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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  Daves Sonoma - 1998 GMC Sonoma
  By DaveKoegel - March 16 - 5:19 pm

  The small 2200cc engine has moderate pep. Seats are comfortable but have little room to move back. Really no mechanical problems

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  FUN SUV - 2002 GMC Yukon
  By brandon - March 13 - 1:27 am

  a Perfect SUV

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  lovin the new ride - 2001 GMC Yukon
  By pstaab - March 12 - 11:29 pm

  I bought my wife the new SLT with the 5.3 liter V-8 to replace an old Jeep Cherokee. She loves the Yukon so much, I cant get it away from her. It is surprisingly fun & agile to drive with all the bells & whistles youd expect from GMC. I highly recommend this vehicle to anyone looking to step up to the full size SUV market.

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  MY Denali - 1999 GMC Yukon
  By Michael Ohmer - March 12 - 5:53 pm

  This has been the best darn SUV I have owned or driven. Not one problem except for the short brake pad life.

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  2002 GMC 1500 SLE - 2002 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Ray Teske - March 12 - 10:00 am

  If this vehicle got better gas mileage it would be a 12. Ive driven pickups as my primary vehicle for the last 9 years. They ride far better than a car, can carry whatever I need to carry, get me where I want to go in the worst weather imaginable, and they dont cost any more than a car, except for the gas mileage thing. Im a big man who needs room in a vehicle and these trucks give me that in spades. If you dont want to squeeze into a small car, get a truck.

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  Denali - 1999 GMC Yukon
  By duck mallard - March 11 - 12:26 am

  This truck is a great big tub of goo. The only reason to have one is for towing. For that, it is much better than the Expedition, as the steering and ride is far superior. "Hey - where did all my gas go?"

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  Typhoon - 1992 GMC Typhoon
  By tyfoon - March 10 - 10:24 pm

  Best SUV for the money. Fastest SUV ever made.

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  Transmission Failure. - 1998 GMC Jimmy
  By HoustonMad - March 10 - 12:39 am

  My transmission went out at 47,000 miles, shortly before it was due for its 50,000 transmission service. Vehicle never used to pull or haul, wife simply drives it to and from her school teacher job. A GMC dealer wanted $2400 to repair it. Last Jimmy I will own.

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  I Love My Acadia - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By Acada Man - March 9 - 10:53 pm

  I love cars and have had a lot of nice ones. This is by far the best Ive had for some hauling, use of space, comfort, and quietness. For the first time in many years I find new reasons to drive somewhere. We also have a Mini S convertible, which is a very nice car, but Ill choose the Acadia to use over that. GM really did their homework on this car.

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  Suburban - 1995 GMC Suburban
  By gpark - March 9 - 3:10 am

  Great truck. Driving by myself or with a gang of eight - pure comfort. Quality built auto, too!