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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  happy!! - 2002 GMC Sierra 1500
  By casey - January 22 - 12:33 am

  I love this truck only had it a year, but 4 wheel steering should come standard on all cars and trucks.The interior is great. The look is even better!! The power of the 6 liter is awsome. Fuel mileage is not so good, but I guess you have to give up something for all the power. Theses trucks have all the bells and whistles This is truly a sports car in a truck skin! Only downside is I cant afford 2

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  GM screws us all... - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By Jonathan - January 21 - 10:24 pm

  Second child is here and we need more seats, and some help in the snow. Never did we expect after seeing the style and clear quality of the Acadia that 2007 was actually the first year. Wow, we were stunned, and actually expected some kind of hidden problem since this truck had not only a whole bunch of options (Its the SLT-2 trim, after all), but met our needs and was well within our budget. It even had decent miles. They had to be hiding something... They were... Problem #1: The moonroofs/sunroofs/whatever "roof windows" leak. Both of them. Theyre made to allow a small amount of water to seep behind them, and then drain out via hoses. They both leaked making water come showering into the cabin whenever hitting the brakes too hard. This led to water somehow getting into the dash and blowing out the amp for all the sounds in the truck, and I do mean all the sounds including not only the radio system, but the door chime, warning dings, and even the clicking of the directional signals. Not a cheap fix, and GM KNOWS ABOUT IT for a very long time and done nothing but screw its customers. They released a TSB (Technical Service Bulletin) that not only shows mechanics how to fix it, but PROVES THEY KNOW IT IS THEIR DESIGN FLAW. Problem #2: GM also is very aware of this design flaw. The wheel well liners are not long enough and do not protect the serpentine belt system from sudden rushes of water. Hitting a small puddle can render your steering absolutely useless and is VERY DANGEROUS! You have to go buy yourself new wheel well liners and have them installed at your expense even though the mechanic gave me a copy of that TSB also. Theyve known how dangerous it was all along, but are NOT willing to help. The positive things to note are that everything else runs as expected. The truck drives like a car and fits everywhere while having room for EITHER 7 people OR cargo. Its a solid machine with

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  Great till new engine at 12000 miles - 2007 GMC Yukon XL
  By Rob - January 21 - 7:13 pm

  Great truck. With newborn twins and two older kids along with 2 dogs this truck fit our needs very well. Was very happy with the truck until the 12000 mile service. There is already a TSB. If you get any knocking in the engine, engine warning lights, traction control or stabilitrack error messages- go to your dealer! Cylinder #3 was self-destructing and they will not let me drive it due to safety concerns. Will see how long a new engine takes and am concerned that the new one will have the same issues.

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  No more GM products for me. - 1999 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Wham - January 17 - 10:13 pm

  Problems before 05- transmission went out, ABS quit due to computer glitch, seal in four wheel drive started leaking, the cd player went out, the control nobs for the radio cracked and some fell off, the tailgate cables snapped on three separate occasions, once while I was loading an ATV. The tailgate then received a slight dent when it hit the bumper. GM said that their research has shown only the 00 and later models were affected by this. Im thinking apparently not! Its the same exact cable! A year or two later they finally agreed. Throttle sticks starting off, back windows whistle, clear coat started separating and flaking off two years ago. Not enough room to tell it all!

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  4dr Crew Cab SLT 4WD SB Duramax/Allison - 2004 GMC Sierra 2500HD
  By Michigan Mike - January 17 - 10:00 am

  This is my first pickup. Used to own a 93 Suburban. Traded an Acura CL Type S for this truck. Surprisingly good build quality. After 1500 miles, no problems at all. In the Acura I had to replace the front seat and the sunroof after this many miles. Wish that the OnStar GPS system could be hooked into a 3rd party navigation system with a screen and DVD. Performance (acceleration, braking) is great, though Ive not yet towed anything. Heated seats are better/warmer than those in Acura. No complaints!

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  OWNER - 2004 GMC Yukon
  By Harry Pratt - January 11 - 2:00 am

  I enjoy this vehicle very much. I never thought that a four wheel drive vehicle could be this comfortable.

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  My SUV - 2004 GMC Envoy
  By netnut - January 11 - 2:00 am

  I love this SUV. Although it is my first I am very happy with this one. I have the SLE with the B package and a power sunroof. It rides as smoothe as my 2002 Camry that I traded for it. I tried the Chev Trailblazer that my husband wanted and it was the bumpiest ride ever and cheapiest looking interior. Also it was the second Trailblazer that had a puddle of water in floorboard of driver side. One was a 2003 on a lot with only 6000 miles on it and on a different lot, different city a 2004 (NEW)with same problem, ..so beware of Trailblazers!! Overall stick with the Envoy for comfort and pleasureable driving.

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  best 4 truck door out there. - 2002 GMC Sierra 2500HD
  By mark reinhardt - January 10 - 10:00 am

  best 4 door out there plenty of power,and comfort great with two kids.

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  09 SIERRA GREAT TRUCK / VALUE - 2009 GMC Sierra 1500
  By SHAFE-2 - January 9 - 11:56 pm

  I replaced a full sized car and older “weekender” work p/u truck with this 1 vehicle. My daily highway commute is a joy. I had delayed this purchase for 2 years. Rebates, program discount and cash4clunkers made this too good to ignore. I am so glad I purchased this truck as it has more than exceeded my expectations. Solid, comfortable ride. Dual pwr buckets, large console, 60/40 rear flipup seats, give this cabin tons of room for extras and very spacious. 3 to 4 people are comfortable on short trips. I enjoy the trailering package, backup sensor, full open rear doors, large trailering mirrors. Dealer replaced a deformed drivers door molding, but still experience excessive wind noise

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  2006 GMC 1500 4X4 SLE Z71 - 2006 GMC Sierra 1500
  By David Russell - January 8 - 9:23 pm

  Very Handsome truck. Price was very reasonable ($6,000 less than comparable Titan)Combination of performance and fuel economy very good for 4X4 large truck category (17 mpg avg.). Only two complaints too tall gearing 3.42 gears in all 4X4 trucks I looked at;thus towing is kinda difficult. Truck feels like it is in second gear when starting off. Corrected that problem with 4.10 gears. Now truck pulls hard and feels more powerful than the titan I drove, and also my dads hemi ram. I also have a programmer intake and exhaust. The truck with 8" lift and bigger tires still runs around 7.2 seconds to sixty. Stock it could muster only 8.8 seconds to sixty. other problem no grab handle for driver.