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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  UPSET - 2000 GMC Jimmy
  By figgy - July 31 - 2:00 am

  Loved it until last week. With only 32,ooo miles on it the engine seized up. It will cost almost $4,000 to replace the engine. Dont know why this happened. Oil was changed as recommended and vehicle was not mistreated in any way. It was running fine before and then just died in the middle of traffic. Of course the warranty has expired so theres not much I can do but fix it. Im not happy and will probably not buy another GMC. I could understand this happening if this vehicle had 75,000 miles on it or was over an older model and not taken care of. WHATS UP GMC?

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  Canyon - 2004 GMC Canyon
  By padfam - July 31 - 2:00 am

  Its to soon to make a complete review. Performance is not there. With the air on and four adults, there isnt any! I miss engine gauges. Oil,water,battery. With posi in the rear, it slips around in wet weather. Needs disc. brakes in back. I think that would help. I bought it to tow a 3100 pound boat. I think that was a mistake. Last veh. was 02 Envoy. It plenty of power,I had it in the shop 14 times. Dealer stated new model year problems.

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  Anther Goood Yukon - 2002 GMC Yukon
  By Mike Jones - July 27 - 2:00 am

  they Rock What else can I say, I just bought my forth one, I will never buy a differnt kid of suv.

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  Good Experience Minus the Mileage - 2009 GMC Sierra 1500
  By pontiac301hell - July 25 - 4:53 pm

  So far this truck has been great and reliable. I drive it in mixed conditions and have not had a problem yet for reliability. The truck starts no problem when I dont have a plug in available in the cold(-42 the other week). The cylinder shut down for improved mileage does not seem to work overly well. Sofar the best mileage Ive been able to pull is 15 mpg while cruising at 110 km/h.

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  2005 GMC - 2005 GMC Sierra 3500
  By matin - July 25 - 11:56 am

  Good reliable truck, never given me any trouble. Used it for 6 months in hauling 200 pound trailer.

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  best truck to get just like a full size - 2004 GMC Canyon
  By gmc2004canyon - July 25 - 2:00 am

  excellent off road and on the road

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  Good little truck - 2004 GMC Canyon
  By Truckgirl - July 25 - 2:00 am

  I have only had this truck for a week, but its really fun to drive. I previously owned a 1992 Nissan pickup and I really like the increased space and comfort of the Canyon. I got the basic truck, without any options, and was kind of disappointed at the lack of a couple of features. Since I did not see the specific truck prior to buying it, I was very disappointed that there was no keyed entry on the passenger side (I dont have power locks). This is an inconvenience if I need to load anything on that side. However, in spite of that, I think I will enjoy the Canyon for many years.

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  Bad experience - 2005 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Frank Leslie - July 24 - 3:13 pm

  Intermediate steering shaft made noises, steering rack had to be replaced. A/C will not work on inside air setting. Other than this, the vehicle is pretty good.

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  Opinion on recent Used purchase 6.6 Duramax - 2005 GMC Sierra 2500HD
  By randy012796 - July 24 - 9:31 am

  Just bought this truck from my neighbor. 58,000 miles on a 8 year old truck. It is box stock and clean. I cleaned it up even more. I have never owned a diesel before or a GMC. This diesel is Awesome! GMC has a slightly better finish than the Silverado I sold. We tow a 33ft Keystone Ultra lite camper thats 6,800lbs like a dream. There all expensive and I dont know why the comman man would spend the money on a new one. Enjoy shopping and go clean used. Some mods in the future, good deals out there on used perf. parts

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  great suv - 2004 GMC Envoy
  By keegan - July 24 - 2:00 am

  I had wanted one for a few years but so expensive. When they had the 0 % financing I was there. I like it but am driving way to much now! Still a very expensive vehicle. I love the on star and how it rives feels like a car. Like the dash