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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  Lots of Repairs - 2000 GMC Yukon XL
  By wthtlh - December 2 - 10:00 am

  This vehicle has had many major repairs for the price paid. At first, many problems with the brakes (funny noise),after warranty went out air- ride shock went out (very expensive!), air conditioner unit(very, very expensive, fuel pump along with several little things. Think this vehicle should last longer for what I paid Have 82000 miles and ready to get another vehicle, NOT GMC

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  2004 extended cab 4x4 auto 4.8 auto - 2004 GMC Sierra 1500
  By spayce - December 2 - 10:00 am

  i said i would never buy another truck from gm since my 87 but there made a little better now and it helps with the frame being painted, you buy the vehicle new with a rusted frame and rear axel,an improvement.but overall i like the truck except for the sloppy drive-train and slow shifting tran-ny. anyone else notice the clunking in the drivetrain?

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  Loving My 3rd Safari! - 2000 GMC Safari
  By Pame - December 2 - 2:00 am

  Since 1992 we have owned 1 used and 2 new Safaris. We are sad that GMC is discontinuing this line as it is everything a mini-van should be. Reliable and very roomy without being a difficult drive.

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  Thunder Rolls - 1995 GMC Sierra 1500
  By captainkaos - December 1 - 10:53 pm

  95 Sierra Z-71 Extended cab. Owned it since day 1. Now has 263,000 miles on her. Has been in the shop 4 times in 14 years. No real major issues. If you take care of her, she will take care of you. I love this truck. Thought about trading her during cash for clunkers and test drove the F-150, Chevy Silverado and the Ram. They still didnt compare to her. My old gal still rode better and had the same or more power. Furthermore, the cost of a new truck is insane. I can buy half a house for the cost of a new truck. The Tundra was nice but 42k about killed me. They dont make them as solid as this one anymore. If you want a good dependable work horse, this is it. I think Id cry if I sold her:(

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  Great Mountain Truck - 1998 GMC Sonoma
  By BCRuby - December 1 - 2:00 am

  Bought the 2WD 4 cyl 5 spd truck new in 98 and put about 23.5k/year on it (now 128k). I live in Vail, CO and climb mountain passes and drive lots of snow. It does 60-65 MPH on the long grades (3rd gear, 5000 RPM) and 80-85 everywhere else. Performs impeccably with 4 studded snows (3rd set)--no need for 4WD, and I go everywhere. Has a fiberglass cap. Mileage never better than 23 MPG. Cruise, tilt, air, moon roof make for a nice low cost vehicle. Solid and very stable to drive.

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  disapointed - 2004 GMC Yukon XL
  By tr36 - December 1 - 2:00 am

  the denalli drives like no other. it looks stylish and draws extra attention on the road. the inside is roomy and comfortable. Quality on the other hand is a hugh disapointment driving off the lot my kids had broken both the covers for power adaptors, when i shut the drivers side door the electrical control for the windows came off the door. after looking at my sisters 35,000 dollar mini van i felt shorted both on Quality and Options

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  Pricy? You get what you pay for! - 2002 GMC Sierra 1500
  By GMCfan - December 1 - 2:00 am

  The quadrasteer makes handling this truck a breeze in tight spots. I havent had it out of 4WS since I tried it. The seats are far more comfortable than my Ford Expedition EB. The ability to adjust the power lumbar support while driving is great. Plenty of power for passing, even while towing. This is, by far, the best truck Ive ever owned.

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  2001 Yukon XL Denali - 2001 GMC Yukon XL
  By s - November 30 - 10:00 am

  Power, brakes, turning radius, vsibility, comfort excellent. Suprisingly, no rattles, no malfunctions, absolutely nothing no problems with this vehicle in a year.

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  Great Truck - 2000 GMC Sierra 1500
  By zman2x - November 30 - 10:00 am

  This is a great truck, fun to drive, rides good, can haul a load, and its quick. Gas Mileage isnt bad for a full size truck with a V8. It has som weaknesses, like too much plastic inside and out. Weak bumpers (front especalliy) , and the metal on the tailgate and bed sides is too thin. but this is a great truck otherwise, and the best new truck you can get, but they sure dont build them like they use to

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  wonderful - 2004 GMC Canyon
  By Kusi2006Appiah - November 29 - 2:00 am

  best thing in the world