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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  2004 Gmc Duramax Allison Auto - 2004 GMC Sierra 2500HD
  By J. Miller - March 19 - 2:00 am

  Bought Brand New 3 months ago and now have just under 10K miles. The Duramax is all that and more. Excellent Truck!! Not one problem so far!! Ride Quality is awesome for a 2500HD Truck!

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  heck of a truck - 2004 GMC Sierra 1500
  By 2eagles - March 19 - 2:00 am

  A great truck. I had a 1992 Sierra and loved it. I bought this truck and a week later took it on a 2000 mile elk hunting trip to Colorado. It was a long drive made enjoyable thanks to GMC. The snow in the mountains was no problem and the truck was perfect. This truck rides better and is quieter than my wifes 2002 Bonneville SLE.

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  2005 Sierra - 2005 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Bill - March 18 - 8:30 pm

  Truck has exellent performance with the 5300 engine. The gas mileage we averaged on an 800 mile trip was 20 miles per gallon which I thought was exellent for a truck of this size. It has plenty of legroom room in the back seats. I considered an F150, but after comparing the two I went with the GMC

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  7 months later and still happy - 2002 GMC Envoy
  By TLCollins - March 18 - 10:00 am

  I purchased the SLT with all of the bells and whistles. 15,000 miles later, and I am still whistling! I have extremely satisfied with my Envoy. The only repairs (other than routine) were to replace the pump in the load leveling suspension. The bad pump was replaced in a day, and I was on my way. Smooth ride, expected fuel mileage, lots of extras....looks great!

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  2000 Yukon Denali - 2000 GMC Yukon Denali
  By DS - March 17 - 1:56 am

  It stops like a dump truck, and the inadequate 255/330 BHP/TQ 5.7 liter engine moves this 3 ton SUV slowly (10+ seconds 0-60) and inefficiently (14 miles per gallon - mostly highway). However, its a very comfortable vehicle with good ergonomics and comfortable seats.

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  Put the vehicle down and back away - 1996 GMC Sonoma
  By buy japanese - March 16 - 2:00 am

  Wow, Where do I start. I purchased this truck new with only 8 miles on it. I have had nothing but problems. I will just make a list. 2 Head gaskets replaced and now this one is leaking. 12,000m 38,000m. three wiper motors replaced 28,000m. one starter replaced 25,000m. Two clutches and all related parts, throwout, slave,etc. 40,000m 75,000. three sets of universal joints 50,000 80,000 102,000m. Fuel pump went out 80,000m. Had to go back to dealer to have several squeaks/rattles fixed. Lumbar adjustment broke second time I used it. Drivers side mirror broke. Cupholder came apart. Both door speakers quit working.

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  Junk - 2000 GMC Sonoma
  By Robt - March 15 - 2:00 am

  Never again...This is the worst vehicle Ive ever owned (with the exception of a 77 Dodge power wagon) as far as reliability goes. Mine has a lot of miles but they are all highway and I have serviced it regualary. Shortly after warranty expired I had to put a $750.00 fuel pump on it, now theres either a wheel bearing or differential going out and howling like a banchee, the transmission is giving me troubles. The interior quality is awful, the steering wheel looks like it has leprosy, the power windows make noise and sound like they are falling out. In brief....Ill never buy another GM product as long as I live.

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  Not hAPPY - 1997 GMC Yukon
  By Vsb58 - March 14 - 2:00 am

  Ive owned this vehicle 18 months, and have had nothing but problems some normal, some unusual. Door handle broke, would only open from outside, I never had this happen on old old vehicles. Had to replace door handle and lock. Fuel pump had to be replaced, radiator had hole and to be replaced. Had 1 bad fuel injector had to be replaced. Thats only some of my problems, the cost....not cheap.

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  Awesome Vehicle!! - 1998 GMC Envoy
  By horseygirl - March 14 - 2:00 am

  This Envoy has been one very nice vehicle. Very versatile, nice lines, high intensity headlamps are awesome! The vehicle is loaded with many fine features. Programmable buttons for the garage door and security gate are a nice extra. All leather interior is standard and there are lots of plugins for all sorts of gadgets (cell phone charger, fuzz buster, etc), air compressor in the rear is also very convenient. I would definitely buy another!! This vehicle comes equipped with every feature imaginable and thats standard!

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  Smoke & Mirrors - 2003 GMC Yukon
  By Delta - March 14 - 2:00 am

  Overall its just an average ride. I wonder why it cost $46,000? It certainly has all the whistle & bells, but nothing unique. The stereo is ok but not great, maybe one step above the radio that was in my 1967 Chevy. A lot of road noise.