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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  damn good truck - 2004 GMC Canyon
  By claycm18 - April 27 - 2:00 am

  i got the 3.5L engine, you should too it is great This is a tough truck

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  I love this SUV! - 2007 GMC Yukon XL
  By jf - April 27 - 2:00 am

  I love this SUV! My kids and I always loved driving it. The Nav was great and always handy. Spacious in all rows and back storage. Love the truck/stiff suspension. Loved having the mp3 player jack to listen to whatever and however much we wanted on long trips. Didnt get a chance to tow with it. Due to our own budget, had to turn it in before we wanted. Gas mileage for everyday driving wasnt good but thats what you get for a tow vehicle. About $100 to fill the tank at $3 + per gallon. That was the only drawback. Would love to get another one someday, but it would be overkill with the kids getting older and nothing to tow.

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  Unhappy in Ohio - 1998 GMC Jimmy
  By Repair Broke - April 26 - 2:00 am

  Good looking, poor quality vehicle high wind noise, replaced alternator, both front wheel bearings,radiator problems, key igntion lock went bad, seat adjuster handle broke,waterpump went bad,oil cooler lines leaked and needed replaced,turn signal electrical problems...I understand most of these common on all 98 Jimmys but GM refuses to re-call. All happened right after warranty (36,000 mi)

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  Work horse - 1999 GMC Suburban
  By ktlh2 - April 26 - 2:00 am

  It has been a great family travel vehicle. I would have preferred better gas mileage but you cant beat it, when loading up 2 adults, 2 kids and 2 dogs and driving 500 plus miles, for comfort. Brakes have been the biggest negative. We do lots of urban driving and the brakes have been serviced about every 25,000 miles (4 times in 5 years). Not many problems until about 77,000 (warranty ran out at 75,000). We now have 102,000 and still going.

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  One Big Truck - 2002 GMC Sierra 2500HD
  By Paul Harrison - April 25 - 10:00 am

  This is my dream truck. 12 MPG City/16 Highway - no better even with Mobil 1. The 6.0L is fine for commuting, racing punks in Civics and hauling stuff from Lowes. It does work hard to tow a 6,000 lb. camper. The 6.0L is a revver not a torquer. If you do more than occasional towing, the Duramax is the choice for you. The 8.1L gets 9 MPG so think carefully before making that choice. It hauls 2 tons, thats right, 2 tons of gravel without squatting or skipping a beat. The OEM Bridgestone tires wore out at 45K and because it has to work to tow a moderate trailer, I gave it a 9. It is a monster to park, especially in a parking garage so Fun to Drive is a 9.

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  need minor details - 2010 GMC Sierra 1500
  By pierre - April 23 - 10:00 am

  I owned fords for 12 years this is my first GMC. simply love the truck. however the door handle needs to be moved. Minor details. My left knee lays right up against it.And for someone w/bad knees it can get uncomfortable. it is the smoothest riding truck i have owned. But the door handle gets a low grade.

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  I Love my Yukon XL - 2018 GMC Yukon XL
  By Neil Brooks - April 21 - 2:26 pm

  I had a 1996 GMC Suburban for 20 years and thought I would never like the Newer Yukon XL Well I was wrong its a technology filled Beast that is easy to drive and its like sitting in your living room easy chair driving down the highway. The ride is a bit rougher than my Old Suburban because of the 22" wheels but looks sharp and not too much of a sacrifice, I did not think I needed all of the technology but find myself using most of it.

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  My Envoy Rocks My World! - 2004 GMC Envoy
  By CallMeDrew - April 20 - 2:00 am

  I purchased my 04 Envoy to replace a 1998 Chevy Blazer with 154,000 miles. What a trade-up! I cant believe the difference in comfort, ride, options, and especially handling. The Envoy corners smoothly and, due to its tight turning radius, I no longer have to look for "double-wide" parking spaces. Both the front and back passenger seats get bonus points for roominess. I have been nothing short of delighted with this vehicle!

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  MY YUKON XL - 2004 GMC Yukon XL
  By YUKONRN - April 19 - 2:00 am

  Excellently designed and engineered vehicle

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  Great Car - 2003 GMC Yukon
  By John Berrill - April 18 - 2:00 am

  Third seat would be more usful if it folded into the floow like some other suvs Pulls the boat without effort. (4400 lbs)