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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  Its been a great ride. - 2001 GMC Yukon XL
  By Frank Rizzo - January 6 - 7:00 pm

  We purchased "Big Blue" new Feb 9 of 01 and with 104K miles on her, I have nothing but good things to say. We have had no mechanical issues at all as Ive maintained her by the book. The over all design and the power train really cant be beat and for family vacations as well every day use, its been the ideal vehicle for us. Our plan is to keep it for another 100K miles as we see no reason to replace it with something similar, when its still in such great shape!

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  Mileage is terrible - 2007 GMC Sierra 1500
  By SB - January 6 - 6:53 am

  I have owned the truck for a few months and is overall a great truck, much more solid than my 2004 Chevy 1500. But the mileage I had on the old truck was 16-18 mpg and now I get 11 mpg. I have called the dealer and they keep telling me to give it some break in time. This is my fifth new vehicle and I have never had this problem before, I would really have trouble recommending this truck at this point.

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  This is a Mechanics Truck - 1995 GMC Sonoma
  By David - January 3 - 7:01 pm

  Fun to drive with plenty of power for a small truck, even with a 2.2 four cylinder. If you need a truck that you can mod, this truck is compatible with tons of parts, mod kits, and engines. Its an older truck and a GMC, so the exterior metal much thicker than the typical modern truck that dents if you just lean on it. However, you must let this vehicle warm up for about 5 to 10 minutes before you drive it in cold weather or you will break your headgasket, which is a costly repair. If youre low on cash and need a truck, a Sonoma is perfect for you as long as you take care of it, and check your fluids.

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  2009 Canyon new 5.3 ltr. V-8 - 2009 GMC Canyon
  By Jack - January 2 - 8:24 pm

  Traded my 06 Canyon for a hard to find 09 V-8 model. Was worth the effort. Lots of power, z71 package holds it in the road. Fun to drive and growls.

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  Great SUV - 2004 GMC Yukon
  By DEA - December 30 - 10:44 pm

  I purchased this SUV with 2 miles on it. It has been a great car so far, we have driven on several long trips using the third row as a sleeping area. When using the K&N air-filter in the winter sent two error codes to the computer. I switch back to the original filter and the check engin light went out. Great SUV rides great and looks great going down the road. Went through two set of tires before I foung out it was out of line. Dealer told me they just had to torque the torque bar

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  Love My Yukon - 2000 GMC Yukon XL
  By Yukon XL owner - December 22 - 10:43 pm

  We love our Yukon XL. There is always plenty of room for all of our kids stuff. Its safe. I can see well down the road to avoid potential problems on the freeway. People dont try to "run me over" like when Im in a smaller vehicle. Of course it sucks down the gas like crazy, but we still love it. Makes launching a boat a piece of cake too.

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  Great Ride - 2009 GMC Acadia
  By Pat R - December 16 - 11:33 am

  Great ride, love the navigation, easy to use. Seems to shift strange. Mileage has not been as good as promised. Good looking and fun to drive. Have had many compliments on this vehicle from strangers in parking lots. Cannot believe that the back bumper is not real chrome. For the price of this vehicle it should be real chrome not paper.

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  Gas mileage blues - 2010 GMC Terrain
  By cecilp - December 13 - 5:00 pm

  Traded a 2000 Yukon (bought new) to better gas mileage. Have less than 300 miles since delivery and the gas mileage stinks. Only getting 16 MPG in town, have not had it on a trip yet. Data center shows average speed of 33.7 MPH. Anyone else having gas mileage issues? Comofrt is ok with the exception on seat edges while getting out of vehicle, and rear doors are hard to shut. Ride is good and firm and handling is great and the and style is otasite. XM radio is awesome but gas mileage has got to go. If the satisfaction return was still available Id take er back in a flash.

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  Denali - Utilitarian Comfort - 2006 GMC Yukon XL
  By DwS - December 12 - 2:23 pm

  The Denali is a great vehicle for someone looking for a long term vehicle that can handle anything you through at it. It can tow. It can haul. It can deliver you to far away destinations with supreme comfort and entertain you and your passengers on the way. It even tells you how to get there.

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  Great Value - 1999 GMC Safari
  By Patrick - December 12 - 10:30 am

  Very useful vehicle. More power than I need. Good milage-esp with 6 people in it. Reliable. Low maintenace.