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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  Dependable - 1997 GMC Suburban
  By joevalis - September 30 - 2:00 am

  One of the best vechicles I ever owned. Rides great and is very dependable. Had no problems with it except normal wear and tear. Has 120000 miles bught it new and Iam going to sell it to my daughter.

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  2001 Yukon XL in Wisconsin - 2001 GMC Yukon XL
  By Betch - September 29 - 10:00 am

  The Yukon XL has provided our family with unparalleled roominess and comfort. Our 3 girls love having "their own space" to spread out in and not have to be bothered by someone in close quarters. The ride and power are excellent. This vehicle will be a part of our family for years to come.

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  Great Truck! - 2000 GMC Sierra 1500
  By R.J.s Truck - September 29 - 10:00 am

  Great truck with only a few minor problems. A few rattles (never off- road)and the tranny shifts odd in the cold weather. Tends to wheel-hop while braking over uneven surfaces even with anti-lock brakes. Awesome sound system and wonderful ride! I would buy another one.

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  Would I buy another? NOT - 2002 GMC Envoy
  By envoyenvy1 - September 29 - 10:00 am

  Sorry I dont buy the first year vehicle excuse. This is a bad reason for poor quality build. While I like the vehicle overall, there have simply been too many problems. weather trim falling off, transmission problems, incredible wind noise problems, etc...and a geat deal of excuses from GM. Oh its suppose to make that much wind noise...Right Im sure the designers set out to accomplish that very fact!

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  A great Sport Truck - 1997 GMC Sonoma
  By Askani - September 25 - 2:00 am

  While my review will be a bit baised, the truth of the matter is that this is a great truck. I own one of the limited models that came with the full ZQ8 package. Needless to say, this truck is more than powerful, and an excellent example of how a sport truck should handle. The truck is very responsive to modifications, which I can attest to personally since mine runs the quarter in a little over 13 seconds flat. Yet, as a pure work truck it is as relaible as can be, and has far better styling than the competition. If you must settle for a mid-size truck, than this is the best choice out there.

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  Im In Love with My Yukon - 2000 GMC Yukon
  By LW - September 25 - 2:00 am

  We have had our Yukon for 2-1/2 years and it has been a fun experience. It performs great, has lots of room and is very comfortable. It is so nice to let the back seats down and haul a lot of things. We have taken several long trips and have loaded it down each time. The stereo system is just great, too. It seems as though GM put a lot of thought in the details of the interior. We have had lots of compliments on it and will purchase another one someday.

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  Professional Grade Junk - 2000 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Ed Mack - September 24 - 11:00 am

  I purchased this truck over others because I thought it was better built. The truck is not driven hard. I payed 30,000 for it and have been fixing it ever since. To the tune of 5,000 so far. Some of the things fixed are, Both window regulators, 2 sets of wheel bearings, abs braking system, water pump, fuel gauge, air compressor bearings, fuel pressure sensor, throttle plate replace, battery replace after 1yr, leather seat material rip after 1 year, payed 750 to fix it because it was running rough. I evetually found the problem to be a loose oxy sensor which should have cost nothing to fix. Also I think that the cost of getting this truck fixed at the dealer is crazy excessive. Wont buy another one ever

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  Totally Disatisfied!!!!!!!!!!! - 2002 GMC Envoy
  By James Mello - September 23 - 2:00 am

  Totally disatisfied with our 2002 SLT Envoy. We have had recalls on the fuel filter, transmission, transmission locked into gear, Air conditioner works when it wants to and a repeating noise in the front end that the dealership can not fix.

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  Second 2014 Sierra - 2014 GMC Sierra 1500
  By qzationsa - September 22 - 9:39 am

  I wrote a few articles now "looks good drives poor" Unfortunately I need to make a third. After GM bought back my 14 z71 and I ordered a Denali, more problems. The steering wheel was off from the factory. If you hold it straight you will crash. It is currently in the shop for a faulty gas pedal. Once again the drivers seat has broken. The backup camera and audio only works when it wants. Drive like whip lash and a throttle response that is poor at best. The 2013 rental Tahoe I currently have drives like a dream compared to this truck. I like the idea of the truck, but the execution is awful. A new truck should not require me to have an outside company tune the computer. Get a F15

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  Love This Truck - 2008 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Dwight - September 20 - 9:40 am

  This truck replaced a V6 GMC I had for 17yrs. The power of the V8 is wonderful for a 4.8L and half the price of the 5.3L The truck handles great. It sits higher than my old truck so is a little harder to get into (Im 6ft) so I installed nerf bars. Everything about the truck is high quality. Lots of cab storage, cup holders. The stereo is quite good for factory installed.