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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  ULTIMATE TRUCK - 2002 GMC Sierra 2500HD
  By gmgp455 - February 23 - 10:00 am

  THIS TRUCK IS A WORK HORSE ,FUN TO DRIVE AND HAULS LOADS LIKE THEY WERE NOTHING. POWER IS EXCELLENT DRIVES LIKE A SPORTS CAR VERY COMFERTABLE TRUCK. IT GETS DECIENT MILELAGE 18mpg HIGHWAY 10mpg AROUND TOWN .

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  Sierra Denali - 2002 GMC Sierra 1500
  By kimsli - February 23 - 10:00 am

  Vehicle rides and handles like a high- end SUV. Vehicle is very agile and maneuvers easily in traffic. All- wheel steering and ample power make trailering seem effortless.

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  Great Little Truck - 1994 GMC Sonoma
  By mark455 - February 23 - 2:00 am

  This truck has been great. I purchased it used with 45000 miles and it now has 90000. I have done nothing but basic maintenace. I have had no problems whatsoever. The truck still looks new.

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  1995 Safari SLT - 1995 GMC Safari
  By kayaker - February 23 - 2:00 am

  This van is my second, I owned a Astro before, its a great driver on long trips and has plenty of towing power for my older Apache trailer. All wheel drive is a real life saver as I do get off the pavement once in awhile and is great on winter roads.

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  Great Rig but boring - 2003 GMC Sonoma
  By bag o ice - February 23 - 2:00 am

  Truck does everything that I want but is just a little boring on the outside and inside. I am glad to see that they are redesigning but I just had to get this one.

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  Lees Review - 2006 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Lees GMC - February 22 - 4:16 pm

  Replaced a 2006 Ridgeline for towing. Not much to say but excellent! While ride is not as good as Ridgeline, it has more room, power, and beauty. [Beauty is in the eye of the beholder]The leather interior is excellent and comfortable.

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  2009 Sierra - 2009 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Cliff - February 21 - 7:10 am

  I’ve had the truck for just about one month. At one month, every other vehicle that I’ve owned has had at least one little problem or there was at least one little thing about it that I didn’t like. I haven’t had any problems nor have I found any thing I don’t like with the Sierra. It is comfortable and fun to drive. I did a mileage check that came out at 19 MPG. I drive 70% highway and 30% city. At highway speed (60MPH), it is so quiet that I don’t need to turn up the stereo. The average load in the bed is 500 to 700 pounds and with that load the truck handles very well.

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  Takes a lickin and keeps on tickin - 1995 GMC Yukon
  By Yukon SS - February 21 - 2:00 am

  Over all this has been the best truck i have ever owned. It has major potential to be anything that you want it to be. Great porformance and great towing. Very easy to see and handles like a car. I cant resist to upgrade and soup up the engine. Overall it is a truck with major potential. My yukon has 165,000 miles on it and still no problems. Sounds great with 40 series flowmasters.

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  My opinion - 1998 GMC Jimmy
  By ewj - February 20 - 2:00 am

  Have had some problems with transmission which would not shift out properly due to a faulty valve also have problems with fuel pump and electrical system.

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  Grandpas Van - 1999 GMC Safari
  By Pauppo - February 19 - 2:00 am

  A very reliable and useful vehicle. Lots of power and interior room with affordable fuel economy. Both hardware and paint seem to be holding up well.