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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  I hate my Truck - 2009 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Who Cares GM Doesnt - May 27 - 1:56 pm

  The fuel sloshes in the tank, the brakes squeak, the trans clunk and thumps, service people are incompetent and have the same old worthless GM attitude, cab is too narrow.

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  Vibration? Vibration!? We dont need... - 2002 GMC Sonoma
  By N. J. - May 27 - 2:00 am

  I took it in at 400 miles for a vibration coming from the rear. A month later GM says its inherent to the two- piece driveshaft in extended models and "unrepairable". The dealer has tried hard to correct the problem to no avail. If the Corp. Service Rep. wont authorize re-purchase, Ill have to take refuge in the Lemon Law here in GA.

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  2014 Sierra Impression - 2014 GMC Sierra 1500
  By tomcat25 - May 26 - 9:15 pm

  Is GM ever going to hire some who knows how to program an engine/transmission ? I own a 2014 sierra 1500 and have decided I wont put up with the horrible engine and tranny operation any longer.Warranty or not I will have a tune done and it will NOT be anything written by GM. I do know people who have had it done to their trucks,have driven them,and I will do it to mine. How anyone at GM who signs off on these driveline calibrations still has there jobs is beyond me. These people do not know there jobs and need to go. A tuning person with real world knowledge is needed. A laptop, some realistic programming and an hours seat time is literally all that is needed! GM,the public deserves better!

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  2002 - 2002 GMC Yukon XL
  By Yukon xl freak - May 26 - 3:30 pm

  I like to drive it. The power is not enough because when I want to pass people sometimes I have trouble passing them when they hit the pedal. Overall, Im very satisfied.

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  Finely tuned, made for travel. - 2015 GMC Yukon
  By Randy Kling - May 26 - 1:24 am

  They are proud of this SUV according to the price. But when you drive it youll know why. I love the way the 22" tires look but we opted for the 20" tires with the bigger side wall for a smoother ride. All said this is a great car and I will own it forever.

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  Finely tuned, made for travel. - 2015 GMC Yukon
  By Randy Kling - May 26 - 1:24 am

  They are proud of this SUV according to the price. But when you drive it youll know why. I love the way the 22" tires look but we opted for the 20" tires with the bigger side wall for a smoother ride. All said this is a great car and I will own it forever.

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  GREAT!! - 2001 GMC Sierra 1500
  By HOtPiNk037 - May 25 - 2:00 am

  This is a really great truck. Very realiable and comfortable. You can depend on it. Smooth driving and very clean. Enjoyable. Nice truck.

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  2014 Sierra Frame Rust - 2014 GMC Sierra 1500
  By 2014sierra - May 24 - 6:13 pm

  I have my 2014 Sierra now for six months, and the frame rails have RUST all over them! The black wax coating GM used is peeling right off! There is a TSB (technical service bulletin) out there for the dealership to repair. These rails are bare uncoated metal. There are rust areas starting all over the rails, so unless they strip off wax over 100 percent of frame, and redo, the spot fix the TSB describes is useless! Why would you use metal deemed Uncoated/Unexposed for a truck frame? $$$$ How did these frames pass corrosion testing / validation?... Very disappointed GM!

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  poor investment - 2010 GMC Terrain
  By ROBERT - May 24 - 3:13 pm

  the car rides rough, phone has a hollow sound, and the fuel economy does not do close to the sticker 32mpg.the car on highway at 55mph will only get 25.3 far cry from 32. would never buy another. car way over priced.

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  Give and take - 1999 GMC Safari
  By Rowe - May 22 - 2:00 am

  Major Safety concern - no door ajar light/ alarm for doors other than driver side door and even then, door has to be completely open. We have driven with door ajar several times. Have had many water leakage problems with all doors. Not much room for taller drivers. Rattle at slow speed but service department can not fix.