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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  great suv - 1999 GMC Suburban
  By 99GMCsublovr - June 23 - 11:04 am

  we have had this car for 3 years now and it still runs great even for being 10 years old. It is comfortable and its one of those cars that holds its style for a long time. I love the steering on this suv, it has a great feel to it and it can steer sharp. We have the 5.7l engine which has penty of power for everyday driving comfort and for saturday fun!! I love the engine sound when you punch the gas, it still sounds great. The ride quality is great on the highway, although at 70mph it seems to shake some, but thats only because we need our tires rotated and allined.

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  Great truck & mileage after recall - 2008 GMC Yukon Hybrid
  By mwells - June 19 - 4:16 pm

  Love this truck for it can idling when parked and no carbon foot print. The truck was receiving poor gas mileage, but after the transmission recall it is getting what is estimated. I love the fact it gets around 20 miles per gallon and I have a lead foot. Wondering if GM will credit me the fuel cost from their error?

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  BEST SUV EVER BUILT FOR THE MONEY - 2010 GMC Terrain
  By MW_NY - June 19 - 5:20 am

  This vehicle is unreal. I test drove 12 cars before going with this one. The 4 cyl model drives like a 6 cyl car with all the benefits of a 4 cyl sedan gas mileage. I am getting around 25 mpg in the NYC / Metro area, which is pretty good but not the 32 mpg they boast. It took me 3 months to get this car and it was well worth it. There is NO car that comes close for all the features it contains. I would recommend only the SLE-2 and not the SLE-1. There is a big difference in the amenities and the seat cushions between both. I previously drove a BMW X3 and the amenities on this car are better and the drive is comparable. GMC really did a great job with this car. Get the 18 inch wheels

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  Love This Truck - 2004 GMC Sierra 2500
  By Brian Eichler - June 19 - 12:10 am

  I have the 2500HD 6.6L Diesel 4x4 Crew Cab SB. This is my third GM 4x4 truck, but first diesel. I tow an RV and put dirt bikes in the back and it drives like I have nothing attached and nothing in the back. I can accelerate going up hills on the freeway fully loaded towing the RV. The interior noise is quieter than my wifes Chevy Blazer. The stereo absolutely rocks, and the seat heaters are so nice - even in San Diego CA! This is the best truck ever made.

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  road noise - 2010 GMC Sierra 1500
  By gary warren - June 18 - 7:23 pm

  Drove G.M. trucks for 30 years, this is noisy one. No insulation on floor under back seat.G.M. will not fix so look before you sign papers because after you sign you are on your own.Going to buy ear plugs,another bad investment.

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  Great Truck - 1999 GMC Suburban
  By Dennis - June 18 - 5:00 pm

  This is a great truck. For its size it handles and drives well. Good power and acceleration. I bought this truck new. It has been driven every where from the DC beltway to gravel roads (and off road) through every kind of weather from rain, sun, and blizzards. It has hauled kids, dogs, lumber, rocks etc. Always reliable and built like a tank. I have had a couple of accidents with little or no damage and the other car having major damage.

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  This truck is awesome - 2013 GMC Sierra 1500
  By augthedog - June 15 - 5:17 am

  The SLT version of this truck is totally awesome. It is quiet, powerful, solid and gets 21 MPG with the 5.3 engine. GM hit the mark with this truck and if not for the year end sale I would have bought the 2014. This truck is like a Cadillac inside and rides like one. Love it.

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  Great Mileage - 2009 GMC Canyon
  By JohnS - June 12 - 11:58 am

  This 4 cyl Canyon replaces a Chevy S10 and after having looked at all the small pickups (Ford, Toyota, Nissan) I have been extremely pleased with it. I was expecting slightly less gas mileage since I went from a 2.2 engine to 2.9 and from standard to automatic, but its has matched the S10 with 23 / 24 around town and 27 / 28 on the highway. Just great fun to drive

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  Still smiling... - 2003 GMC Sierra 2500HD
  By brian0105 - June 11 - 10:00 am

  I researched long and hard when deciding on the $$ for the Duramax/Allison combo. Man am I pleased! It pulls my travel trailer like it wasnt even there. MPG has been better than my previous Firebird. Comfort is much better than I expected for a 3/4 ton. Looks? Man, you cant beat the Fire Red color! Dont know what it might take to wipe this smile off my face!

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  Diamond in the Ruff - 2009 GMC Acadia
  By bigwes3 - June 11 - 8:22 am

  Owned for 6k miles and could not be happier. Fun to drive and handles great with exterior styling to die for.. After ten years of Full size SUVs No roof issues or tranny issues as previous year models. I have found the perfect auto for me. Not a boat but not a low riding car. Not worried about GM being there, car well hold up until they remove the cloud over their future. Waited for three years after intro so GM could address any new product concerns. Honda Pilot and Toyota Highlander dont come close to measuring up. This puppy is a winner!