trans for more aggressive driving.

• 

  Excellent truck for me. - 2005 GMC Sierra 2500HD
  By William M. Lynch - July 28 - 12:50 pm

  This is by far, one of the best, if not the best truck Ive ever purchased or driven. The interior (seats) are a little stiff (leather), but not an issue overall. The gas mileage is a little rough, but hey...I knew that going into the purchase. I love my truck!!!

• 

  gmc sierra - 2004 GMC Sierra 1500
  By scholljr - July 28 - 10:00 am

  This truck is more than worth the money. This truck has performed all of the light duty work that I have needed without any problem. The payload capacity is excellent as well. I highly recommend this truck.

• 

  Worst truck Ie ever owned - 2004 GMC Sierra 2500
  By RockStedE - July 28 - 8:23 am

  Truly a masterpiece of "poor" engineering. 2004 sierra 2500 with a duramax diesel and Alison transmission. Had to replace the intermediate steering shaft the first year. The vehicle constantly looses prime and shuts down. Heres the kicker . The oil pressure gauge flutters and the annoying chime rings constantly indicating low oil pressure. The cluster panel has been changed twice, the oil pressure sending unit has been changed three times. They even changed the oil pump? Still, no fix. This truck has been a nightmare from day one!

• 

  denali - 2005 GMC Yukon
  By denali lover - July 27 - 5:28 pm

  I love my new 2005 Denali. We looked at the Escalade also, but finally realized that the Denali was an overall better deal. it has all the same features of the Escalde without its significantly higher price.

• 

  "Love my Jimmy" - 1998 GMC Jimmy
  By 1998 GMC SLT SUV - July 26 - 2:08 am

  A good vehicle. It runs smooth, and gets good highway gas mileage. Not great in town. I want another "JIMMY" SLT but I dont see a "Jimmy" on the market. Humm? What to buy next? Maybe Ill just have the engine rebuilt someday on this one.