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 Family Truck - 1993 GMC Sonoma
  By Coach H - April 20 - 2:00 am

  My work truck and family of 4(Plus 2 dogs inside before the cap)ride in this. Have 110000 now and replaced the alternator, fan belt, tires, two set of pads, muffler,inside control switch for a/c-heat etc., and the pass. window moter only goes half way up-down. All have been minor compared to other cars Ive had. Exterior has been great and I would buy another again. I have the V6 which is great on power, but I would like to see the MPG be higher(20-22hwy) now.

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  I LOVE this vehicle - 2000 GMC Jimmy
  By SargeWolfe - April 20 - 2:00 am

  37,000 miles in 2 1/2 years and not a lick of trouble. Reliable, strong, comfortable, attractive. Great in snow and offroad. Would definitely buy it again. This vehicle has needed nothing in all this time.

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  1999 GMC SUBURBAN 4X4 - 1999 GMC Suburban
  By CAE - April 20 - 2:00 am

  I LOVE THIS VEHICLE. IT HAS CLASS, STYLE, RELIABILITY, COMFORT...AND MUCH MORE

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  Love this truck - 2002 GMC Yukon
  By DOC - April 20 - 2:00 am

  This SUV is the best driving/riding vehicle I have ever been in.

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  Worst vehicle I ever owned - 1992 GMC Safari
  By sem - April 19 - 2:00 am

  Vehicle was about 14 months old w/43000 miles when we bought it. Held up ok for about 18 mon. Its been an albatross ever since. Its 10 yrs old & still no rust, but thats the least of our problems...2 engines, 2 trannies, 2 complete A/C systems (front & back), and a myriad of other costly repairs. To make a long story short, about 6 mons after we bought it, Consumer Reports Used Car Buying Guide had this vehicle @ the top of their list of VEHICLES TO AVOID - They were right! PS: The engine is a REAL pain to work on.

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  GMC Yukon is solid as they come - 2004 GMC Yukon
  By Jon J - April 18 - 10:00 am

  This was my first GMC vehicle and certainly not my last. The quality which was put in to the design and building of the vehicle is extraordinary. Everything fits, nothing rattles or wobbles, or makes noise, unless its supposed to and you can just tell that the quality is there. My only complaint was that I couldnt get 17" wheels and tires...only on the Denalli which was not worth the difference in price (about $10,000). All in all, I am very happy with this one.

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  2005 Sierra Denali - 2005 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Dave034 - April 17 - 10:20 pm

  The power and acceleration are unbelievable. Handling is very good for a pickup. I only have 1000 miles on it so far, but very satisfied overall. I previously had an 01 Tahoe with the 5.3 engine, and the Sierra Denali with the 6.0 is getting slightly better mileage (if I keep a light foot on the gas). For some reason I could never average better than 13.5 with the Tahoe around town, and am getting just under 14 with the Sierra. I think the ethanol fuels around here are partly to blame for lower mileage. The tonneau cover that came with the truck is OK, but I think an Access brand cover would be better - easier to roll up than the GMC model. The all wheel drive is very smooth.

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  Suburban replacement - 2002 GMC Yukon
  By eltebe - April 15 - 2:00 am

  I replaced my ten year old suburban with this vehicle. I use it for work and family use. My first trip was an 800 mile round trip to visit my daughter.It was a joy to drive on the interstates and in the city. Very comfortable and almost nimble in heavy traffic. Great lines of vision. Very low wind noise at highway speed. A very comfortable ride quality. Go get yourself one!

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  Yukon SLE - 2002 GMC Yukon
  By WMLASK - April 12 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle is great to drive. The ride and feel are excellent for such a large heavy vehicle. Im amazed at how well it holds the road. The 5.3 V8 is very powerful. Im very happy with the comfort/feel/performance of this vehicle.

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  Great family SUV - 2002 GMC Yukon
  By Creative_rajiv - April 11 - 2:00 am

  I have a 5.3L Yukon SLT. It is a great SUV with excellent pickup and smooth ride. Lots of space and third row seating is of great help.