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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  2007 GMC - 2007 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Bryce Agnew - January 13 - 9:13 am

  So far I have been very happy with this truck. I have the vortec Max so I have the 6.0 engine and beefed up transmission, locking rear end, suspension, and brakes. Highly recommended.

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  The truck of the future - 2007 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Joe B. - January 13 - 5:13 am

  I just purchased this truck this month. What a good looking vehicle! The truck handles very well, and the new design is just great. The interior is roomy and the controls are very user friendly. I ordered the Stealth Grey color, which is very unique. I would have never purchased one of the older model GMC trucks as the interior and exterior has remained the same for years. I also like the 5 year 100,000 mile power train and engine warranty.

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  Problem child to good citizen - 1995 GMC Sonoma
  By Rwm - January 13 - 2:00 am

  I purchased my used sonoma with 4,000 miles. Within the first year of owning my truck I visited the GMC dealer for the replacement of my rear axis, starter, carberator, clusters board, various fuses, breaking system, anti-lock breaks, wiper blade motor, leaking hose for air condition system, leaking hose for exhaust system and other minor repairs. My thoughts were that the prior owner damaged the truck before resaling, because after those parts were replaced (free of charge) my truck is running fine.

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  Much Better than 2003 model - 2007 GMC Sierra 1500
  By bmac - January 12 - 6:56 pm

  No more steering column noises, soft brakes, more power, and the best ride I have ever had in a truck.

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  Satisfied customer - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By Vaughn - January 11 - 2:16 am

  I have taken 2 thousand mile trips and several shorter ones this summer and have enjoyed the comfort and handling of this vehicle. Very stable ride, and reasonably good mileage to date. Lots of complements about its appearance even 4 months after purchasing. Have not used the OnStar phone feature much due to limited reception in our area

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  Yukons are Great ! - 2002 GMC Yukon
  By scrawford11 - January 11 - 2:00 am

  Outstanding, solid vehicle. 19 MPG on the highway was a nice surprise as well for a vehicle this weight and size.

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  Yukon for Life - 2000 GMC Yukon
  By dls053147 - January 10 - 2:00 am

  Had 98 Pontiac Gran Prix and 94 Ford Bronco (full size). Sold both and bought the Yukon. Dont know why didnt do it sooner. Drives as well as the Gran Prix, rides actually better, and is tough enough for off road fun and use, but not abuse. Love it!!

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  Immensely Disappointed - 2002 GMC Envoy
  By 02 Envoy Owner - January 10 - 2:00 am

  Purchased loaded SLT/4WD vehicle hoping the quality of this American made SUV would finally challenge its foreign competitors.BOY WAS I WRONG!At 20,000 miles, Continual transmission problems,shifts into neutral while driving, quite unnerving experience at highway speeds,fails to shift into reverse.Dozen visits to dealer for trans alone.Heating/air cond,control modules,actuator motors,rear dif,lifter noise,seat belts,air suspension,and electronic problems.Horrendous exterior wind noise at highway speeds.Vehicle computer fails to indicate faults.If you enjoy problems,this ones for you. BMW X5 here I come !

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  My Jimmy - 1996 GMC Jimmy
  By Sheilah99 - January 9 - 2:00 am

  My Jimmy has been a great SUV to date. I have used the roomy storage for both work and play (moved several times, outdoor activities, etc). The seats fold down easily to provide flat loading area. Although the 2DR can be an obsticle to some, I still prefer it over smaller 4dr SUVs like a Jeep-- much more leg room in back! AC, brakes, and 4WD have been problamatic at times. Spare tire on rear has increased cost of rear-end accidents and burdensome over time. Interior and comfort features have maintained well over time.

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  great vehicle - 2003 GMC Yukon
  By TANDL - January 9 - 2:00 am

  We had a 2002 Toyota Seqouia with 800 miles with vibrations which from what I hear is not uncommon to the Seqouia. We purchased the GMC Yukon and we have had no problems at all so far. It rides like a Cadillac and the cabin is very quiet. We love the truck. TANDL