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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  Garys 2000 GMC * an opinion* - 2000 GMC Sierra 1500
  By drlocke - March 13 - 2:00 am

  This truck is very fun to drive. It has the power, and torque for any situation. I would buy another one but I would not give anyone this one.

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  High-end SUV with a bed - 2016 GMC Canyon
  By Volley - March 10 - 9:14 pm

  This is a really nice truck. Exceptional ride, handling and interior comfort with a very quiet cab. Fit and finish is excellent and the 8-inch color touchscreen is remarkable. Full-size trucks are too big for my needs and although the Canyon is large, it drives like a mid-sized car Gas mileage is around 22 mpg mixed city/hwy and 25 mpg pure hwy. The Canyon is a great alternative to a full-size truck or SUV.

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  Great Truck - 1996 GMC Sonoma
  By I love this truck - March 10 - 5:43 pm

  I cant say anything bad about this truck. I have owned this GMC for 4 years and now I have over 193,000 miles and still going strong. The 4 wheel drive works perfectly and other than standard maintenance, and the replacement of the wiper motor I havent had any problems. I have the oil changed every 3000 to 4000 miles. I would trust this truck to go from Ohio to California and back without any hesitation. I will definitely be purchasing another GMC truck in the future. I still get about 19 to 21 miles to a gallon on the highway with this truck.

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  My Mistake - 1998 GMC Jimmy
  By NoMoreGMC - March 10 - 4:49 pm

  Bought used w/60,000 miles. So far replaced water pump, fuel pump, wheel hub assembly, windshield wiper motor & washer pump, brakes twice (rotors & all), right side mirror (bolts broke and it fell off), fixed various a/c leaks, a/c compressor, catalytic convertor. Power mirror motor has just died. Lots of quirky little electrical problems. Rear stereo speakers only work ocassionally. Cant use the rear windshield washer - it leaks into the back of the vehicle. Exterior paint chips easily. Sorry, I just dont have a lot of good things to say about this one. I just spent $1200 in repairs, so Im keeping it for another year (or until it breaks again)... then its bye- bye!

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  Nice truck - 1996 GMC Sonoma
  By GMC Sonoma 4x4 - March 10 - 3:15 pm

  I have had this truck for 4 years and I purchsed it with 79,000 miles on it and I have nothing but a great experience with this truck. I now have over 193,000 miles on it and it runs almost like new. I change the oil every 3000 miles and the ride isnt bad for a truck. The only thing I had to do to this truck was install a new wiper motor which I installed and thats about it. I like how reliable this trucks been and the 4 wheel drive works perfectly.

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  Great Truck - 2000 GMC Yukon XL
  By Pshaddock - March 8 - 2:00 am

  This has by far been the best truck that I have ever owned. The difference between a 1/2 ton and 3/4 ton is amazing. Better brakes and suspension for starters makes the 3/4 ton worth the extra money. According to Edmunds if I sold it today, I could sell it for almost what I have in it. I guess people are willing to pay big money for 4wd and 3/4 ton features.

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  GMC Sierra Denali AWD - 2008 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Brent - March 6 - 9:33 pm

  Very impressed with this vehicle. Sold my 175K mile Sierra and due to its excellent performance, Im sold on GMC. The Denali drives and handles great. 18mpg hwy and 16.4 in town. Not bad for a 6.2 ltr V8. My previous 4.8 ltr V8 only beat that by 1mpg! My vehicle came loaded w/options and couldnt pass it up for $38.5K. With gas prices I think they are really having to come down on these things. Very quiet ride on the highway and around town. It does need more storage compartments/center console organizer. I would rather the center console open from the side rather than front. Its somewhat awkward and has a rather flimsy spring hinge.

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  Like my car - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By kMac - March 5 - 10:43 am

  I traded in my Excursion that I loved for this car. While its not a truck I sure like the car so far. Tons of room and a really smooth ride. Fuel mileage is getting better the more I drive the car. I am very pleased with my purchase.

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  Envoy- Awesome Vehicle - 2005 GMC Envoy
  By Dan - March 4 - 11:56 pm

  Envoy is a wonderful vehicle with a luxurious looking interior. Very quiet ride, and the vehicle is the perfect size for a family of four. Handling in the winter is excellent in Auto 4WD or in 4WD. I would highly recommend this vehicle to anyone considering a midsize sport utility. The inline 6 cylinder engine is a quiet and smooth operating engine.

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  2003 GMC Safari - 2003 GMC Safari
  By Brian Schneider - March 4 - 1:22 pm

  This is the second Safari we have owned. While dated in style and design- the AWD, spaciousness, towing capacity and fuctionality make it a good good value for the price. Very functional for hauling kids, towing the boat and packing full of gear for hunting/fishing trips. Both of our vehicle have been reliable w/ minimal need for service other than routine maintenance.