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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  Truly Fine Vehicle - 2005 GMC Yukon
  By Dave - February 10 - 12:02 am

  Excellent stability smooth ride, and is easy to handle. Looks great outside and inside. The third row seats are easy to remove, providing plenty of room for travel items. Had a 2000 Yukon and loved it. . .however, this 2005 is better than I imagined.

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  Good SUV - 2002 GMC Yukon
  By Lee Medimaolle - February 8 - 1:52 pm

  This the 2nd Yukon Ive owned. The combination of an excellent engine, solid ride, and good looks make it a great value. Additionally, repairs and replacement parts are inexpensive. I would recommend this SUV very highly.

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  nifty ride best vehical I ever owened - 2006 GMC Envoy
  By Rich Streeter - February 8 - 1:55 am

  tried bmw mercedies the denali was and is smoother quieter and more truck than any I have driven, that is why I still have it.

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  All Good - 1993 GMC Sonoma
  By bowlingchamp - February 7 - 9:58 pm

  Over all a great truck. I have 180,450 miles on my truck and it still goes strong. I reckon she will run till 300,000! I have tried to bust it numerous times, but it wont!! Great truck!

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  Great Truck - 2001 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Windwalker 1 - February 5 - 10:00 am

  Bought this truck, to have fun driving and fixing it up to scream. So far so good, it screams. Cold air intake, flowmaster, Jet stage 1 and Jet shift. The 5.3 now breaths better. 16mpg in town, 20+on the hwy.[if I keep the pedal off the floor]

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  great car - 2003 GMC Yukon
  By Gilbert - February 5 - 10:00 am

  this car is the best car i ever drove it is a smooth ride powerful and its looks great

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  Useful but could be better - 1999 GMC Sonoma
  By Brian - February 4 - 7:56 pm

  I got my truck used with about 54,5xx miles on it. I like the look of the truck, especially looking out over the hood from the drivers seat. Its actually quite pleasant to drive for a truck. The suspension isnt too squishy (floaty). The engine (4.3L V6) has good torque. Has several nice features like power locks and windows. I was surprised to find it had heated mirrors (I wish my car had that). My only beefs so far are: 1) it turns like a boat for such a small vehicle 2) wheel travel is too short. I hit the bumpstops on a back road that I never had a problem with in my Subaru 3)build quality isnt so great. The dash squeaks and the seatback adjustment handles are broken off.

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  Built to last - 2008 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Big Lek - February 3 - 6:20 am

  I never owned a GMC. Everyone i talked to said GMC was just a high priced Chevrolet, now i know the diference. The styling, the ride quality, and low cabin noise are just a couple things that i noticed that were a lot diferent. I also like the fact that this truck is almost all US made. This truck is great.

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  1 fun ride! - 2002 GMC Sonoma
  By LINMUP - February 3 - 1:12 am

  Ive had really good luck with my 02 Sonoma SLS 5spd. with a 4.3l V6. Its definitely a fast little truck with only a few small/cheap parts. Cold air intake and a hypertech chip and youve got a sport truck. I love blowing away the occassional sport compacts and full- sized "accessorized" trucks! Power-to- weight ratio...you do the math (275hp+small, light truck= HOLD ON!)

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  Nice truck so far - 2005 GMC Canyon
  By Ron - February 2 - 1:13 am

  I really enjoy the ride of this truck. The seats are comfortable. I have used the truck to pull people out of ditches and it does it easily. I have the Z71 extended cab with a 5 cyl automatic 4X4. My truck has the side steps and at first I thought they were useless. When someone slammed their door into the side steps and not my door, I really liked them. I have about 11,000 miles so far with the only problem is getting out of 4 low.