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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  Tahoe to Terrain - 2010 GMC Terrain
  By Former Tahoe Owner - November 11 - 10:36 am

  Love the exterior design! Has a lot of pep. Handles well and is fun to drive. A little disappointed that a four cylinder doesnt get better mileage. Averaging 25 mpg. Some cheap interior materials. For the price, thought better quality materials should have been used. Half circle bisected headlight illumination is extremely annoying and limits visibility. Rear seat does not fold flat. Doesnt compare to the quality of my Tahoe, but what I gained in fuel economy ALMOST makes up for it.

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  Runs real good.. but still cautious. - 2003 GMC Sierra 1500
  By SDW - November 10 - 10:00 am

  Im a Chevy/GMC man- have been for ten years; bought my new GMC 1500 Sierra SLE at the end of February, Ive enjoyed my truck for months until lately when the quadcab doors started to rattle and my 4wd started to growl. GMC has tried to adjust the doors with no luck and they dont know what the growling is in the 4wd, but other than that the trucks been fine.

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  GM Hits a Grand Slam - 2007 GMC Yukon XL
  By GrandSlam DenaliXL - November 6 - 5:50 am

  Only days with my new YukonXL Denali and its clear GM has hit a grand slam! Awesome ride, excellent comfort, power to spare at 380HP, DVD is great for the kids, 20 inch chrome wheels dress it up, build quality seems great, this vehicle (Black Onyx and Black Leather interior) is a head turner. Sure gas mileage could be better (currently 11 to 13 MPH around town...expect it to improve slightly). GM did their homework and got the voice of the customer in designing the new Denali. Impressive.

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  Solid purchase - 2003 GMC Yukon XL
  By Jaz0068 - November 4 - 2:00 am

  We wanted to upgrade to a larger SUV and we could not be happier. Very well built vehicle. Lots of room in the front. Drives like a sedan and has fantastic pulling power. Although we expected this, the only negative I would say is that this vehicle is a gas guzzler! Add at least $100+ a month extra in gas costs.

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  Excellent Vehicle - 2002 GMC Sierra 1500
  By hlj - November 4 - 2:00 am

  No problems since early on with leaning to left. Dealer changed springs, etc. Most trouble-free vehicle to date, including 4 Hondas, 1 Maxima and many others.

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  So Pleased - 2009 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Kevin - November 3 - 9:43 pm

  Im just pleased to death with my purchase. I got the SLE Crew Cab with the 5.3l ad Texas Edition pkg. I also got leather and all sorts of extras for $30k. Just looking at the truck is pleasing, its gorgeous, I got the Stealth Grey Metallic with cashmere interior. I get comments all the time on its color, even my wife says its beautiful! I wasnt aware that the SLT had a different interior layout, but I do like the way mine looks. It could use some wood in the interior, but thats all Id add. The small details are impressive. The fit and finish is amazing. The tactile feel of everything is amazing, the leathers, its just quality through and through.

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  Well Gone GMC ! - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By Brian - November 1 - 10:30 am

  My wife and I are expecting our first child and we looked at every SUV, CUV possible to find one that was reliable and safe for our new addition. As soon as we saw it on the lot, we were in love. Chrome accents against the black and white background made for a shapr looking vehicle. The ride is great and smooth. Engine is plenty powerful. Interior is nicely refined and very quiet. Rear legroom is unrivaled by any other vehicle. Rear sliding seat gives an extra 4 inches if needed for back seat passenger. Not badly priced either.

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  Great truck! - 2002 GMC Yukon XL
  By Veronica - October 31 - 7:32 pm

  It is the most comfortable vehicle I have ever been in. Its a 2002 and I dont feel like they make them the way they used to

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  Everyone rides with me! - 2003 GMC Yukon XL
  By football mom - October 30 - 4:33 am

  The great thing about our GMC YukonXL is we have room for the book bags, sports equipment bags, grocery and friends! We never have to tell someone we dont have room. However, we end up driving more than we would like to. We purchased this vehicle with 14,000 miles and the ride is wonderful. We previously bought Suburbans and the difference is unbelievable. The GMC is has a better ride and the interior and exterior appointments are much nicer. However, it rattles and squeaks a little more than I like. For all the comfort I turn the radio up. The kids can watch a DVD while we listen to XM radio. The GMC is the way to go!

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  My new Denali - 2004 GMC Yukon
  By Etrauda - October 29 - 2:00 am

  We bought this new GMC Denali on January 22, 2004. We have to homes to travel to being 400 miles apart from each other. When driving on the highway I believe the Denalis ride is 2nd to none as far as smoothness and comfort go. The more we drive it the more we love it.Three times back and forth from Mass. to Northern Maine in style, and it just keeps getting better.