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:

• 

  Nice for towing - 2003 GMC Sierra 2500HD
  By john gentry - June 19 - 6:30 pm

  This truck was bought for towing and does a great job pulling our fifth wheel camper.

• 

  After 7.5 years - 2003 GMC Yukon XL
  By Roman Nowwakiwsky - June 15 - 5:33 am

  The practicality of this vehicle is excellent. We tow a 4500 lb boat, live in the mountains with tons of snow, travel a lot in the summer heat, and this truck has served us well. Many drivers, wife, sons, daughter, all enjoy never having to ask "can we take this". GM has been poor on service, replaced costly front hub, speedo stopped working after warranty. Truck has 99k miles and working well with regular maintenance at non-dealer shop. All shops know Chevy engine so they can maintain it. Replaced battery, windshield washer hose, brakes, tires & snow tires, as usual. I believe there is not another utility vehicle out there as a choice for roomy loading and comfort. Leather seats last.

• 

  Good vehicle, but did not enjoy dealer - 2017 GMC Terrain
  By Jim - June 15 - 5:14 am

  DO NOT PURCHASE VEHICLE OR ADD-ONS DURING FIRST VISIT TO DEALERSHIP. Do not purchase add-on contracts and warranties from dealer at time of purchase - do homework on value of add-ons to you as buyer and research experiences of other buyers with these add-ons such as LUXCARE, 3 for 1, extended mechanical warranty, dealer service contract, etc. Do your homework before puchasing: Determine value of your trade-in, determine MSRP for the vehicle being purchased - GO TO EDMONDS BEFORE GOING TO DEALERSHIP. Take a younger friend with you who hears well, thinks quickly and is not easily pushed or intimidated.

• 

  09 Sierra Ext 5.3L Stealth Gray - 2009 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Eric Henson - June 14 - 11:43 pm

  The dealership was great in selling me what I wanted. I looked at Dodge, Ford and Toyota and I kept going back to the Sierra. I love this truck for the look and the price.

• 

  2006 GMC 1500 ext-cab 4x4 - 2006 GMC Sierra 1500
  By poppyseed - June 14 - 9:38 am

  Initially had a few Q.C. issues with the speakers blowing, weather seal falling off, passenger arm rest detaching and the rear brake light assembly falling off, the real fun began. at 57k the tranny blew. Shortly after the transfer case failed. At 70k the drive side wheel bearing failed. 6 months later same bearing failed. At 75k the rotors replaced for 2nd time. Solenoid on gas tank replaced. Steering shaft knuckle replaced. Truck quivers and rattles over the smallest of bumps after 79k miles. Forgot to mention the rust on rocker panels, doors and wheel wells. The truck is such a lemon my kids make fun of it.

• 

  "Eli" - 2007 GMC Sierra 1500
  By leecp34 - June 10 - 4:33 am

  I traded in a 07 Dodge 2500 Cummins. I wasnt pulling as much. Surprised that every day I like the truck even more. Gorgeous truck just hope that the mileage goes up. 700 miles on it averaged 17 on highway.

• 

  Amazing GMC Truck - 2004 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Darren - June 8 - 7:13 pm

  Everything about this truck is amazing, from the way it drives, to all of its abilities, towing, hauling, etc. The most impressive thing is the Autotrac 4WD system, I have off roaded with it in the snow, and never slipped a tire, even in over a foot of snow!

• 

  GMC Duramax 360HP w/6 speed Allison - 2006 GMC Sierra 2500HD
  By Charles Kendrick - June 6 - 4:46 am

  The new Duramax engine is better than I hoped for. It has tremendous acceleration, quieter than ever and reminds one of a sports car. The 6 speed Allison has smoothed the shifting much better than the 5 speed Allison. Cruising at high speeds is unbelievable for a heavy duty truck. This is my third Duramax 4WD 2500HD and they keep getting better.

• 

  better than ford - 2001 GMC Sierra 2500HD
  By v8loverr - June 4 - 10:00 am

  I think that GM did a great job on the new 2500 HD Crew Cab. I had a 1500 extra cab and when I saw the Crew Cab I had to have it and I have loved it sence. I feel that everyone should get a 2500 HD. It has it all onstar heated seats and all the goodies. So go and get this truck you will be happy with it.

• 

  GMC ENVOY Best SUV on Market - 2002 GMC Envoy
  By Frank J. Schmidt - June 4 - 10:00 am

  Having owned 5 Ford Explorer SUVs, the GMC ENVOY was a surprising improvement, both in performance and reliablity. My last Explorer SOHC, blew the engine from the bad timing chain. I need an SUV, so I looked at them all. The GMC had this new in line six @270hp, more powerful than all the V8 on the market. Hydro formed framing makes this a very solid vehicle. Pulling power is more, corning is less than every other SUV. Trans is smooth, rides like a car. Love it.