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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  Better ride than I ever thought - 2005 GMC Yukon XL
  By Todd - January 9 - 6:50 pm

  This vehicle rides amazing well for its size. Gets better gas mileage than some of the smaller competing models. More cargo space than you can use and wonderful ride. Did I mention how smooth the ride is? The Denali is an awesome vehcile.

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  Light Duty GMC 2500 4X4 Crew Cab SLT - 2004 GMC Sierra 2500
  By Ameritruck - January 8 - 9:56 am

  2004 light duty Sierra 2500 4x4 crew cab w/6-1/2 box. A very comfortable, capable hauler of people and cargo. Rear seat area is huge. Seats are very comfortable. Ride is a little choppy unloaded, but that is to be expected. Smoother ride than GMC 2500 Heavy Duty. Tracks down the road very nicely. (This next comment is not a flame, Im a truck guy, not a "brand guy") Much better than Ford 250, which tended to wander a bit - that may have been due to the more aggressive off- road tires on the Ford. With a bed cover in place, gas mileage went from 17.5 mpg highway to just over 18 mpg highway. Every bit helps. XM radio is worth every cent. On-Star is invaluable. Great dealer support during sale.

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  This is a great truck - 2004 GMC Yukon XL
  By bmcnj - January 6 - 2:00 am

  I have owned this car for just over 6 months now. I use it for my daily commute and to get around on weekends. It is a pleasure to drive and is surprisingly quick and response for something of this size. It has tons of space for all those things you never knew youd need to carry until you have kids. The sound from the DVD player is great. My only regret is that I got the 2003 rather than waiting for 2004. This meant deciding between a sunroof and the DVD player.

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  Quality vehicle for the money - 2005 GMC Yukon
  By Revo - January 6 - 12:21 am

  It looks good, handles great, gets decent gas mileage and overall handles very well in all types of driving conditions. Would highly recommend if you need the extra space.

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  Excellent Truck - 2008 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Bryan2008 - January 5 - 8:03 pm

  GMC really did a great job with this truck. I really love the power of the engine and the comfort. I do not drive it much trying to keep those miles off of it. But when I do it is a treat and makes me appreciate life more. It definitely is deserving of much kudos. Thanks again GMC for a really great vehicle.

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  Love our new Envoy - 2005 GMC Envoy
  By Rick Hobbs - January 5 - 4:43 pm

  Great comfort and reliability!

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  Acadia- A solid hit - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By dketcham - January 5 - 2:06 am

  After 4500 miles we continue to be impressed with this cars comfort, room and style. It gets looks wherever we go. The blue-gold crystal metallic color is unique enough to have real eye appeal. Controls are easy to use, and fit and finish are higher than any previous vehicle we have owned. The towing package enables us to pull a 17 boat with no problem. Overall, this is a great car.

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  GM does produce winners - 2005 GMC Envoy
  By TNPifher - January 5 - 1:07 am

  This vehicle is a Quality product with the right accessories, with excellant fit & finish. Unlike the GM of yore the product is better than the perceived quality.

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  Canyon uncovered - 2005 GMC Canyon
  By Rqquillen - January 3 - 7:28 pm

  The valve line has had to be rebuilt twice for under sized valve springs at 12,000 miles. There is a glitch in the valve spring strength to allow the recovery of the valves themselves. I am dissapointed that they dont offer the 6 cylinder in the motor. The 5 is enough power but it may give problems later. It need to be offered with 16 inch tires. The 15 is just too small.

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  Exterior great-Interior terrible - 2017 GMC Acadia
  By L S - January 3 - 5:55 pm

  GM has seriously limited the interior color choices. No reasoning that I can understand on this. I particularly am referring to the choice of a coppery brown dash/steering wheel/side door panels 1/2 way down-with gray seats/carpet/headliner. These two colors just dont match. The only other interior color option for the SLT2 is black on black on black. Why is GM dictating to us on these interiors?? Its bad enough that you have to pay extra for almost any exterior color other than plain old white. Sure wish GM would listen to their loyal customers. I would have ordered what I wanted on the spot-but was told there was no other interior option for this model. I left the dealership and went straight to Toyota-I am now waiting for the 2017 Highlander to be released.