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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  Pleasantly surprised - 2004 GMC Sierra 1500
  By rooddoggie - April 29 - 4:43 am

  I bought my 04 SLE extended cab 2WD last month and this truck gives me so much for my money. It accelerates effortlessly with the 5.3, shifts smoothly with the AT, and get 22 mpg on the freeway... thats right, 22 MPG!

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  Acadia - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By vad1819 - April 27 - 2:33 pm

  Ive drove CX9, Veracruz, Commander, Subaru, Pathfinder all these cars has 3rd seat. I stoped CX9 or Acadia. CX9 stiff drive, low power, mean you really got push it, very complex cd/radio controls, but good turning performance. Acadia is much quiet in side, no road noise, power better than CX9, seat design better, more space in 3rd row seat.

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  OK truck that misses the mark - 2016 GMC Canyon
  By Kevin - April 27 - 4:02 am

  Overall this truck gets kudos for good ride quality and low noise levels. However, the 2.5L 4Cyl. doesnt belong in this vehicle. The gas mileage is horrible. I have averages just a tick over 19MPG in 18K miles of driving. Ive owned full size trucks with V-8 motors that deliver almost the same economy. In the city, this truck barely delivers 17. There is a persistent sound of rushing water near the heater core when the truck is cold, a problem GM cannot fix. The transmission hunts for gears at the slightest incline on the highway. The transmission will slip from 3rd to 4th gear on occasion and it gets confused when driving in traffic and will make abrupt downshifts. The steering wanders and the truck veers at the slightest inputs on the highway. The light switch and 4wd drive switch are located out of view and are blocked by the steering wheel. The cruise control light is in the area between 65-75 MPH on the speedometer and gets blocked by the needle. The radio display goes dark sometimes for no reason and other times shows a distracted driving warning at random. The On Star system randomly tells me the car is equipped with On Star. The engine stumbles at idle like it has a misfire. The rear seats are utterly useless, they should have at least put a bench seat in the rear so you can sit sideways. The truck is equipped with a power seat, auto headlights, bluetooth, power window/locks, rear defrost, cruise, back up camera, etc. but GM in their brilliancy doesnt offer power mirrors with this package and they continually wiggle out of adjustment. Yes, thats a lot of complaining. I will say, it offers a much better ride than a Tacoma but there are too many bugs in this car to consider it again, especially with a $32,000 sticker price.

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  H.D. - 2005 GMC Yukon XL
  By Huber Dufum - April 24 - 8:46 am

  This has been the most comfortable, smooth riding, trouble-free vehicle I have ever owned. On the highway at speeds of 65-70, I get 19- 19.4 mpg without air and 18.5 with air.Of course when you drive faster than that, mpg drops like a lead rock. Cant complain for a vehicle this size.

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  Not bad! - 2001 GMC Sierra 1500
  By xfarmboy - April 24 - 2:00 am

  Bought my Sierra new and still enjoy driving it. Only had a few warranty items to take care of in the first year (rear seatbelt retractor, clunking sound from front wheels when going over bumps & front wheel alignment problem). Other than that, have just had it in to the dealer for regular maintenance. It handles great on curves & turns and has plenty of power. However, it does drink lots of gas. I average about 13.5 mpg in the city & around 16 mpg on the highway. The factory tires were terrible (Firestone Wilderness AT) and I only got about 36,000 miles out of them. Have replaced them with Michelin LTX M/S and they have been great in giving the truck a much smoother ride.

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  Disappointment - 2004 GMC Envoy
  By JJF2 - April 24 - 2:00 am

  I really fell in love with this truck when I bought it. Its loaded. $40k sticker. But Ive had nothing put problems. 4-wheel drive sensor broke second day out, front-right sway bar ends broke at 5,000 miles, defective weather-stripping, driver-side window ratttles when cold, rear suspension compressor cycles on and off when car is off...can run down battery (dealer cant diagnose this!). Check Engine light came on and resulted in replacing gas cap. Owned for 11 months and been in dealership 6 times. Worst build quality of any car Ive ever owned. GM service worst of any company. Will never buy GM again.

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  Best Big SUV - 2005 GMC Yukon XL
  By JV - April 23 - 12:26 pm

  Great SUV. For a big SUV I get great gas mileage,19 in town and over 21 on the road. Much better than a comparable Suburban which is the reason I bought the GMC instead of the Suburban.

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  Best vehicle I ever owned - 2000 GMC Yukon Denali
  By chuckwl - April 19 - 10:00 am

  I bought this truck primarily for its looks. It has a rare Silvermist finish. It is comfortable and reliable. Im a big person and it fits me well. Great power when needed. Cruises very well on the highway. Bose system exceeds expectations. Ive never had a problem of consequence. Even after 73K miles, I plan to keep this puppy for quite a while yet.

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  Will only Buy GMC - 2004 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Raider "E" from napa - April 19 - 10:00 am

  the best truck I have ever had by far! i purchase a single cab in 2000 loved tha one so in 2003 i purchase an extended cab witht the 5.3 liter V8 the motor is strong and performs very well! I strongly recomend it.

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  Sweet Deal - 2006 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Douglas - April 17 - 7:50 pm

  I have owned Chevy, Ford, and Dodge and I will stick with GM trucks. this new GMC is great all the way around, nice ride, great power for pulling my bass boat, so much room, and very well put together interior.