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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  Worst truck ever - 2002 GMC Sierra 1500
  By eric - November 12 - 6:33 pm

  I was always a GM fan until I bought this truck.I bought it brand new and had lots of problems with it.I actually started to look forward to bringing it in the shop so I could drive their loaner vehicle. Had to replace brake pads and rotors at 34,000,had to argue to get it covered under warranty.Dont expect GM customer service to help you cuz they wont you are on your own. Replaced air conditioner compressor and condensor, could never get windows and doors to seal right. I dont have enough room to write everything here, but if you see this vehicle anywhere the best advice I can give you is to run away from it as fast as you can.I just traded this truck in on a Toyaota truck in Nov. of 05.

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  Dontbuyone!!! - 2010 GMC Terrain
  By dontbuytheGMCterrai - November 12 - 4:26 pm

  I am disappointed and I feel serious buyers remorse. Had to take it to the dealers twice already. Rides rough and hard to keep in lane. Phone has hollow sound and people ask was that star trac when first starting. Fuel economy - lies - just plain lies, yes I have complain, no response back NEVER - 32mpg.the car on highway at 55mph will only get 25.3 far cry from 32. Next time GMC wants to BK, they can go chapter 7. I dont want to bail them out they are like a bad family member that keeps borrowing money, if you know what I mean

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  1 week and love it! - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By Jdadams21 - November 12 - 12:13 pm

  Just purchased and love it! Comfort for our family of 5. Beats the heck out of a minivan! Loaded with features. DVD controls and wireless headsets a huge benefit for parents! Ride is great. Does need some transmission fine tuning from GMC. Super quiet drive. Remote start is fantastic. Looks superb!

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  2002 GMC Yukon XL - 2003 GMC Yukon XL
  By tyoung - November 12 - 10:00 am

  Excellent Vehicle to drive. Smooth ride, good engine to vehicle match.

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  Reliable Work/Hunt Truck, Fun to Drive - 1999 GMC Sierra 1500
  By 270winrem700 - November 12 - 10:00 am

  This vehicle has held up extremely well. There were a few minor problems (rear window cracked twice and had to be replaced with aftermarket product - but dealer took care of it.... also there was a rattle in the steering column, which the dealer fixed once, but then fixed a second time on a recall with no further problems). Aside from these two items, everything else has been exceptionally good.

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  2001 GMC Yukon - 2001 GMC Yukon
  By carmeldan - November 12 - 5:48 am

  Once all the GM "glitches" were worked out in the first year (under warranty), this vehicle has been superb! The engine is fabulous and I get better mileage than with my smaller, Chevrolet Blazer.

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  2000 Yukon - 2005 GMC Yukon
  By Bob McElvain - November 12 - 3:40 am

  Yukon has a very high center of gravity: ours fish-tailed and rolled over. No one was hurt but it was totaled. IF they dropped it 3" front and rear it would look more like a station wagon and handle better, with less wind reistance,but look like a latino low rider. Also a recall performed on its ON-Star resulted in a short and caused its battery to run down. This required more than dozen trips to various dealers in order to correctly diagnose & fix.

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  2004 Denali - 2005 GMC Yukon
  By Haywood Jablowme - November 11 - 11:53 pm

  This car is awesome. I love it.

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  Drinks like a fish - 2002 GMC Sonoma
  By SwampRat - November 11 - 4:45 pm

  I like my 2002 GMC Sonoma, but it has terrible gas mileage. It averages about 13 mpg for me. My 1984 full size 4WD truck got better mileage (and that was a V8 compared to this 6-cylinder). Aside from that, its been a good truck. Its comfortable, rides well, and Ive had little in the way of problems. The rear left sides windows weatherstripping cracked, but it was replaced under warranty. As long as you can afford the gas for it, Id highly recommend this truck. Ive also driven Dodge and Ford compact pickups, and Id definitely recommend the Sonoma over either of them. If youre going to get a truck like this, DEFINITELY get a 3 door. Its worth it!

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  Gmc crew cab - 2005 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Bill - November 11 - 1:46 am

  Mileage has been above what I expected for a vehicle of this size. Very comfortable on the road. Handles very well on trips and the 5300 has plenty of reserve power