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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  2000 GMC Sierra 4x4 - 2000 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Chetmarcol - April 17 - 10:00 am

  This has been an excellent truck. Very sharp and extremely well built. Have not had it back to the dealer once for any problems. Fits and finish are perfect.

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  Pretty Good! - 2003 GMC Envoy
  By myet01 - April 17 - 10:00 am

  First SUV, pretty impressed so far!

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  Thumper - 2000 GMC Sierra 1500
  By tferrone - April 15 - 12:00 pm

  The only problem I have experienced so far is a clunking in the automatic transmission. This happens when starting up or turning from a slow speed. It sometimes makes the rear wheels chirp.

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  first time truck buyer - 2005 GMC Sierra 1500
  By bill t - April 11 - 5:46 pm

  i recently traded in a 2003 cadillac, for the new 2005 gmc sierra, and what a vehicle. It rides better than than the cadillac, and is usefull, for more things, (obviously). what a great truck, gas mileage is okay, what do you expect for a v8. i would suggest anyone to buy a gmc, what a great vehicle.

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  Petes Denali - 2002 GMC Yukon XL
  By PeteA - April 10 - 2:00 am

  Vehicle and Dealership second to none. Used to the high customer care given by Acura but this Northern California Tracy GM dealership tops the lot. The Danali smokes other SUVs (added a K&N air filter and Tornado fuel saver for more power and 20% better fuel consumption. Rain or snow in Tahoe, Its the skiers dream vehicle with the most comfortable heated seats I have ever sat in. The autoride suspension enabled me to drive virtully non-stop from Vegas to SF and arrive refreshed. The AWD is noticably better for road holding as evidenced when driving down the grapevine on I5 at high sppeds in high winds (compared to my prior 1994 Suburban)

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  Comfort, Style & Power. Priced Right - 2008 GMC Yukon XL
  By avatarfg - April 10 - 12:43 am

  Just traded 2004 Escalade ESV for this 08 Denali XL. So far, the first 2000 miles have been great. Highway mileage really is about 18 mpg as stated, if you go 65 mph. Mileage dramatically decreases at 75-80+ mph. Ride and power are excellent. Cruising on the highway is a joy. Handling is great for its size but this is no go cart. Turning radius is very nice. Rear camera takes a little getting used to but is a very nice addition. Also love the new power hatch. Styling is great. Mechanical & fit and finish have all been very good except for tailgate hitch cover which is a flimsy section of bumper that attaches loosely with a poor fit. Sound system, nav & XM are all great quality.

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  Pontiacs Worst Yet - 2009 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Moron Motors - April 9 - 1:36 am

  What can I say? Everything about the truck disappointing from the noisy driveline, to the thumps & plunks, sloshing fuel tank the crappy cheap foam seats to the idiots at the dealerships who stand there and give you stupid looks like you actually expect them to be able to fix these problems.

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  I love my truck! - 2006 GMC Sierra 1500
  By NathanTexas - April 9 - 1:33 am

  I bought this truck because my 06 Silverado would not pull my boat (4.8L). This truck is great, lots of power, great fuel mileage, and a ride like a Cadillac.

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  Excellent suv - 2018 GMC Terrain
  By jmechanic - April 8 - 10:32 pm

  best compact crossover suv on the market right now. in my 35 years as an automotive technician I have fixed ,driven,tested and owned many vehicles and nothing compares to a GM in overall quality, performance,safety and features, despite what you read out there. this 2018 terrain is another example of that. the sle also comes with the 2.0 l turbo, not just the slt or denali. i also love the fact that GM does not use the CVT transmission on their vehicles like Honda, toyota, nissan and many others do, just to get a litle better mpg sacrificing performance. will like to point out that although many of the features on the new terrain are new to the terrain, they are not new to general motors. I recommend the 2.0L turbo over the 1.5 unless your all about mpg, another option the 1.6L turbo diesel. go test one for your self.

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  Once again America Fails - 2003 GMC Yukon XL
  By laxman - April 8 - 10:00 am

  I have my Yukon XL for 22 months. I am dissapointed in the build on the truck. I have a problem with the front end rattling after 15,000 miles. Also, the middle seat froze on me and needs a new seat riser. The best is that the dealer knows that the front end is an occurance with most 2003s. They did not have the part and said it would take a week. well 2 weeks later I call up and still no part. I guess when its under warranty, they dont want to fix the problem. I have to hound them for the part!!! I wish Toyota or Nissan would make a truck as big so I could byu!!