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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  Nice truck - 2005 GMC Sierra 2500HD
  By Frank Bigelow - October 31 - 9:20 am

  I love my truck so far it has a lot of power and it rides awesome. It is very comfortable and quiet inside. I would recommend it.

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  Poor Ride with wheel vibration - 2003 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Timmcp - October 30 - 10:00 am

  After about one week of driving, the truck began to vibrate excessivly especially on concrete freeways. Took it in 4 times, each time the wheels were way out of balance. They cant figure it out. They think that maybe the tires are moving on the rim. These are Bridgestones on aluminum wheels. It turns out that you may get Bridgestones or Firestones(same ones recalled by Ford) depending on what they have laying around at GM. It is made worse by a poor suspension design that does not perform well at highway speeds. At this point the tires are still out of balance and the dealer doesnt know what to do or what is happening.

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  Questionable reliability - 2007 GMC Yukon XL
  By Jafobob1 - October 29 - 4:10 pm

  This is an all-round great vehicle except for a few minor things that are ruining the experience. It has the worst high beams since my wifes Aerostar van (a candle anyone?); electrical gremlins have surfaced - the headlights go out while driving and then mysteriously return later - dealer cant diagnose and OnStar cant find anything; while idling, the truck activated the windshield washers and emplied the tank; problems with the rear view camera that were fixed with upgraded contacts. Driven responsibly, the fuel economy is on par with my 2005 AWD Yukon XL (a bit worse in town and a bit better on the highway). Tons of room inside yet remarkably easy to park in the city.

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  Gmc - 2018 GMC Terrain
  By Jim - October 28 - 10:53 pm

  Great mid size suv

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  Duramax/Allison combo is a beast! - 2008 GMC Sierra 2500HD
  By Mark - October 28 - 10:36 pm

  This vehicle was a replacement for a 2005 2500HD Duramax SLE and the engines are nothing alike. The new Duramax and six speed Allison is quieter, smoother and the towing power is incredible. We are towing a 35 foot travel trailer and it is like theres nothing behind you. The Z71 package does increase the stiffness but the ride is excellent. The interior rivals my 07 Denali. If you gotta tow, this is the one to buy.

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  American styling & technology wins - 2017 GMC Terrain
  By Terri Thomas - October 27 - 2:33 am

  Love this car - just shifts a bit slowly, used to my Nissan Rogue smoothe transitioning gears

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  MY YUKON XL - 2003 GMC Yukon XL
  By Rhoda/Han - October 24 - 10:00 am

  ITS ONE OF A KIND, TO DRIVE. STEERING CONTROL IS GREAT--LIKE YOURE DRIVING A CAR. THE BRAKES ARE AWESOME TOO. LOVE THE CARGO ROOM. THE ENGINE IS THE BEST. A SAFE PLACE FOR THE KIDS TO RIDE IN. I LOVE MY YUKON.

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  best suv - 2004 GMC Yukon
  By infinit - October 24 - 10:00 am

  I have had my fair share of suvs in my opinion most of them are terrible. I havve also test driven the ones i have not owned. By far the yukon denali xl is the best overall.. My only concern is falling asleep because this vehicle drives itself. It feels like a $80,000 sedan and it even parallel parks like a cooper.

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  The best SUV ever owned - 2004 GMC Yukon
  By papilove2201 - October 24 - 10:00 am

  Has alot of pick and go. Smooth ride and enough power to easily pull a 28 boat up a ramp without a struggle.

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  Driver Review - 2004 GMC Yukon
  By nilesrod - October 24 - 10:00 am

  Very Dependable, Nice comfortable ride, Best riding SUV ever owned.