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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  Good Used Vehicle - 1999 GMC Yukon
  By johnb - July 29 - 2:00 am

  reliable classy car, only negative is brakes are mushy.

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  Work Truck Z82 Priceless - 2007 GMC Sierra 2500HD
  By rendog - July 28 - 5:23 am

  Best truck for the buck. 98% of this truck life has been pulling a 3.5ton trailer on the hills of western PA. Its like an old hound dog ready to work. Its powerful and comfortable for the wife and kids. Handles like a long Camaro. I get about 18.8mpg @ 72mph and about 13 combined when towing. Rented a diesel but it has too much torque for stop & go. Get props every time I stop for its true work look. Only 2 problems, TPMS and an exhaust gasket failed.

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  Miss Pretty - 2008 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Lorie Velasquez - July 27 - 10:23 pm

  After driving my 1993 GMC extended cab for 15 years I decided to go shopping I found a deep crimson metallic gmc crew cab 4 wheel drive I kept going back and looking for about 3 months then I took it for a test drive and I had to have it I think this is a beautiful tough truck I can dress like a lady and go out on the town or I can get nasty dirty and and load it up with what ever and it never fails me I love the security of onstar and the enjoyment of xm radio.I get alot of compliments on how pretty my truck is my friends at work have named her Miss Pretty

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  2016 GMC Denali Crew Cab 6.2 - 2016 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Chad Hunt - July 27 - 7:09 pm

  Just bought this truck last month and have been to the dealer three times for repair. First repair was changing 3 of the 4 tires due to excessive road force, the truck would jiggle very bad at 70mph. Second dealer visit the truck heater does not turn off, the dealer told me this is a common characteristic of this truck, no fix but the did tell me to leave the air on at all time I will get less gas mileage but it wont be so hot in the cab, Nice? Third Dealer visit was not big deal but come to find out GMC intellilink does not support iphone6. Basically I get a phone call it will shut off nav, radio, etc. and not return. I have to manually turn power back on to device. The most frustrating is randomly it will our of the blue start playing my phones music even if my daughter is watching a cartoon in back, music will just turn on from no where. Pretty nice experience thus far for a $62000 truck.

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  ZQ8 Sport Suspension Review - 2002 GMC Sonoma
  By GRB - July 27 - 2:00 am

  The Good: Sport suspension improves the appearance and handling of the truck tremendously. The Bad: Inherent to the sport suspension is a rough ride and frequent vibration from the rear of the truck. Conclusion: Buy this model only if youre willing to sacrifice ride comfort for performance.

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  2002 Sonoma ZR5 - 2002 GMC Sonoma
  By SlickDaddy - July 26 - 2:00 am

  The ZR5 appearance package, $1400, adds a roof rack, bed rails, upgraded wheels, and full length side steps. The S10 uses black, but the GMC uses brushed aluminum and looks much better.

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  Outstanding Product - 2001 GMC Yukon
  By Moose - July 26 - 2:00 am

  I could have bought any vehicle, but the GMC Denali is outstanding! Its ride, quality, raw power, and overall comfort for my family has been excellent. The product quality is superior to any vehicle I have every driven. Also, I am very surprised at how well the dealer takes care of the customer to make sure I am satisfied. It rides like a caddy, tough like a truck. Its very strong and catches the eye of everyone. Gotta love the american ingenuity!!! Absolutely a dream vehicle. My Chinese friends are stunned at the quality. Duck hunting trips have never been better! Unfortunately, my lovely wife likes to drive it!!! Therein lies the problem.

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  Great car - 1990 GMC Safari
  By LostANDFound86 - July 25 - 2:00 am

  My family has owned this vehicle since we bought it new in 1989. I recently took ownership when i got my drivers license and it is a great vehicle. It is powerful and great for passing on the freeway. It is also VERY reliable. With 91,000 miles on it, the only problem weve had is the piece of plastic that holds the dimmer switch in place. It handles great and is easier to park than my moms Pontiac Bonneville. It has plenty of room for all my friends. The seats are comfortable and the air conditioning is ice cold. Great vehicle that gives me NO problems.

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  Drive Train Woes - 1997 GMC Jimmy
  By Tim Powers - July 25 - 2:00 am

  All front 4x4 components replaced prior to 36,000 miles due to loud roar from differential & axles (thankfully under factory warranty). Test drove an identical Jimmy that had the same front 4x4 problems (yet GMC states that it is not a widespread problem with the model). Alternator replaced at 55,000. Transmission rebuilt at 63,000 - 7 electronic components and 3 major gear components failed (I do no heavy towing). 4x4 switch failed prior to 40,000. Impossible to keep front end aligned which results in expensive reallignments and premature tire wear.

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  Very Good Vehical - 1995 GMC Jimmy
  By Happie44 - July 24 - 2:00 am

  I purchased this truck new and it has been on of the vehicals I have had. With the exception of a few minor repairs and adjustments, when the truck was new, I have only had to replace the alternator on it. The vehical is a tight and handles almost as good as it did when I got it. It has been very rekiable and dependable.