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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  Good Truck - 2002 GMC Sierra 2500
  By LM123 - May 30 - 2:00 am

  Overall am pleased with the standard duty 2500. The truck seems to ride and handle much better than the 2500HD if you do not need the extra capacity.

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  2K Yukon, as good as it gets - 2000 GMC Yukon
  By LMc - May 30 - 2:00 am

  The 2000 Yukon XL SLE that I have driven the past two years, was purchased at a local GM dealer as a certified vehicle. The warrenty was used once to repair the rear window defrster. The SUV has proven to be reliable and an extremely comfortable vehicle to drive and ride. It is, by far, the best SUV I have owned and one of the best vehicles ever in my garage.

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  Love my truck! - 2001 GMC Sierra 2500HD
  By aktantan - May 30 - 2:00 am

  I have had both Ford and Chevy trucks in the past and this is far superior. The ride is a bit more rough than my Chevy 1500, but it is more heavy duty and simply does more. The power is great and the Allison transmission makes it a dream to drive in the Rocky Mountains where we live.

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  I shouldnt want to replace it so much - 1999 GMC Sonoma
  By Butterbear - May 29 - 2:00 am

  At 46,000 miles I shouldnt have to replace it, but it has to go. Now that its out of warranty its shaping up to be a wallet drainer. The drivers door has come loose 2 times The 3rd door handle snapped off 3 times and its out of warranty (100.00+ to fix.) The seat is broken. The GMC dealer would not fix, Funny the Chevy dealer says these are common problems and they would "extend" the warranty to fix if it were a Chevy s-10. I never thought there was a difference between the 2 I was wrong. Its probably the most comfortable vehicle I have ever owned but you cant even get fair wholesale for a trade.

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  2001 Denali - 2001 GMC Yukon
  By MSB - May 29 - 2:00 am

  The Denali is a realpleasure to drive, especially nice on long trips. Mileage is 14.7 religiously. Excellent acceleration! Braking is reliable, but not as quick as it could be. This truck is used on unimproved dirt roads on a regular basis and the sure footedness of all wheel drive is exceptional. Handling feels a bit top heavy at higher speeds. Exterior styling is fantastic. Excellent curb pickup. Inside is soft and quiet. Im looking at a 2003 right now strictly because of colors and features that were not available on my 2001 model.

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  2012 Sierra Denali - 2012 GMC Sierra 1500
  By mpacker02 - May 28 - 10:01 pm

  I just traded in my 2005 Silverado 1500 SS for the 2012 Sierra Denali. The Denali rides much better and is more luxurious. Performance is about the same, the SS accelerating a little harder, but I attribute that to a 4.11 rear end in the SS. The Denali on the other hand is getting better gas mileage than the SS. GMC did a great job on fit and finish, I’ve gone over it with a fine toothed comb looking for flaws and can find none. NAV and Stereo are easy to use, with great sound from the speakers. So far no complaints!

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  Excellent Vehicle - 1994 GMC Suburban
  By burber - May 28 - 2:00 am

  Have a family of five so with the 9 passenger seating its like having a bus. My burb has over almost 200,000 miles on the 350 V8 and is still running great. I use it for pulling my 6000 lb trailer or 4 wheel driving thru the snow in the winter. Great all round vehicle. Gas gets a bit expensive but thats the price you have to pay, I spend very little on repairs so it makes up for the high gas consumption. Very comfortable ride. highly recommend getting one.

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  excellent - 2002 GMC Envoy
  By april ravipong - May 28 - 2:00 am

  I love my Envoy. It is very spacious, and I can manage the vehicle very well. The style of the vehicle is good. Not to big and not to little.

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  LOVE IT - 2003 GMC Envoy
  By Vroom - May 28 - 2:00 am

  I was into imports before I bought my Envoy. All I can say is that I LOVE IT. Nice smooth drive and very comfortable. The optional DVD is great for keeping my lil brother quiet on long trips. Very nice interior.

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  So glad i got this - 2010 GMC Terrain
  By JA - May 27 - 11:23 pm

  Was looking at small SUVs to get because I needed AWD or 4WD since I live near the great lakes. This truck is my favorite car i have ever purchased. Now I know why they say GMC fans are the most loyal. Decent acceleration for a 4 cyclinder, very interesting and unique and cool interior. Good stock sound system, great handling. I could go on and on. If your thinking about purchasing a small SUV, be sure to check out the Terrain. I was going to buy a Ford Escape Limited, but the Terrain was FAR nicer. It was incomparable how much nicer the GMC was, Its hard to believe they are in the same class.