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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  04 much better than 99 - 2004 GMC Sierra 1500
  By GaDawg - August 23 - 2:23 pm

  I purchased a 2004 Sierra after buying a new 1999 one which was a DOG. I went against my better judgement and ordered the 99 knowing that GM never gets a new model right in the first year but I also know that after building the same truck for 5 years GM gets the bugs out, I was right, the 04 is much better than the 99 otherwise I would have shot myself by now

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  Tired of Engine Noise - 2001 GMC Sierra 2500HD
  By Mark Breneman - August 23 - 10:00 am

  As soon as I saw the HD crew cab, I knew that I wanted to own one. It only took a test drive to prove that to me. The truck drives like a half-ton yet easily handles a 12,000 lb trailer and tractor. The interior is very spacious and is comfortable even on long trips. If i had to do it over, I would buy the Duramax over the 6.0 or 8.1 liter. I have a 6.0 that started making alot of noise at 1100 miles. GM has yet to stand behind it 27,000 mile later. Fuel mileage is also not great - 13MPG/16MPG tops.

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  Last GMC Ill ever buy! - 2016 GMC Canyon
  By Dan - August 22 - 12:24 pm

  TO; GMAC 8-2-2016 RE; 2015 Canyon Pick up Dear Sirs, Having previous good experience with GMC I returned to your brand for my new purchases. My last GMC was a 2003 and I put nearly a quarter of a million miles on it before it was destroyed by a reckless driver. I bought the new Canyon pick-up in the winter it was running and worm when I took it for the test-drive. Which turned out to be a huge mistake on my part. I also looked at important specifications, and window sticker nomenclature. (1) The ability to tow up to 7000 LBS This I do not believe can be done. I pull a small 8x10 trailer including cargo of just 350 lbs. I figure it was about 2500 lbs. it’s like pulling a house down the road at 7 MPG. Not just handling the power plant was over rot trying to keep the rig at highway speeds without even attempting to pass ( wouldn’t even consider it with the way the motor was behaving) A fifteen minute drive took nearly a quarter of a tank in gas I’ve never seen anything like that EVER. (2) Gas mileage is just bad! 7-8 MPG with trailer! I may as well be driving the bigger rig this is not saving me a dime. (3) The on board computer is very slow – very, very slow. In today’s computing world this is so frustrating having to wait long periods of time more than (30) seconds to boot - to have the tools and information to proceed on a trip. It’s not covered under warranty yet runs the entire truck so if it quits. Well that’s a problem. now the screen keeps blacking out even after being in for repair on this issue. (4) Acceleration letting off the gas on a freeway ramp or navigating traffic and re-pressing the gas to find the motor (missing) no power! This happens allot and it’s a terrible issue. The shop said (“they are aware of that, it’s within spec”) The motor behaves like it’s stalling when the gas is re-applied – so, frustrating and a little scary when trying to get on a highway. (5) Maps that are way out of date. I travel daily and find that the navigation does not include neighborhood’s that have been established for 5 or more years. (6) Under-powered Granted I’m used to a V8 but was told that “THIS HAS ALL THE POWER OF AN OLD V8” in your nomenclature and advertising. In short; I do not believe that you’re advertising, window sticker, sales team or nomenclature was truthful about what I could expect from this (Professional grade) truck. I’ve had it in the shop 4 times in 10,000 miles. I’m a self-employed and this was a major deal for me – Now being told the truck is running at specification. I’m really stuck. Tried to trade out of it only to be told I would get less than 3/4 its value so that’s a no go -- to be that upside-down. I do not know where to turn, this unit is not anything like what I was told it could do. There are other nuisances, what were you thinking - things that I could live with, but the power and towing is unacceptable! I have talked to other people what have the exact same experience- issues I’m having with this new truck!

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  2003 Denali Is Great I Have Owned 3..... - 2003 GMC Yukon
  By Lewis - August 16 - 2:00 am

  I have owned 3 Denalis over the years, and the vehicle is great and I have never had any problems. The 2003 has a lot of new features that made me trade my 2002 in, with only 11,000 miles on it!

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  Great Truck, Hideous Transmission! - 2002 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Baystate - August 16 - 2:00 am

  The defective transmission outweighs all the good things about this truck! The transmission clunks when shifting from 2nd to 3rd. This clunk is so bad that there is no pleasure in driving this otherwise great truck. GM tech bulletin says this is normal! If so, then why doesnt it do it from 1st to 2nd, or 3rd to 4th. Since when is a transmission that clunks and bangs normal for a new $25,000 vehicle? GM refuses to repair! I was told by the dealer to get used to it. Gee Thanks!

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  false advertisement on fuel - 2010 GMC Terrain
  By cignarella - August 14 - 12:03 pm

  i purchased the vehicle 3 weeks ago and not getting any where close to the aqdvertised mpg only gettig 17 mpg very dissappointed wouldnt recommend to buy

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  GMC TERRAIN - 2010 GMC Terrain
  By Rambo - August 12 - 7:30 am

  Rides like a dream.Great vehicle.The little motor is very pept up.Looks great.I was going to stay away from government motors but the terrain won me over. If you crive it your hooked.Love the moveable back seat.

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  2007 GMC sierra single cab work truck - 2007 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Jeff - August 12 - 3:37 am

  I have had this basic gmc work truck since 2007 bought it brand-new havent had any problems out of it except I had a little problem with the Throttlebody but that was it the truck rides very Smoove only thing that sucks is I drove the truck a lot of long distance and because its a single cab it hurt my back a lot I have taken this truck for a lot of road trips from hauling cars all the way to North Carolina from Holly enclosed trailers full of furniture in Florida this has been one of my favorite trucks I just recently sold it to get a bigger truck and I got a Ford F1 50 super crew which I hate every bit of this Ford F1 50 I really miss my GMC single cab truck I would much rather have that than this ford and I got a Ford F1 50 super crew which I hate every bit of this Ford F1 50 I really miss my GMC Single cab I would recommend getting that Chevy Silverado or the GMC Sierra my GMC had 136,000 miles on it right before I sold it never did any maintenance on it all I did was change the oil and replaced the throttle body thats it

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  2007 GMC sierra single cab work truck - 2007 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Jeff - August 12 - 3:37 am

  I have had this basic gmc work truck since 2007 bought it brand-new havent had any problems out of it except I had a little problem with the Throttlebody but that was it the truck rides very Smoove only thing that sucks is I drove the truck a lot of long distance and because its a single cab it hurt my back a lot I have taken this truck for a lot of road trips from hauling cars all the way to North Carolina from Holly enclosed trailers full of furniture in Florida this has been one of my favorite trucks I just recently sold it to get a bigger truck and I got a Ford F1 50 super crew which I hate every bit of this Ford F1 50 I really miss my GMC single cab truck I would much rather have that than this ford and I got a Ford F1 50 super crew which I hate every bit of this Ford F1 50 I really miss my GMC Single cab I would recommend getting that Chevy Silverado or the GMC Sierra my GMC had 136,000 miles on it right before I sold it never did any maintenance on it all I did was change the oil and replaced the throttle body thats it

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  Lovin this truck! - 2007 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Grogol - August 5 - 10:46 pm

  Ive wanted a pickup for years, but never thought it was practical for me. Then I had a certain birthday and thought I better get one while I can still enjoy it. I did a lot of research and narrowed it down to the Sierra and Toyota Tundra. I thought the Sierra was a better truck overall and was a better value. The quietness and build quality really reflect well on GMC really doing a "Professional Grade" job on this design. Im lovin every minute of owning this outstanding vehicle. Im looking forward to a long hunting trip with my two sons in November and hopefully will bring some deer home in the bed.