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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  Towing Ability - 2002 GMC Yukon XL
  By nickmatt - May 21 - 10:00 am

  The 5.3 ltr. is rated to tow a 7,700 lb. (max) trailer. I purchased a trailer and at a weight of 5,000 lb. the Yukon does not work so well. The dealer reps assured me that the 5.3 is a "STRONG engine more than capable of towing the close to the max rating". I had my doubts and I was right. The 5.3 is not a very strong engine I would avoid towing much of anything.

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  My Denalli - 2007 GMC Yukon
  By gwk46 - May 20 - 11:22 am

  I purchased this 07 Denali, would have rather had a Tahoe, I think better styling. But love this Denali, fun to drive, comfortable, great turning radius. As most have mentioned could be better MPG, but for its size not bad, 16-18. But I have to bite the bullet and drive this size vehicle due to bad knees, back, ankles, so need this size and would absolutely buy another. One of best vehicles I have ever had, no problems. The vehicle and dealers service dept. are better than sales dept. Wouldnt buy from this dealer again. Great in winter in MN, now have 35,000 on it no problems.

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  4x4ing fun - 1998 GMC Jimmy
  By Scott - May 19 - 5:15 am

  I have owned by Jimmy since 2001 and I have had little issues, but for what I have done it to the thing it is quite expectable. The first thing I had to check out was the 4 wheel drive, so I hit the trails. By the end of the day I had it up to the frame in mud, without getting stuck, and all 4 wheels off the ground. I can deal with the minor repair (I love working on my truck), just need to find a good lift kit and then I off to the mud again. My overall view is play hard and things will break. Shut up fix the problem then its time to play again. My wiper did the I have a mind of my owe I change the cabling and it is good to go. Need new mirrors and the drivers window gets stuck.

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  Wheres The MPG? - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By gordonhill - May 18 - 11:10 pm

  The car is fun to drive once you reach 20 or so mile per hour, but until then it seems to be hesitant to shift into lower gears to give the needed power for moving around in City traffic. I have had the transmission calibrated a couple of times and it helps for a while then it goes back to hesitating. Also the fuel mileage is not even close to what was advertised on the window sticker. The sticker said I should get 18 City and 24 Highway MPG. I get 14 City and 18 to 19 Highway. I asked the service reps about it and they kind of shrug and say "thats about normal". Otherwise I like the car a lot and have no real mechanical problems.

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  The Professional Grade!!!!!! - 2002 GMC Sierra 1500
  By mwheeler88 - May 15 - 8:40 am

  My GMC Sierra is a great truck! It rides great and it handles very well. The only thing i dont like about it, is its a 2WD but I would probably never use it if i did have it and I have to say it has been the most reliable vehicle i have ever had. My dad bought it in 2002 new and gave it to me when he bought a new car. It only has 86,000 miles on it and i have to say for a truck thats not a lot. Knock on wood I have never had to take it in for any work other than to get it serviced. I dont like the gas mileage it gets 13 MPG in town but it does have the 5.3L V8 so what do you expect. But i love the truck and i hope to have it for a long time.

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  Love the Terrian, but.... - 2010 GMC Terrain
  By dkoontz - May 5 - 7:23 pm

  Have had my Terrian for about 6 weeks and have driven 2200 miles so far. Overall, the vehicle exceeds my expectations. It seems well built, solid and quiet on the road, and is loaded with features. A great value! My one concern (and its a big one) is highway MPG. With the 4 cylinder, the Terrain is EPA rated at 22 City/32 Highway. So far my "local" mileage has been acceptable, in the 24-26 MPG range however my highway mileage hasnt been any better at 26. My primary reason for picking the Terrain was its best in class highway mileage, but so far its not meeting expectation. Hopefully, Ill see improvements in the future as the engine gets more broken in.

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  Think Twice About GMC - 2001 GMC Yukon XL
  By YukonOwner - May 5 - 12:36 pm

  My first American vehicle will be my last. We bought this vehicle to tow a camper. We sold the camper so we can get rid of the Yukon before it breaks again. At just over 40,000, I spent nearly $2,000 replacing the motor that controls the 4x4 system. Wait, not only did the motor go out but so did the buttons on the control panel. Although I live in Colorado and do use the 4x4 features, I shouldnt have to spend $2K on a $40K vehicle to replace something that isnt used all that often. If you need room, this vehicle definately has room. I can haul 8 skiers, put their goods in the back and put skis and boards on the roof in a ski box. It takes 8 skiers to pay for the gas.

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  My 01 GMC - 2001 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Freddymack - May 4 - 2:00 am

  The truck drives out great, a lil bit of oil consumption on 5.3l engine, had a rear wheel bearing go out HMMM. Clunking when going into gear, possible yoke. Does everything I need it to do.

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  Great SUV - 2008 GMC Yukon
  By Rick - May 3 - 9:52 am

  We were putting to many miles on our 2005 Cayenne S and needed a second SUV. After doing tons of research, I found the Denali to be the best value in its class. The ride and comfort are a plus, the 6.2 V8 has a lot of power, but is slow in getting there. The transmission needs improvement, it could be a little smoother. We found the Denali worked best for us on long trips, four adults can travel in sheer comfort.

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  denali - 2008 GMC Yukon
  By Ron Hatfield - May 1 - 6:33 pm

  I havearound 10000 kms on this truck. It works great and has lots of power and speed. I have a 97 yukon gt too and this has 400000 sobig fan of yukons. This one has alot more technolgy than the old one but both are great