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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  Acadia Comments - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By Larry Johnston - February 1 - 8:43 pm

  We only have 15000 KM/9000 mi This is a very comfortable vehicle and it handles very well on the road.The AWD is noisy when it engages to the point of annoying on slippery streets. The other feature that is very inconvenient is if you drive in snow or mud it collects on the inside of the wide rims and if it is below freezing puts the wheels out of balance. I have had to go to a car wash twice while travelling just to wash the rims out. the last time it viberated the car so bad I could not go over 40 mph. The sun roof also developed a leak after only 7000 mi.

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  My little GMC - 1991 GMC Sonoma
  By dallask - January 30 - 2:17 pm

  I have owned this truck for 2 1/2 years and I love it. It pulled an 18 foot trailer loaded with furniture no problem. An extended cab would have been better for my work. Also, the 4.3 liter v6 only gets about 17-19 mpg. Very dependable and reliable- I have only replaced the alternator in 50,000 miles.

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  Best on the road - 2005 GMC Savana
  By pat - January 29 - 5:55 pm

  If you want a work truck that looks great and last you have to go to GMC. My last truck was an 1986 with 130,000 and it was time to treat myself. It was her idea. Set the truck up right and love your job. GMC helps me do just that

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  Good Towing Vehicle - 2007 GMC Yukon XL
  By Joli Crothers - January 28 - 12:46 pm

  First, I am a volleyball mom, buses the kids great with room to spare. It is also my ski vehicle and I havent missed a great snow day yet with the 4WD, traction, and ABS. In the summer it tows my 5500 lb. boat over Colorado passes to my favorite lakes. It also towed my 30 ft. travel trailer up the entire California coast. Lastly, it tows my motorcycles to my favorite off road trails. I have only bottomed out once! Great tow with room for gear!

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  1999 Yukon - 1999 GMC Yukon
  By Rr - January 28 - 5:30 am

  Uses a lot of gas but for the most part very reliable vehicle very powerful truck Bought it for 1200 or 233,000 miles was a little skeptical if this vehicle is maintain You could easily get 300k One of the best engines have a built only issues youre probably have fuel pump but before you replace the fuel pump check the fuel pump relay a very nice diagnose problem do not hesitate on his truck just drove this truck 800 miles nonstop great handling great power I bought this as a back up better than most new cars that Ive rented orsay new trucks

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  Very unreliable truck - 2003 GMC Sonoma
  By St Louis Ex Owner - January 28 - 3:22 am

  Just traded this piece of junk in for a Nissan pathfinder, hopefully I have better luck with the new vehicle. I dont know where to start. To begin with it was in the shop more than on the road. First it was the blower motor, then the transfer case, then the brakes (all under warranty). Finally when it was out of warranty the ball joints in the front which was $500 at 39,000 miles. Enough was enough so I am through with this money pit. Thank god. Sad thing is this was the first vehicle I really tried to baby.

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  Love that Denali... - 2005 GMC Yukon XL
  By David - January 27 - 5:03 pm

  We just moved up to Colorado from Texas and wanted to trade in our 2003 2WD Ford Expedition XLT in for a 4X4. We love the interior features of the Expedition...great for a family, but not quite enough room to haul the whole family and luggage! Ive never owned a GMC, but have driven many 4X4 Suburbans and Im always impressed by the way they handle...almost like a car. We decided to treat ourselves and go with the Yukon XL Denali with the Sun Roof, Rear seat entertainment DVD, and Navigation system. What we did forget to do is go with the 20" rims instead of the 17"...oh well...

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  Built to last - 1996 GMC Jimmy
  By carol griffin - January 27 - 1:10 am

  This SUV is truly a good automobile. Ive driven on large rocks and many unleveled consruction sites and I havent gotten stuck. With all the room in the rear, and the fold down seat, Ive even traveled a few times very comfortably. My SUV has been hit in the rear without damage. Thats when i realized that this SUV was built to last and is durable.

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  My 1st 4k miles - 2015 GMC Sierra 1500
  By electricvette - January 25 - 7:29 am

  This is my third Denali pick up. Huge buyers remorse buying black but thats my fault. It does look amazing few hrs after its washed. Was really wanting the 6.0 and eight speed tranny but theyre so hard to come by I had to settle for the 5.3 and the six speed. My 07 had alot more power it seems. Plus it was all wheel drive. But I am getting around 16 miles per gallon instead of 13.5 with my old Denali. Still working through the countless menus on the electronics. Im over my trial for the Wi-Fi and was not impressed.The drivetrain has a vibration at around 41 miles an hour that I need to take back to the dealer and have checked out. It was an insane amount of money but Im not unhappy.

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  2007 Sierra SLT - 2007 GMC Sierra 1500
  By mYSIERRA - January 24 - 8:53 pm

  Vehicle has exceeded my expectations. Kinda wish the Denali had been available at time of purchase. Really enjoy the quiet interior. Interior component fit and finish is the best I have ever seen in a new model from GM. Cargo capacity best in class or this size vehicle. Rear legroom more than meets my needs, adults can feel comfortable in second row. Engine performance is just as good with the 5.3L versus the 6.0L (6 liter probably is a better engine for towing). Overall, Id recommend this vehicle and have to all people whove inquired.