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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  2003 GMC 4X4 - 2003 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Lee McClister - June 27 - 10:20 pm

  I use this truck every day for work and pleasure and it always serves me very well. I even used it to pull out a big lifted Ford from the mud.

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  GMC Denali is great - 2017 GMC Yukon XL
  By Jim Garrett - June 27 - 1:09 pm

  Love this vehicle so far

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  330000 @ uses no oil - 1999 GMC Sierra Classic 1500
  By rocky - June 27 - 5:36 am

  I have put over 300000 miles and never touched the inside of the motor. 5.3 i think. It gets 18 mpg. I have a 345 rear end, auto. Used both in construction work and pleasure. Has been an excellent pickup, and still looks good. Did replace transmission @ 235000.

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  05 Denali - 2005 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Mike - June 26 - 9:00 pm

  I have owned several GM trucks and one Ford - this is definitely the best Ive owned. The acceleration is very good, the truck handles well, transmission shifts are smooth, and it is very quiet and comfortable for a pickup. Pulls a 6,000# boat like a dream. My only minor complaint is a slightly mushy brake pedal feel. It seems that you have to apply more pressure than on other trucks Ive driven. Overall, a very nice truck, and with the current GM offer, a good value in my opinion.

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  05 GMC 2500HD Duramax/ZF-6 Manual - 2005 GMC Sierra 2500HD
  By ~jc~ - June 24 - 10:50 am

  I enjoy this truck. The diesel has a lot of pep. The manual trans. is nice after getting a feel for it. The build quality for my W/T is less than desired. Handling is excellent for a truck this size. Ride is smooth. It has some design faults (ex: windshield wipers rise only about 3" from glass, pain to work on) and penny pinching faults (ex: no sun tint on top of windshield). All in all, I recommend.

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  This Car Kicks Butt - 2004 GMC Yukon XL
  By Cooper Young - June 23 - 2:00 am

  My wife was concerned about driving a "bigger" car. Shes always driven Volkswagens. She LOVED driving this car (we actually started out with the Yukon Denali and then bought the Yukon XL Denali.). Dont get me wrong, its a truck - its got the power of a truck and the size of a truck, but it is one, great luxury car.

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  Love my new SUV - 2004 GMC Yukon
  By Honey Cone - June 23 - 2:00 am

  I love my new GMC Yukon, Denali 2004. The word Denali, means "GREAT ONE" and that is what I have. I traded in my 1999, Toyota, Landcruiser, (my second) and was very hesitant about purchasing anything else. I made the right choice! My gas mileage is better than my toyota and is better than the sticker mileage and any review that I read. I am now sold on GMC. This is a GREAT suv in every way!

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  The best truck I have had - 1999 GMC Sierra Classic 1500
  By Scott Thornton - June 21 - 10:00 am

  I bought this truck for the price I got on it. I have not been dissapointed. It only has the 305 automatic so when I put my travel trailer (750 pound tounge, 10000 actual)it is a bit sluggish and it kills the gas milage. I have added a freer flowing exhaust and air filter and routinly get 17 mpg city and 25 on the road. I baby it though. The looks are spot on for me and my son plans on buying the truck from me in a few years. If you get a good deal on one of these trucks GET IT!! you wont regret it

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  Great Truck - 2001 GMC Sierra 1500
  By ThomasJ - June 18 - 10:00 am

  I have had no problems at all with this truck. It can haul, cruise, or simply get around town with no problems.

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  Rusting away - 2001 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Brian - June 18 - 12:10 am

  I have had fuel line, brake line rust problems, I have also had rear brake problems having 4 sets of brakes on the rear since purchase. Very disappointed in this truck. Steering noise problems. And from talking with other owners these problems are common place with GMC and Chevrolet 2001 trucks.