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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  GMC Sierra - 2004 GMC Sierra 1500
  By mdenson - June 7 - 10:00 am

  GM could do better at designing this vehicle to ride smooth without a load. When loaded in the back it rides great, but with an empty bed, is is very choppy on the least uneven road. Only about 30 lbs in the rear makes all the difference, perhaps a tailgate weight or something. All in all, this is a great vehicle. A little less room than my Avalanche, but still very comfortable for 4 normal sized people. Looks great (mines black). Gotta have the leather!

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  Fun to drive - 2007 GMC Yukon XL
  By Nautique454 - June 6 - 2:53 pm

  Ive owned a 2005 Tahoe Z71 4X4, a 2005 Suburban LT and now that Ive owned this one, Ill never go back to anything less. The 6.2 L engine sounds awesome and performs to match. The fit and finish are much better than the previous design. A blast to drive and a lot of room.

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  Denail XL - 2002 GMC Yukon XL
  By S Schmidt - June 6 - 12:53 am

  Excellent vehicle throughout. Could not be more pleased.

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  Not bad...but - 2006 GMC Sierra 1500
  By SF Agent - June 4 - 9:16 pm

  Bought new at the end of 2005. Love the exterior styling and the interior design is quite good. I bought mine loaded with everything possible. One minor problem, the transmission went out at 64000. I drive on the highway to my office and back, thats it. The truck has never pulled anything or even been in 4WD. My dealership did lobby GM and they went half on a new transmission, so I was out $1500, but got the new GM transmission with 5 year 100,000 warranty, so I guess that was ok.

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  Great Vehicle - 2000 GMC Yukon XL
  By rbellfield - May 29 - 10:00 am

  I love my Yukon XL. This is my first SUV and I will never go back to a car again.

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  Never Again - 2006 GMC Yukon XL
  By Paul J. Lecker - May 25 - 2:53 pm

  Great design.This is the third Yukon. 1995,2001 and now a 2006. This one has been extremely disappointing. Had to rebuild the transmission at 58000 miles. The truck hauls kids and groceries. Dealer actually charged me $100 to tell me the transmission was broken. I dont understand why the company doesnt stand behind the truck. Cost $2,500 to repair. Would not purchase another one because of my experience.

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  Love this 6.2l slt, this is a 6.2L not 5.3 - 2014 GMC Sierra 1500
  By thatblacktruck - May 23 - 10:24 pm

  First off this review is for my 6.2L not the 5.3l. I came from a 2013 GMC denali . this new 2014 is by far better, Very Quiet, and this new 6.2L is a Real Rocket, I am getting yes AVE 17.8 with mostly City driving about 20 miles per day this is amazing compared to my 2013 denali which got Ave 14.8 City. this 2014 I purchased is a mid year build (6/14) and Built in the Indiana plant, and they have done a great job during assembly, things fit well no noises or Rattles and no problems so far. Turning radius is great, no Radio Reception problems I am not sure yet about the headlamps, they seem to be fine, however I do not like the interior lighting, its all LED and no footwell lighting.

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  Great tow vehicle - 2004 GMC Yukon XL
  By smacko - May 22 - 12:10 am

  I pull a 9,000 pound travel trailer with the 6.0 engine and 4.10 rear end. It handles it very well. This is a great truck.

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  Stuck with a lemon gm dont care! - 2016 GMC Canyon
  By Mel - May 18 - 4:22 am

  I purchased a 2016 GMC Canyon sle crew cab shortly after purchasing the transmission jerks feels like it goes from 5th gear into 3rd and I cant ecelerate ... numerous trips to the dealer they cant duplicate it, power steering light is on dealer couldnt get part. And said it had a short in it ... I got the truck back only to have the light flash for steering again and check air in tires staying on!! I bought a new truck and GM could care less Im stuck and the dealer promised me a replacement vehicle only to than ask me for a lot of money! Taken for a ride in lemon!

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  What a Ride - 2003 GMC Sierra 1500
  By dcintron - May 11 - 2:00 am

  Vehicle weight makes for a comfortable ride. Handles the interstate like a luxury car. The Quadrasteer feature makes moving around the city a breeze. Parallel parking and parking garages with appropriate height clearance are easy to handle. The Denali has good acceleration. Does not get blown around when passing the Big Rigs. Dont expect better than 14 miles per gallon, about 13 mpg at 80 mph. Once youve driven the Denali youll never want another full-size pick-up without Quadrasteer.