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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  Very Powerful. Very Comfortable - 2007 GMC Sierra 2500HD
  By Dennymax - January 21 - 10:23 pm

  I have been driving my truck for about a year & a half. I was excited at first because it was new. Now I am still excited! The Duramax/Allison is a just a great design. There is so much power for towing. This truck should come with a warning light reminding you that a trailer is attached because you will forget that its there! No more "white knuckle" driving while towing, built in brake controller works really well. This is just flat out awesome! The seats are like flying 1st class, interior is much improved. SLT has all the goodies, more like a luxury car, except its a truck. Why have a car anymore?

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  I love my Envoy! - 2004 GMC Envoy
  By bella1576 - January 21 - 2:00 am

  I recently purchased a 2004 Envoy SLT 4wd and I have never loved a vehicle more! I disagree with edmunds review about the steering. The ride is so smooth you forget you are in a truck. The leather interior is beatuful and it has so many options after a month I am still discovering them. In the snow it handled perfectly. I highly recommend this SUV for someone who wants power with refinement.

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  Love this Denali - 2008 GMC Yukon
  By Saul Boyd - January 18 - 10:29 am

  I have driven and owned many automobiles. The Denali is a pleasure to drive. I traded my TrailBlazer in for the new Denali and the gas is not any worse than my TrailBlazer. It was a nice auto. I looked at every auto maker Toyota, Lexus, and others from outside the country only to find not one could pull me away from GMC.

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  Mostly love it, - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By LAURA ROBERTS - January 14 - 2:58 pm

  Mostly I love this vehicle. I had some problem with the skylight, leaked. Had it replaced, no problems. A few recalls, once the recalls were fixed runs well. Lots of room, looks smaller than it is. Back up camera, love this option. Mileage not as good as expected but its not any better than my old vehicle. I had a 1998 Safari van. I find that there are a few blind spots that I had to get used to. We had lots of snow recently, handles well in the snow and ice. I was impressed with that. Looks good, interior nice, lots of cup holders. I can even haul three hockey players one parent and equipment, including goalie equipment!

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  Top Notch Truck - 2007 GMC Sierra 1500
  By uh33nowit - January 14 - 2:10 am

  This is my third Sierra (first for the new generation truck). This one, by far, drives much easier than the past vehicles GM put out. The interior is much improved and fuel economy is better. The build quality seems better, but only time will tell. They were conservative on the exterior design, but its still easy on the eyes. Overall, a very nice driving truck.

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  3rd 2500HD SLT and Love it - 2016 GMC Sierra 2500HD
  By Kevin Pickens - January 13 - 10:04 am

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  6.0 L Gas engine no slouch - 2008 GMC Sierra 2500HD
  By my new truck - January 11 - 9:36 pm

  This is the first 3/4 ton truck Ive ever owned and it is great. Ive had Fords in the past and know people with both the F250 and F350. Theyve had too many problems for me to even consider a Ford. The GMC is built stout, and while the gas engine lacks the torque that the diesel engine has it is the perfect engine for someone who does not tow all of the time. It has plenty of get up and Im getting around 14 MPG right now on the freeway at 75-80 MPH. Many of thr trucks I see pulling large trailers these days are GMC or Chevy, they must be doing something right. PS, while gas prices are high right now the purchase incentives are even higher, good time to buy a gas hog!

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  Best truck weve had so far..... - 2001 GMC Sierra 1500
  By P&CSmith - January 10 - 10:00 am

  We just purchased this truck. It is a very nice and comfortable vehicle to have. We have averaged around 18 to 20 miles to the tank this has been in city so far. It is a quiet ride also. We use to have a ford ext. cab with a 1 ton chassie 4x4 (diesel)and the only thing i can tell that is different is you can feel the small bumps on the road more. Thats only because we were used to a heavier truck. I would highly recommend this truck as of today

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  Nice Rig - 2006 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Robo M. - January 10 - 7:53 am

  Truck is very smooth. My wife has never driven one of my trucks by choice, but she wants to drive this one.I have owned Ford, Dodge. This is my first Z-71 Sierra. All the toys included except for a universal garage door opener. The engine is powerful and fast. Smooth acceleration fools you as to you actual speed. The MPG is approximately 3 miles per gallon more than my 2001 dodge truck. I live in hilly areas and the 4X4 truck averages 15 MPG. With 2 growing boys the Crew Cab gives them more than enough room in the back seat, grown adults no longer mind riding in the back seat of my truck. This is a cant miss vehicle! If you are looking for a new truck test drive this one!!

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  Great Ride and Better than Highlander - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By Farm Mom - January 8 - 11:36 am

  When my 01 GMC YukonXL was needed as a farm vehicle, began the search for a new family car. We loved the drive and comfort of our previous GMC yet no longer needed the size of the YukonXL. In addition, with a 62" all leg 14 year old and another boy growing, comfort was key. Looked seriously at the Toyota Highlander (family discount available). The boys tested both for legroom and comfort and Acadia far superior. Second row bucket seats have more mobility to move forward and recline than Highlander. Third seat easily accessible and comfortable to average- sized adult while not compromising space. AWD fabulous! In recent 3 snow, drove superbly. Overall a quiet, smooth drive.