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 Jimmy! - 1994 GMC Jimmy
  By India - March 28 - 4:59 am

  I bought my Jimmy used in January of 2004 as a result of having my car stolen. Although I was not thrilled about the exterior, (I wanted a more femine looking car since I am a girl) I was excited about the leather interior. After buying the Jimmy, I had to replace the front brakes and the fuel injection pump all for the price of $900. Since then I havent had any problems. My friends and I take lots of road trips (college students, of course) and we always look forward to taking the Jimmy because of the comfortable ride. And believe it or not, my friends with newer cars actually prefer my car beause they feel it is roomier, more comfortable, and they feel safer!

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  Compare Denali to any other 1/2 ton. - 2008 GMC Sierra 1500
  By bob - March 27 - 11:53 am

  I went into the truck market expecting to buy a Tundra because I have had such good luck with Toyotas.To say that I was pleasantly surprised with the Sierra is an understatement. I priced a loaded SLT with the 6 liter engine and the Denali was about the same price. It was an easy decision to buy the Denali because of the extas like the 6.2 liter motor and six speed tranny to mention a few. This truck will run with the Tundra, rides better, handles better and has a more refined interior. My wife prefers the Denali over her Acura RL, which she loves. My freinds can not believe the power with the engine and tranny combination. Do yourself a favor and test drive a Denali when looking for a new truck!

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  Yukon Denali - 2005 GMC Yukon XL
  By Jesse - March 24 - 1:30 pm

  Its great for kids. The DVD keeps them happy during trips. Space between the two captain chairs in the second row is wonderful for access to the third row. The ride is very comfortable, even in the third row bench seat. We love the way the vehicle looks. It has a very nice style to it. Were very happy with this choice of vehicle.

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  Solid and Smooth - 2005 GMC Canyon
  By indiana - March 23 - 10:28 pm

  GMC did a lot right with the Canyon. Good fit and finish. Great aggressive lines. The interior room is impressive, particularly the front leg room. The two-tone cloth interior is very sharp as well. My only complaint is that the doors do not lock shut on their own..ie..they need to be pushed with some force. I had to think long and hard to come up with that though...it is a great truck!

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  Still going strong! - 2000 GMC Yukon Denali
  By Kim - March 20 - 10:03 am

  This car has hauled our family, towed campers, and overall had reasonable maintenance costs. I gave it an 8 for fuel economy, although I only get 12-15 mpg, because I think it performed well in this regard considering its weight and engine power. A Denali really does ride much better than a regular Yukon. To me there is no comparison.

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  love it - 2000 GMC Sierra 1500
  By richardc - March 20 - 10:00 am

  I had a regular cab gmc and traded to get more room. I have not regreted the trade. The truck is comfortable and quite. The only problem I have had is a leak in one of the A/C lines which was replaced in an hour. This truck is a keeper.

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  Affordable - 2005 GMC Envoy
  By Brian Cable - March 19 - 1:56 pm

  Its been one of the most comfortable vehicles that Ive ever owned. Ive owned a Suburban, a minivan, and new pickups, and so far it has been one of the most stylish, comfortable and most accomadating vehicles that Ive had.

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  Great car so far - 2010 GMC Terrain
  By julie - March 19 - 4:56 am

  Good car so far, hope it holds up

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  Great Value Truck - 2016 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Vince in NF, NY - March 17 - 4:58 pm

  2016 GMC Sierra Double Cab, standard bed, V8, Z71, SLE Value Package. GM was certainly doing some deep discounts for leasing. Sticker price from 45, down to 37. Combined with tier 1 credit, good resale value make this an excellent lease vehicle if youre not too hard on them. Initial quality seems very nice. Some soft touch materials and even some of the hard plastic doesnt look or feel cheap, feels solid. Some leather trim with cloth seats, pretty comfortable. Back seats are a little tight to get into but ok otherwise. Interior layout is adequate and the big color touch screen is nice. Plenty of storage bins, USB ports, and a 110 plug. Outside the truck looks nice, no flaws in the factory paint that I could find (onyx black) and all the plastic trim looks ok and fits well. V8 performance with the 6speed is good but I have yet to really stress it. Gas pedal is a little mushy but its not broke in yet so well see. Column gear shift, trailer mode button, 4x4 knob all work as expected. Steering is a little heavy as to be expected and turn radius compared to a car is poor. Ride is truck-like, a little bouncy/firm as expected but controlled and not jarring. The big touch screen is nice with controls smartly divided between real knobs and icons on screen. Example; I have a Lincoln product and when adjusting radio, climate, its a nightmare of push buttons and unresponsive touch screen. B/U camera is basic, no sensors, basic stereo is good. Voice control does a great job with phone and can select songs/artists. The problem with this tech is you have to know whats in your system for it to work. Surprise to me, you only have nav if your subscribe to Onstar. Truck has a wifi hotspot best suited for a minivan but connection was easy and seems to work well. Nice surprises: remote start can also turn on heated seats, you can open all the windows with the key fob (summer), favorites on entertainment use all media inputs, not just the radio. Duel climate works good. Very satisfied for now!

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  What a change! - 2005 GMC Yukon
  By Paul45c - March 16 - 4:44 pm

  I suffered through 2.5 yrs with a Land Rover Discovery that my wife finally agreed to trade in, and theres no looking back. The Denali is the most comfortable vehicle Ive ever driven. The motor is awesome. Even if it wasnt fast, it would be worth it just for the SOUND. For anyone that does a lot of family driving, its hard to imagine a nicer truck. In addition, its a real heavy-hauler when its time for hauling big stuff. It also doesnt hurt that its the best-looking truck out there. Nice job, GMC.