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 JIMMY SLE - 1999 GMC Jimmy
  By SamThomas - August 31 - 2:00 am

  Excellent performance very low maintenance totally utilitarian with style

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  2000 SLE Ext Cab 3 door - 2000 GMC Sierra 1500
  By 58mike - August 30 - 10:00 am

  I have 73k miles on this truck and not one complaint. Excellent ride, quiet as a tomb inside. Other than replacing tires and changing oil I havent spent a dime on major repairs. Paint still nice and shiny after 3 years of outside parking. No squeaks, pops, or groans. Ive replaced two driving lamp bulbs in 3 years. Also, theres a fuse that controls the ignition that has blown twice. All this has cost me a whopping $21. Definately a keeper.

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  One Great Truck - 2008 GMC Sierra 2500HD
  By Big Rob - August 28 - 1:20 pm

  I purchased my 08 in October and now have 5000 miles on it. The fuel economy is around 16 in city and 18 on highway, but I am still in break-in period and expect improvement. Economy drops quickly north of 70 MPH. The Duramax and Allison are a great powerteam and while you can hear it shift, you cannot feel it. Interior on the SLT very well laid our and looks like it should be in a luxury car. The GM 100k warranty is a big plus. My only concern is the 26 gallon fuel tank is too small for hauling heavy trailers.

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  Not luxury, but serves a purpose - 2012 GMC Yukon XL
  By rob_k - August 28 - 5:51 am

  Traded in Toyota Sienna Limited to better accomodate our family - my wife and I plus four young kids. We have 7,500 miles on our 2012 Yukon XL Denali. Price was $60K even before trade, with the additional screen for the third row. Since we bought the car a few months ago, the DVD player has broken (only used it once) and now the back up camera is broken. Suprisingly little knee room for the second row, and less, as expected, for the third row. You cant move the 2nd or 3rd row seat back and forth, like you could in the mini-van. You can turn the Heat/AC for the rear on and off from the front of the car, but you cant control the temperature. Bad idea Regretting this purchase

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  Disappointed Owner - 1996 GMC Yukon
  By John Green - August 27 - 2:00 am

  The GMC was wonderful before it hit 100000 miles. However, once the Yukon reached 100,000 miles the trouble started. Ill probably trade in the coming months.

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  great truck!!! - 1995 GMC Sierra 1500
  By brent_hxc - August 26 - 2:46 am

  I bought this truck about 10 days a go with 150,000 I bought it in talala I drove it home which is about 70 mi (no pobs ever!) is fast and tows anything and every thing!. Its gets about 17 mpg and its not bad. And thats with a 350 5.7l and King cab. By Brent

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  Big and comfortable - 2003 GMC Yukon XL
  By Money Green - August 24 - 10:00 am

  One of the best family vehicles you could ever own. I had an Envoy but it proved to be a little to small for family road trips. The Denali XL fits the bill. Big, powerful, and comfortable what more can you ask for. Gas mileage could be better but who cares. If you can afford to buy one of these monsters you diffenently should be able to afford the gas.

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  SUV of the year - 2002 GMC Envoy
  By KenB - August 24 - 2:00 am

  Great power and with good MPG. Getting 20MPG and thats with the 4.10 gears. 4WD is excellent in snow even with factory tires. Interior styling rivals the Infiniti and Lexus SUVs at a lower price. Only problem so far is memory mirrors that cant find the same position twice. I will probably purchase a second one this year for my wife.

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  2004 Sierra Graphite - 2004 GMC Sierra 1500
  By David Stevens - August 23 - 1:13 pm

  This vehicle has been a total pleasure to drive. Except for a little wind noise in the rear doors which was quickly corrected, the vehicle has no flaws. Rotate tires and change oil and, of course, fill the tank and it is always ready to g. A great truck!

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  The time tested truth - 2005 GMC Sierra 2500HD
  By dplind - August 23 - 10:00 am

  Ok lets start out that I have owned them all and I have owned a lot of trucks. My business is repairing trucks of all sizes and brands for large and small owners. I drive what I dont have to fix! Period! The GMC gives me power to pull my toy hauler and comfort on the long vacations. looks great and never lets me down