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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  1978 Revisited - 2004 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Clayton - December 28 - 11:53 pm

  I like my truck. It is a "Plain Jane" truck-no options. Performance is better than expected, though the mileage in town is poor-about 15 mpg. Good ride and no complaints, though I have only 2500 miles on it. For being a base truck, it suits my needs and makes me wish reviewers would talk about the basic trucks as well as the duded-up ones. The reset on the oil change system is neat. I like the magnatized drain plug too. Very easy oil change. A great ride. Much better than my 1993 ford F-150. Very similar to my old 1978 Silverado but with a much better turning radius. The 6 cylinder has plenty of power for what I need.

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  Very good car - 2002 GMC Yukon XL
  By KB - December 28 - 3:43 am

  I am glad I purchased this vehicle. I test drove Toyata Sequoia, Chevy Suburban, Ford Excursion, Ford Expedition, but I choose to buy Yukon XL. Excellent car!

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  GMC Yukon XL Review - 2002 GMC Yukon XL
  By Gregory Walls - December 27 - 10:03 pm

  I bought it new and during three years Ive had only one major repair out of warranty (power steering box). After 65,000 miles it still rides great and is in excellent shape inside and out (other than normal minor paint scratches and dings). The build quality is excellent and the car is holding up very well. I have previously traded my car every three years when I get tired of them, but I want to keep my Yukon XL until the wheels fall off.

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  bailys ride - 2004 GMC Envoy
  By baily - December 23 - 10:00 am

  didnt not have to much faith in american autos. especilly after the 1999 dodge dakota i use yo own. so far this suv is very well built.

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  Bst truck in USA - 2006 GMC Sierra 2500HD
  By dan - December 22 - 4:13 am

  I finally brought my dream truck 2 months ago. Its a GMC 2500 Duramax diesel. Its fun to drive and I like to show it off. It never knows when to quit or never even knows the word. I like the appearance it has it not all chop up it not slanted back in the front end. It a tough truck! I like the 4 doors. Also it has alot of room and looks great. Nothing even compares to it.

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  Cracked cylinder heads - 2004 GMC Sierra 1500
  By shane l - December 21 - 10:00 am

  I love the truck it is very comfortable, and has been trouble free for 5 years, till I noticed the coolant level dropping, I figured out it had cracked cylinder heads. Took it to Boulevard GMC in Signal Hill and they charged me $170.00 for something I already knew and lied and said they took the valve covers off to inspect, when it shows no one has taken the valve cover off, (BEWARE OF THIS DEALERSHIP) GM wont help pretty much had to fix my self. I put in Bars head gasket fix and the leak in the heads went away, been 3,000 miles all I have to do is change my lifters and push-rods and should be good to go. Dont think I am going to be buying GM anymore.

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  21,000 miles (Everything I expected) - 2009 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Colorado - December 21 - 10:00 am

  Replaced a disaster 6.0 PSD (too many warranty invoices overloaded glove box) and went back to gasser GMC. Truck is fully fitted out and has never been in the shop for any warranty work. Averaging 19.7 mpg city/hwy and consistently get over 20 on the hwy at 75 mph (about what I expected for this heavy truck). Auto 4WD is great in the snow and wet weather, and tow/haul functions as designed. Can cruise all day at 75-80 mph on the interstate--comfortable with smooth ride. Good leg room in the back seat for adults. Reasonably quiet ride with lots of room--tight finish, no rattles or squeaks.

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  My 3rd Denali! - 2005 GMC Yukon XL
  By Darby - December 21 - 9:53 am

  This is my 3rd Denali and my son has a Yukon not to mention we have had 3 other GMC products. I have been happy with GMC products, not some of the dealers for servicing them.......but happy with the product. I have 4 children and love the entertainment package.

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  Cracked Dash and AFM Lifters - 2008 GMC Sierra 1500
  By chuckaggie - December 20 - 6:27 am

  Just after the power train warranty expires my AFM lifter sticks. $3000 shop bill later and some internet research I know to watch my oil level like a hawk and never purchase another GM. Also the Massive cracks in my dash remind me of 80s GM. Its nice to see them bringing back the materials from their 80s cars. Dont buy one of these trucks. Buy new and dump them when out of warranty.

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  GMC Acadia - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By tsav10 - December 20 - 12:06 am

  So far so good, great vehicle well made. Gas mileage is not very good, but will improve with more miles. Roomy and we love the OnStar.