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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  Happy Owner! - 2002 GMC Yukon XL
  By FamilyHaul - July 4 - 10:00 am

  If youve got children, or adults for that matter, to haul around, your going to love this vehicle! Have cargo and humans/pets? This vehicle CANNOT be beat. Im on my second one, and havent had a moments trouble with either. With the model change, (2002?), the turn radius improved immensely; making parking somewhat easier. Seats are comfortable, power is wonderful.

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  Best Pickup Ive ever owned - 1994 GMC Sonoma
  By JohnsonLonnie - July 3 - 11:26 pm

  Wonderful vehicle there is a reason they discontinued the 4.3 Liter CPI engine. Certain things go out like clockwork but the truck is almost 20 years old now. The thing had over 300k on the engine when some crazy woman ran the truck over while I at a stop in traffic. It folded the bed under the cab area and the frame was bent near double. I walked away from the wreck with a concussion.

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  first truck - 1992 GMC Sonoma
  By michael - June 29 - 3:26 pm

  Ok as posted this is my first truck. The owner of this truck told me if i could get it out of the mess of mud and branches i could keep it. So i got it out and towed it home. The vehicle is still under work because of the clutch but it has been running great otherwise.

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  Not worth the money - 2003 GMC Yukon
  By kdhuston - June 26 - 1:12 am

  This was a fabulous vehicle but as soon as the warranty came up its slowly falling apart. Within 2 weeks of the warranty my transmission went out then 2 weeks after that my rear end went out at 69,000 miles. The motor in the driver side window has gone out and the passenger is on its way. The side panel on the drivers side is pulling apart from the door and the vynal on the dash is starting to peel off. The air vents are cracking and beginning to break and the seats are starting to wear thin. My husband has had his Acura for 8 years and the interior still looks new. I take really good care of it. Its made with cheap products and corners were clearly cut. Wont buy American again.

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  No problems yet. - 2006 GMC Sierra 1500
  By koryharper - June 24 - 6:56 pm

  I bought this truck with 6000 miles on it. Its first drive was from Cleveland to Fayetteville, NC. Never really noticed anything expect it lacks in acceleration. It feels like 2nd gear when taking off. When downshifting it seems to rev a little too high. other that great truck, the only problem Ive had was at about 30k I got a ENGINE POWER REDUCED light but it went away when I came out of the bar. Brakes pulse a little too. But nothing major yet. I dont know why everyone else complains. "fingers crossed" If i ever switch brands itll be because this truck does lack in the power department. Once going its awesome but not great on the low end. However 4x4 is great in tough terrain.

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  body goeth before engine - 1995 GMC Jimmy
  By Ms Tru Indeed - June 21 - 2:58 am

  I bought my truck from a auction, expecting it to run for a year@16500 miles to get me over. Im hitting 200,000. The body is rusting the inside is falling apart, but the dern engine is still going. i want to trade it in, but I cant let it go. Since im good with maintanance on older vehicle (be it that Im 33 yrs old and female) I think I can get another 40,000. What the heck, its paid for, and im saving money (not on gas though) for that GMC Tahoe. GO GM!!!

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  Nice truck, but has some shortcomings - 2008 GMC Yukon Hybrid
  By RJ - June 20 - 6:26 am

  Bought this truck new on New Years Eve 2008. After 7 months and 12k miles, Im a bit disappointed with the mileage. Were only getting around 17 MPG. I have a lead foot, but my wife doesnt and she is the primary driver. Dont see how other reviewers are getting 20+. Have also had to take it to the dealer twice for brake issues. Covered under warranty, but still a hassle. Interior is laid out nicely, but materials seem really cheap. Drivers seat has great leg and head room, but comfort of seat is lacking on long trips. Overall, pretty happy with it. Has a very good ride even at 75-85 MPH. With 3rd row seats out, cargo area is spacious. Cant use NAV without radio on.

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  99 2wd reg cab 4 cyl first truck owned - 1999 GMC Sonoma
  By brian - June 16 - 11:24 am

  I got this truck a few months ago and it was a good price compared to other trucks. I had to recharge air and works great very cold and its 10 years old. I have drove many other trucks and this drives great. Needs new fuel regulator so gas gauge dont work so the only problem is that, and the fact we figured it out to only get about 19-20 mpg mf sticker in glove box says 19-28mpg it would not get 28 mpg on the best day. drivers door rust spot on bottom and wheel undercarriages and very squeaky when driving I heard people say that about gm,my grandpa worked there 34 years so beside 2 mustangs all i ever owned was gm this only one that squeaky, bought w 99950 miles will get probably 200,000

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  A real SUV that can stand the miles - 2003 GMC Yukon XL
  By High Miler - June 14 - 2:36 am

  I am approaching 140k miles on my Denali. Its a great truck with a great motor and trans with 0 issues to date. Is it perfect? No. Yes, youll do wheel hubs anywhere from 40k onward. Big deal, I dont fret about a bearing. All vehicles have these types of issues. Right now, toyota cant seem to get a gas pedal to work. The steering column rattle I had replaced under a GM pilot part program. Same with my diesel truck. Its been flawless since. GM large SUVs and trucks share the same parts and platforms. People forget how much this truck really weighs and what it can do and that wearing parts dont last forever.

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  Good truck - 1997 GMC Sonoma
  By Erick - June 9 - 10:10 am

  Ive owned this truck since new and it has been the best vehicle I have ever owned. I have 170,000 miles on it and it has never let me down once. GM built a good one in this little truck. Thank you GM.