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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  RZOPIONION - 2000 GMC Yukon
  By RZEMAN - July 15 - 2:00 am

  WE HAVE DRIVEN THIS VEHICLE TO AND FROM FLORIDA AND WINNEPEG TWICE(OVER 8000 MILES). IT TRUELY IS A JOY ON THE ROAD. ITS QUITE ,EFFICIENT AND THRIFTY. MY PRIMARY CAR IS A 430LS LEXUS AND INENJOY DRIVING THE GMC AS MUCH

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  I Love This Car - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By jenplus3 - July 14 - 8:26 pm

  This car is everything I want. I am a mother of three very busy children and this car fits all our needs. I wanted the luxury componets, since I am in it so much , but it has such family friedly features everyone loves it! Drives nice. All the extras in this car make all the difference. I feel safe in it with my kids. The interior styling is great, but I also think it has a stylish exterior too! Better than Lexus or Mazada.

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  1998 suburban - 1998 GMC Suburban
  By bill from memphis - July 13 - 2:00 am

  ride is great. gas mileage is not have had problems with brakes, a/c ,cooling.

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  Takes a lickn & keeps on tickn - 1995 GMC Yukon
  By v ohare - July 12 - 2:00 am

  Purchased the Yukon new between X-Mas & New Year 94. Best vehicle weve ever owned. While the gas mileage isnt great at 15 MPG the maintenance has been nil. I track cost per mile on maintenance and repair and this is, by far, the best rig wever ever owned. As an example, until 80K miles our repair cost totaled $140.00 (an electrical switch). Had a choice of a company car, any American made vehicle, I chose another Yukon. Americans can build great vehicles and this is one.

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  Great Minivan - 1995 GMC Safari
  By Southern Moon - July 12 - 2:00 am

  My wife and I bought a 95 Safari used in May of 97 with 80,000 miles on it. Knowing how much we drive and knowing that we dont hurt our vehicles with highway miles, we decided to buy it. I cant possibly explain here what a wonderful minivan its been. No electrical trouble (like some say), no drivetrain trouble, no engine trouble, solid as a rock. Weve done regular routine maintenance type things but if ever you wanted to read about a satisfied GM product customer, Im him. Gas mileage 20+, set of tires every 65-75K, brakes twice lifetime, oil/air filter every 4K- thats about all you do.

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  2005 GMC 2500HD SLE Crew Cab SB 4WD 6.6L - 2005 GMC Sierra 2500HD
  By Larry Sinclair - July 11 - 7:30 am

  This 6.6L turbo with the 5 speed auto trans performs excellently whether driving empty or pulling a 30 RV. Interior is very plush (all the bells and whistles)and extremely quiet and comfortable on the road. The dash layout and field of vision behind the wheel is excellent. Added a bedrug and Pace Arrow bed-locker with power tail gate for security and improved MPG. Added ONKI brush guard for added protection from Colorado wildlife. This is a real truck for all occassions with added luxury and comfort!!! For 06 the manufacture has added 30 hp and 6 speed auto trans to an already outstanding rig.

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  My first minivan - 1992 GMC Safari
  By scoobette_17 - July 11 - 2:00 am

  I love driving this vehicle it is so fun and gets great gas millage. I highly recammend the van

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  Excellent on everywhere - 2002 GMC Yukon
  By F Z - July 11 - 2:00 am

  Excellent on everywhere except poor Fuel Economy in city (13mpg), on highway (19mpg)

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  Diluted Denali - 2004 GMC Yukon XL
  By Bob F - July 10 - 8:43 pm

  Nice roomy SUV . Bought it to carry the new twin grandchildren. Removed passenger side bucket seat to facilitate loading & third seat useage. Need to have sliding windows in cargo area for pet comfort.Interior cheap materials, no locking gas gap door or spring loaded wipers. Now there is a Envoy Denali. What next a Malibu Denali? Nav system somewhat difficult to program. Not a full size spare & manual reccomends you dont use chains. Kind of negates use in snow country.

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  JOMA Loves His Jimmy - 1996 GMC Jimmy
  By JOMA - July 9 - 2:00 am

  Since I bought the Jimmy, I have had nothing but good luck with it. Other than normal maintenance which I do every 3000 miles and new tires and brakes twice since I have owned it, I have had no major mechanical problems.