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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  GMC = great motor car - 2000 GMC Yukon
  By Greg8 - January 21 - 2:00 am

  Bought the truck used w/ 5,015 miles on it. Now has 41,500--only maintenance has been oil, filter, and (1) fuel filter. Very roomy, very comfortable ride, mileage as good or better than the 90 Isuzu Trooper it replaced for me. Construction is very solid. Big truck commands respect on the freeway, too. Much quieter ride than the Trooper and much more powerful (285 HP vs. 150 HP).

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  this is a great truck - 1995 GMC Sonoma
  By Ike - January 19 - 2:00 am

  this truck is great but i have the 4 cylinder and it could use a little more power in some situations. this truck is good on gas. comfortable and reliable.

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  this is a great truck - 1995 GMC Sonoma
  By ike - January 19 - 2:00 am

  this truck is great but i have the 4 cylinder and it could use a little more power in some situations. this truck is good on gas. comfortable and reliable.

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  Best SUV Ive had yet - 2002 GMC Envoy
  By Bernard Gonda - January 19 - 2:00 am

  I have had MPVs, Blazers, and Explorers but nothing matches the ride I get from this SUV. My wife and I prefer to travel in it over our Bonneville. I have only had one problem with it. Recently the load levelers failed because the check valve on the compressor broke. This was remedied by the dealer in 4 hours.

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  Whats Not to Like? - 2007 GMC Sierra 1500
  By LittleJohn - January 17 - 11:43 pm

  I know this may seem early, but this is one great truck. Fit and finish is perfect. Interior design is great, well layed out. Exterior looks great! Love the Stealth Grey Color! The active engine management is seamless. I cant feel it switch from V4 to V8 or back again 1st tank mpg was 15, pretty good for around town for a lead foot like myself. This truck is as quiet as my Dads Avalon and rides just the same. The rain sensing wipers are terrific. If GM keeps this up with the rest of its vehicles, it will win back a lot of foreign car buyers. My last two new vehicles were a Honda Odyssey and a Tundra. This GMC is just as good as either of those vehicles

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  Sonoma 4DR ZR2 - 2003 GMC Sonoma
  By sboyer - January 17 - 2:00 am

  Clean value priced family truck, my third GM truck

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  Good Start - 2002 GMC Envoy
  By a name - January 17 - 2:00 am

  The Envoy was my choice because of comfort and ride. I owned a 1993 Ford Exporer but the 2002 Explorers had hard seats and a rough ride. Also I didnt like the 3 bucket rear seat the came out with. I was very happy with my 1993 Explorer but Ford needs to address comfort with the new Explores. My disapointments with the Envoy are, When you put the back seat down you cant but the front seat back the way I like to ride. Had rattles, and I dont like the rain sensitive windshild wipers. I also dont like the auto dimming rear view mirror. The cargo space is also smaller than the explorer was. Sound proofing is also disapointing

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  What a deal!!! - 2008 GMC Sierra 1500
  By billgamble - January 16 - 5:00 pm

  Bought the truck during the employee pricing program and got an outstanding deal. Rides like a nice car and handles great. Very comfortable.

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  Buy This Car! - 2003 GMC Yukon XL
  By Badster Adster - January 16 - 2:00 am

  This Car since i bought it has been an outstanding one. Compared to my new Mercedes SL600 2002, this 2003 Yukon XL Denali keeps up very well. I am extremely happy with the build. The only thing I would possibly change is the gas mileage. I have 8 children and this is truely the best car yet. I am considering buying a second. I havent had any problems with it yet and i dont expect any either.

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  I Love My Yukon SLT 1500 2wd!!!! - 2001 GMC Yukon XL
  By gmcyukonc1500 2wd - January 16 - 2:00 am

  Even though i cant get over the bad transmission problems i have had in the past,i love my truck. This is the best car i have ever bought!!! It is the best looking suv on the road. It is so smooth over bumps. The interior is well laid out and functional except i need more room for my cds. The seats are comfy and supportive!!!! The designers need to use better plastic however! I hate my cargo doors because they block my view when i am trying to get over into the next lane. Build Quality ZIP!!!! I have had more problems with this truck than anything i have ever driven. If GMC keeps up i will have to get and Expedition! The dealer is the best in New Bern.