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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  2016 gmc sierra denali 3500 - 2016 GMC Sierra 3500HD
  By Vlad park - February 13 - 6:00 am

  Tranny kicks after coming to a complete stop,dealer says its gas slushing in tank. B.S Towing a load you get a bad viration that you feel on gas petal .not confortable driving over 60 mph to much vibration. To much electronics freezes radio once in while. When you have weight in bed approx 1000lb lifts front end it make your front end rattle.dealer said that was normal...every problem is normal.

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  What a ride! - 2009 GMC Sierra 1500
  By JIm Martin - February 5 - 7:46 pm

  I traded in a 03 Silverado on this truck I loved the silverado but this truck is wonderful, its smooth as glass.I tow a boat and a camper with no problems.The interior is finally where it should be.

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  Another oil burner - 2007 GMC Yukon XL
  By linkowski - February 5 - 6:20 am

  I love my Yukon. However, it has been burning oil for about 3 years now. Three years ago I took it to my original dealership who told me that it was normal (with a straight face!). They refused to do anything. Fast forward to 96000 miles, took it to a Chevy dealership who listened to me and said they have had this problem. Next Monday its going in to have the "shields" put in. I am still worried. GM customer service told me they didnt know anything about any problems, that the dealership handles all of this. I know they know, but as long as they can deny it, they will. Will post again when it is allegedly fixed. Very very unhappy with GMs response.

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  poorly crafted - 2008 GMC Sierra 1500
  By jorge - February 3 - 4:13 pm

  although its a beautifull truck mine was poorly crafted i found rattling noise inside the cabin, brakes make alot of noise, and has poor stability,gmc needs to improve the performance on their vehicles and keep their promisses with warranties.

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  Worst SUV ever - 2001 GMC Yukon XL
  By Alfonso Ocampo - January 31 - 6:16 pm

  Worst vehicle I have ever bought. Spent a lot of money on this truck. This SUV slips way too much in snow even with 4wd on. I changed the battery on this truck twice, brakes were horrible they couldnt be fixed, and power for this beast needs to be improved. GM dissapointed me. GMC you just fell in the same class as a Ford.

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  GM maintains its UN-reliable reputation - 2003 GMC Yukon XL
  By bandaid6699 - January 30 - 1:16 am

  Four years is all I could tolerate with this beast. Yes, it has tons of room and a lot of nice luxury features. However, regular major breakdowns and frustratingly fragile parts has me switching to Ford for my future vehicles. The transmission has had two major failures and another one is eminent. Fuel pump, water pump, various electrical glitches also frustrate. We bought it used but 60,000 miles later Ill probably have to give it away...

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  Great Truck - 1999 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Nick C - January 27 - 3:33 pm

  I enjoy driving my truck day in and day out. I have no complaints about it so far. I have only had the truck for about two months now. The 4 wheel drive has tore through everything i have put it up against. Its nice!

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  ENVOY WINS OVER HESITANT SUV CONVERT - 2002 GMC Envoy
  By funits - January 22 - 9:13 am

  Being reluctant to buy an SUV (though I needed one -- living on a dirt road hill in NH), I am pleasantly impressed with my 2002 4WD SLT Envoy. It has matched feature for feature my previous Audi/VW cars -- auto climate control, rain sensing wipers, excellent stereo/CD, excellent seats (power/heated in front), excellent motor/power, smooth transmission, good brakes, lots of cargo space. Though a truck, it handles well and I am comfortable driving the Envoy on highways and "twisty" back roads (though some reviews said the vehicle is "tippy", I find it stable). So far the build and functional quality of the Envoy has been fine. If you need an SUV, check out this one.

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  DONT BUY!! - 2004 GMC Yukon XL
  By dont buy yukon xl - January 22 - 2:00 am

  purchased 2004 yukon xl 2wheel drive, makes loud popping or clanging noise continues for at least five to ten minutes after car is turned off, it rides like a fifteen year old car that needs a tune up, vibrates in steering wheel and dash while sitting stopped, dealer says these 2004 just make more noise than older models, dealer wants to put weights on exhaust to stop vibration, basically when you spend 43,000 on a new suv and only have 1500 miles, we should not have to be going to dealer every other day and waiting on parts to "rig" the exhaust. ADVICE, DONT BUY GMC YUKON XL 2004 MODEL

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  Wow! - 2005 GMC Yukon XL
  By Chris - January 17 - 11:53 am

  This is my 2nd Yukon XL and my first Denali and this one has been my best vehicle I have ever owned in the 27 years that I have been driving. The comfort cant be beat. Weve driven it from Maine to Florida and back and had not complaints. The power is there when you need it and the gas mileage isnt bad for the size vehicle it is and the comfort. I have had no issues with mechanical problems and its never broken down on me at all. I recommend this vehicle to anyone who wants a lot of vehicle for their money. This beats any import out there as well! Solid vehicle.