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 Yukon XL Denali - 2006 GMC Yukon XL
  By mascot - September 5 - 2:06 am

  The only thing that seems to be missing is the "back-up warning system". Why GMC and Chevrolet have not included this feature (especially for such large vehicles) is beyond me.

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  Great family vehicle - 1999 GMC Suburban
  By annieb - September 5 - 2:00 am

  This is my first Suburban, and I am very impressed with the ride and handling. This is a great vehicle for long drives or short drives. The brakes could be better and need to be adjusted regularly, but other than that this has been a fairly reliable vehicle. We have plenty of room to spread out, so that each child has his own space. MPG isnt good, but we knew this before we purchased.

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  Do not even consider buying a GMC - 2001 GMC Jimmy
  By mali1022 - September 4 - 2:00 am

  Worst experience in my life, is only 15 months old and it throttle, jumps, has electrical and ignition problems and is not fun at all to drive. Still under warranty but most of the problems (of course) are not covered by GMC. (Bumper to Bumper 36k or 3 yrs, it refers to the bumpers only.)

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  Generally a good truck - 2010 GMC Sierra 1500
  By tyrex - September 3 - 4:44 pm

  Factory ordered my 2010 SLT 4x4 after my 2007 SLT 4x4 lease expired. Surprisingly, I had a lot of driver seat discomfort with the new truck which I resolved after several months by finding a shop that knew GM seats and showed me how to add foam in the seat and back cushions for extra support. (The 2007 had better seats.) The 6 speed transmission is fine but sometimes is a bit sticky, wanting to stay in a lower gear too long. This truck has been back to the dealer 3 times for minor electronic components problems which were covered by warranty. Fuel mileage is good and better than the 2007. Overall, Im happy with the truck after 16 months and 33,000 km.

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  Our 2007 GMC Acadia - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By JJ Alapar - September 3 - 12:13 pm

  Fun to drive vehicle. Convenience of a very large SUV packaged with the drive handling, accesories, amenities & styling of a premium luxury sedan. We were set on buying a competitor (and imported) SUV vehicle, but the Acadia had everything we wanted and more for the price. Safety was a key point. Good gas mileage for an AWD optioned car, too.

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  95 Safari Conversion - 1995 GMC Safari
  By jeklnhyd - September 3 - 2:00 am

  This is my second astro/safari conversion. The only reason they are not being driven is because they were both totalled out in wrecks. Anyways, they were both perfect. TV/VCR for my kids, never had any major problems whatsoever out of these vans. The 4.3 v6 got about 17mpg but NEVER broke down and had plenty of power. I bought the first one with 100k and it had 140k when wrecked, my second one i bought with 70k and wrecked it with 111k. I love these vans!

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  2002 GMC Envoy SLT 4WD - 2002 GMC Envoy
  By sam martien - September 2 - 1:53 am

  Great Engine, great electronics. Smooth quiet ride. Fun to drive.

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  Never Again - 2000 GMC Yukon XL
  By riser - September 1 - 4:03 am

  Bought it brand new. 3 days after driving off the power windows failed and dealer said they already knew of the problem. 6k miles, front tires wore out, 4 sets of tires by 20k miles before warranty replaced the entire front end and steering column, 1st year - fuel pump failed, starter failed, elect system shorted - 4 sets of ball joints, 3 sets of tie rods and transmission failed within 97k miles, rear end is failing now at 202k, great gas mileage though and comfortable when its running - dealer service abysmal, 1st answer from them on tires was "that is a big vehicle and youre going to have some tire wear", warranty on transmission was GMCs own and poor - never again for GMC

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  Great Rig!! - 2002 GMC Yukon
  By marilyn - September 1 - 2:00 am

  Great rig....sway bars make it corner nice....fun to drive

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  Tons of Fun - 2002 GMC Envoy
  By Eagle400 - September 1 - 2:00 am

  XL is super. Have justs returned from trip to Florida for a month. 950 miles each way and drove straight thru with comfort. Pulled 6x12 trailer back fully loaded with furniture and no effort. 4000 miles so far and many "nice suv" comments.