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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  professional yes - 2002 GMC Envoy
  By cstock - June 2 - 2:43 am

  now have 6000 miles, very happy, great interior, lots of power, looks good, no problem with build quality, so far so good.

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  Good even in town - 2007 GMC Yukon XL
  By Chad - May 31 - 5:00 pm

  I purchased the Yukon XL to replace my minivan. Expected gas economy worse than my minivan. So far Im 1mpg better. Increasing tires to 40psi and driving efficiently garners 18.5mpg city. Havent had a road trip yet but I am looking forward to it. Bigger, safer and more fuel efficient than my old Montana? Ill take two.

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  2003 GMC 4WD Pickup - 2003 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Walt Moore - May 29 - 7:36 pm

  I bought this new and its generally been great. The windshield wiper control module burned out but that has been the only unscheduled service in 37,000 miles. So far I really like this truck and would buy it again, but I wont really know for another 15 years, which is about how long I plan to keep it.

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  Excellent says it all! - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By Jim V. - May 29 - 11:40 am

  We needed a vehicle to haul 2 children and thier friends. Gas mileage was a concern. This vehicle has plenty of room and great gas mileage. A added bonus was the fact that everyone that sees it comments how great it looks.

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  Hell Yes I Love My Truck - 1995 GMC Sierra 1500
  By 95_z71_1500 - May 28 - 7:09 am

  Im in love with my 95 GMC Sierra 1500 Z71. Shes currently broken down but it took her 195,xxx miles. But the engine, tranny, and everything else is still GREAT. Just the transfer case gave out when I was pullin a dodge out of the sand(got it out) but she gave out afterwards. So Im rebuilding it. But other then that shes everything I need. Ive taken this set-back as a chance to fix er up. Just ordered Halo projector headlights/LED turn signals, new grille assembly, &performance chip. Soon to order smoked LED tail lights and 3rd brake light, tires, seat covers, door panels, chrome handles all around, 5in fender flares, 3-5 in body lift, and other things. CANT WAIT!

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  Happy Yukon XL Owner - 2004 GMC Yukon XL
  By M. Pauls - May 28 - 3:46 am

  Before i bought my Yukon, I rented them from Avis and Hertz. Loved driving them better than Caddy Devilles that I used to rent. Bought my 04 XL in fall of 04 and have never been sorry that I did. My first SUV..mid size SW before (Olds and Buicks) Drives like a car. My wife enjoys driving it. We have been on highway trips with 8 on board including all of the luggage. Amazingly the brake pads lasted for 80,000 miles before they needed to be replaced. Replaced them with original factory pads and they also lasted 80,000 miles. I like my 04 better than the newer 2007 to 2010 ones because of the folding armrests on the front bucket seats. The newer ones dont have them anymore.

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  2014 Sierra Chassis components (RUST everywhere!!!) - 2014 GMC Sierra 1500
  By 2014sierra - May 28 - 1:01 am

  As I stated in my earlier comment, I like this Truck! However, the RUST on the frame rails, cross members, rear axle, body mount brackets (the whole chassis) is totally unacceptable! I am beyond mad at the lack of Corrosion Protection Quality taken . My 2014 Sierra frame has more RUST than the 15 year old GM pickup I traded in for this "new" Sierra. The worst part is there is no way to fix this corrosion, other than the "silent TSB" band-aid @ the dealership! Shame on you GM

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  not happy - 2010 GMC Terrain
  By terrain owner - May 26 - 11:13 pm

  I bought a Terrain based on the advertised 32 highway mpg. I do all highway driving and I havent even gotten remotely close to the 32. I have seen tanks with 22, 23 and 24 mpg. Not happy. Other than the gas mileage I love it. It has lots of leg room for the rearseat passengers. I like that the rear seat slides up and back.

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  Great Truck !! - 2009 GMC Sierra 1500
  By zero051 - May 24 - 10:16 pm

  This truck has done nothing but impress me I just picked up the 2009 sierra 4wd z71 crew cab short bed. This truck is like a luxury suv but is a work truck at the same time. Great power, awesome ride pretty good on gas im getting like 16 mpg right now. Beautiful looking truck, great lines. Very pleased overall.

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  This is one amazing truck! - 2008 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Denjhe - May 24 - 12:26 am

  I have had my Black/black 08 Sierra Denali for about 2 months now. Amazing power. Amazing comfort.. Amazing headturner. A beautiful ride in every way. The MPG of 11-12 in the city is a bit of a nuisance but if you spend $42K for a truck you better not whine about the cost of fuel!! If you have the means you should buy this truck.