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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  Wife Chose this over LR3 - 2005 GMC Yukon
  By Nate - June 22 - 11:04 am

  We test drove 3 vehicles, the Denali, the SRX V6 Cadillac, and the LR3. I kind of preferred the LR3, but the wife likes how "cushy" the Denali is. In truth, the Denali is much more comfortable for driver and passanger. I just like the fact that the LR3 is so tough. Well, it was for her so we got the Denali instead. We love it. 5 days into it and It is awesome. By the way the Cadillac is a piece of junk, to small and no power. also the v6 SRX was going to cost more than my Denali. Our Denali has Sunroof, Nav, and Rear Seat Entertainment. I recommend this package for anyone. The SRX had only a sunroof.

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  GMC Canyon Underrated! - 2005 GMC Canyon
  By RT - June 20 - 9:36 pm

  My 2005 GMC Canyon Crew Cab (with all the goodies) has been a superb performer: reliable, comfortable, and substantial. Fit and trim are good on the upgraded version with leather seats, etc. (not excellent, but good). The Canyon offers a sun /moonroof which is a must for me, an on-going convertible owner in California. Ive owned Fords for the last twenty+ years (including F-150 & Rangers) and I remain a Ford fan. However, this GMC Canyon is encroaching on that favored status. The low-speed torque is lacking somewhat in this 3.5l truck. But, to me its not big deal. The auto transmission is smooth, as is the 5-cyl. engine. The DRLs are a great safety feature.

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  I Love This SUV! - 2001 GMC Yukon
  By Mark - June 20 - 5:26 pm

  I purchased this vehicle from an individual that was very particular with his vehicles, no chips, swirl marks,etc. I had a 96 Blazer prior to this vehicle, and new I wanted to go bigger. My first love of this vehicle was the overall exterior looks, interior styling, and the powerful drive train. I pull a trailer with 3 motorcyles and recently a skid steer and it pulls remarkably well. The overall handling is great and the turning radius exceeds many cars abilities. I have never been in a vehicle that has as smooth of a ride and as extremely quiet interior. The gas mileage is around 14 in town and 17 on highway, not really too bad. Excellent sound system and rear controls are a nice feature. My wife says "You get what you pay for" and I agree. One test drive and I had to have one!

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  Love This Truck - 1995 GMC Sierra 1500
  By alex1906 - June 20 - 3:33 pm

  I bought my truck from a friend and at the time he used it to haul a racecar trailer every weekend. I purchased it with 125,000 miles - he said good luck he didnt think it would last much longer (the body and interior were in excellent shape and it mechanically sound). I got it super cheap because of his stupidity. This truck consistently hauls a horse trailer that is too big for it and does a lot of other hard work. Its pushing 240k miles and everything is still original. Of course it gets maintenance regularly and has had some minor issues (EGR valve, blower motor resistor, etc). Im starting to get a little rust on the body right behind both doors. However, the truck is still solid.

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  Good SUV - 2002 GMC Envoy
  By bking - June 20 - 9:53 am

  I put 33k on this vehicle a year and have not had a problem. I have only had to put tires on it and a couple of smaller items. It rides as smooth as it did when it came off the showroom floor. It has been an excellent vehicle.

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  Great work truck with style/comfort - 2000 GMC Yukon Denali
  By jcb77 - June 20 - 2:00 am

  Bought new, drive 20K+ yearly. I have filled both the inside and top with lumber and other heavy items and it didnt miss a beat. No major problems after driven 83,000 miles. Will buy another one when I have to, without hesitation, and recommend it to anyone.

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  Bad workmanship - 2004 GMC Yukon XL
  By Cristin - June 20 - 2:00 am

  My GMC has had three front differentials and MANY, MANY other problems. I know the whole service department by first name basis. They have even asked when I was going to start getting a pay check... GMC does not stand behind their product when it comes right down to it. They might fix it if you know what you are talking about, otherwise thay might pull a quick one. GMC has been making these SUVs for a long time so you might think they would have all the quirks worked out ~ at least thats why I bought GMC. BUT its NOT the case.

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  Worst Vehicle I have ever owned! - 1997 GMC Jimmy
  By ryanv97 - June 18 - 10:53 am

  I dont know where to start complaining about this worthless piece of garbage! Rear wiper only worked for a short period of time before burning out, door hinges squeak even after lubricating. Transmission has gone once and have had it back twice for more repairs and is leaking yet again! Will not pass emissions test even though I have dumped tons of money into it. Brakes stink and it stinks even worse in the snow. Very poor handling. Water leaks into this thing and my feet are constantly soaked. Sound system works sometimes, but not always. My brother has major problems with his too, from the transmission going to everything else I have described. I wish I had my Dodge back!!!!!

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  Gas Hog and GM Quality is sub-par - 2005 GMC Envoy
  By RickG - June 17 - 9:58 pm

  Nice looking with a powerful engine that tows my bass boat with ease. Unfortunately, GM cut corners on the upscale extras in the Denali and it is obvious. The nav system is primitive and 1st generation. It uses a DVD which means you cannot play CDs while navigating. The nav DVD only finds 50% of the destinations so good luck. I reverted to the after-market Garmin nav system I used in my 2003 Envoy. The sound system is poor quality, the rear view mirror does not have the auto dim feature found in earlier Envoys and there isnt even a coat hook in the rear seat. GM saved nickels and dimes and raised the price by thousands. The older Envoys were a better buy, more comfortable and not gas hogs!

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  Great truck - 2005 GMC Sierra 2500HD
  By terry - June 17 - 9:46 am

  I purchased this truck in April 2010. My first gmc. I love it. It has the duramax & Allison combo. Very powerful. It pulls beyond what I expected. I got this truck used with 81 thousand miles. Everyone tells me its just getting broke in. So far I like everything about this truck.