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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  Great "novelty" HD pick-up truck! - 2011 GMC Sierra 2500HD
  By dmaxwellh - January 24 - 5:04 am

  No one really needs a heavy duty pick-up with cooled seats and a heated steering wheel, but wow, this truck makes me smile! The driving dynamics are excellent, and I find the seating very comfortable, even on long hauls! The exterior look is awesome, as well.

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  Strength, Power, Luxury, and Style!! - 2005 GMC Envoy
  By George Mulder - January 23 - 11:56 am

  What a great surprise! After having a Jimmy and being bored to tears by the Ford Explorer, the Envoy is such a refreshing change. Great luxury car appointments, powerful engine, good handling, and now more stylish than the Jimmy or what is available today in other SUVs. Feels and handles like a car but gives the highup ride advantages, and though I will probably never use all the capacity can tow 2,500 lbs about 2,000 pounds more than the Explorer. Fit and finish is great, the interior is very stylish, yet sporty, love the wood trim everywhere! Thanks GMC, Ill hate letting this one go at lease end! Truly the Cadillac of Midsized SUVs!!

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  GM lovers beware - 2007 GMC Yukon XL
  By Sadbuyer07 - January 22 - 8:30 pm

  This was our third Denali. First 2 we loved, but new body was a headache. Constant downshifting with trans and dealership wouldnt acknowledge problem. Friend whos a mechanic has same computer as dealer and tells me all types of codes appear with his computer. Says they dont want to have to do recall with auto sales down (opinion). Paid cash and was dissapointed from day one. Poor gas mileage. Other than that, very comfortable and nice equipment. Have friends with either Yukon or Suburbans or Tahoes and everyone seems to have some type of tranny problem and dealers are looking the other way. Please beware of GM SUVs now. We just have to sell ours.

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  Love this truck - 1999 GMC Sonoma
  By Sparky79 - January 21 - 2:42 pm

  This is the 2nd Sonoma Ive owned and I love these trucks. They are great to drive and are perfect for light jobs around the house and yard.

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  Great truck - 2005 GMC Canyon
  By ed - January 20 - 12:09 pm

  This truck looks good and has plenty of room. Bought it for my 16 year old son. Very easy to drive with lots of safety features.

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  Fit and finish - 2008 GMC Sierra 1500
  By mesalaxdad - January 20 - 12:02 pm

  So Ive had the truck less than a year. It has only 18k on it. Ive had to replace two door lock switches. Ive also replaced a leaky oil pan gasket. Its been in the dealership 3 times. When I wash it the door moldings leak for hours.

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  GMC Denali - 2005 GMC Yukon
  By Bryan Enarson - January 20 - 11:33 am

  I have taken the Denali on two road trips so far and it has performed very well and has provided a very comfortable ride for my wife and I. I am very pleased with its performance particularly in snow and ice.

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  Great Truck - 2005 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Montanatruck - January 19 - 10:13 pm

  This Truck is amazing. It has great acceleration, and power. I drove from Los Angeles to Bozeman, Montana in 2 days, around 1400 miles, and it didnt even have a hiccup and hadnt lost any oil. We had a snow storm the other day and truck drove like it was on dry pavement. When I was shopping for a new truck I was looking for a truck with plenty of torque, so the japanesse trucks were no in question. I had to decide wheather to choose ford or GM, but i eventually decided on the GMC because I liked the style, and had everything I wanted.

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  Poor Throttle Response - 2008 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Sierra Driver - January 19 - 11:26 am

  This truck replaced my 2001 GMC Sierra 4wd with the 5.3 motor. The throttle response on the 4.8 motor is pathetic. The traction control is overly sensitive, and the truck jumps out of passing gear too soon. The truck is comfortable, quiet, and handles well. The brakes are a major improvement over my previous 2001 Sierra. I love the lighter weight of the tail-gate.

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  Enjoyable Denali - 2005 GMC Yukon
  By 05 Yukon Denali - January 19 - 10:38 am

  We thoroughly enjoy the versatility of this vehicle with luxury appointments and utility value.