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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  Excellent Buy - 2004 GMC Sierra 1500
  By vbase - December 7 - 2:00 am

  You cant beat this truck for the price lots of power locking Differential. All wheel disk brakes on other trucks this is a option but on GMC it is a standard option. I just couldnt be happier the 5.3 has plenty of power Im sure it will keep up any of the other trucks with the same size engine.

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  Best truck ever! - 2008 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Puggy - December 6 - 2:46 pm

  With only 5 weeks and 1,200 miles of ownership my new 2008 GMC Sierra Denali has so far been flawless. I have owned Ford, Chevy and Dodge and this is by far the best of the bunch. Fit and finish is exceptional (for a truck or car), for a truck it has a smooth ride, great power and exhaust note, seamless 6 speed automatic transmission and great interior and exterior styling. It is like driving a full sized luxury SUV with a pick-up truck bed in the back. I couldn’t give 14-16 mpg a 10, but that’s not bad for having 403 hp on tap.

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  Just Fine - 1998 GMC Suburban
  By From the Flatland - December 6 - 2:00 am

  Four years and counting. This GMC has been very reliable. Its a smooth ride, easy to maneuver for its size, and about what you can expect for gas mileage. Just about to 100K with pretty much normal maintenance (which is performed religiously).

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  Denali - 2003 GMC Yukon
  By LittleRockDenali - December 6 - 2:00 am

  This is a very nice and comfortable ride.It is very roomy and stylish both inside and out.The average gas milage is about 16 MPG. Which is not too bad but far from economical.

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  2002 envoy - 2002 GMC Envoy
  By Carly - December 5 - 10:00 am

  Wish for 20 less horsepower in exchange for better gas mileage.

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  Outstanding Vehicle - 2003 GMC Yukon
  By ChuckD - December 5 - 2:00 am

  I have owned several SUVs and would recommend the Yukon over the lot. Cant say enough about it!!

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  4+ years... - 1999 GMC Jimmy
  By badulla - December 4 - 2:00 am

  I bought this new in 99. Loved it both on and off road. Did all regular maintenaince (tune ups, oil changes) at regular intervals. Brakes and rotors finally needed to be replaced at 70k miles. One of the front calipers failed 3 days after the brakes were done but I think the mechanics had something to do with that. Ball joints needed to be replaced last week at 76k miles. Battery needs to be replaced as of tonight. Other than those items this car has been rock solid! Still drives like a champ. Was going to buy the new VW Toureg but cant justify getting rid of this yet.

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  great little truck - 2003 GMC Sonoma
  By samsnesteiner - December 3 - 2:00 am

  beautiful truck with great shift response. Gas is not an issue eith this truck

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  Not so good - 2002 GMC Envoy
  By hlj - December 3 - 2:00 am

  In to the dealer for sensors in AC, Emissions system, and a couple other minor problems. Performance reminds me of driving a Japanese SUV instead of American Iron. Should have got a 5.3 V8 as is in my Sierra or better yet, a Yukon. I call this my "Graco" (baby carriage).

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  A Nice Upgrade - 2007 GMC Yukon XL
  By smokeyta - December 2 - 11:30 am

  After being a happy owner of an 03 5.3 Yukon XL, we upgraded to the Denali in 07. What a great vehicle it has been! The main reasons for this selection were the upgraded features, the towing ability, and generous cargo/people space. The burble of the 6.2 reminded me of the string of late 90s TransAms I did time in. Things that made the GMC the best choice over the Navigator were interior ergonomics, the discrete (if not slightly understated) luxury, the engine/6-speed with manual shift selections, and the interior decor (looks great in tan/brown) two tone). Almost two years later, we have not been disappointed. We have had no quality or warranty issues what-so-ever.