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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  Mostly Happy - 2005 GMC Sierra 1500
  By RMcGee - February 1 - 10:50 pm

  As soon as I saw this vehicle I loved it. Victory Red w/ GMC 20" wheels. I am on my 3rd year and just under 36k miles. I have pulled my 22 boat to the Ozarks which is around 300 miles each way through some hilly country. The truck shifts down a lot to keep up the RPMs. The interior seems a little on the cheap side & reminds me of some Mattel toys I had as a kid. I did have the intermediate shaft in the steering fixed at 25k miles. Now that my warranty is up my check engine light is on and I guess the vaccum canister needs replaced which is $500(for plastic). Overall I love the truck and use it for everything from towing to hauling. I just wish the standard warranty was 100k.

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  GMC Yukon XL - 2004 GMC Yukon XL
  By robinsonja - January 30 - 10:00 am

  This vehicle is truly a family comfortable automobile. Its size and power entertain both the truck lover and the family provider.

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  Excellent truck - 2000 GMC Sierra 1500
  By jagrant - January 30 - 10:00 am

  One great truck. Only have changed oil and tires. Great acceleration especially compared to my Expedition. Very smooth ride. We tow a boat, 4 wheelers and a small 5th wheel and it handles great and doesnt get sluggish.

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  2004 Duramax - 2004 GMC Sierra 2500HD
  By LyleT - January 30 - 10:00 am

  Absolutely the best truck I have ever owned. During its maiden break-in run I got 23.8 mpg. When engine is broken in mileage should be even better. I drive between 55-65 mph and this seems to be the "sweet spot" for performance. Got it to haul our slide in camper and this will be no problem now. (Not like our 91 Silverado which on its best day with only one person got 20 mpg)

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  2004 Crew Cab SLT 1500 - 2004 GMC Sierra 1500
  By mcotton - January 30 - 10:00 am

  ATC updates had to be performed after 5,000 miles to get the transmission working properly. Once fixed, the truck ran great.

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  Yukonized By the 2003! - 2003 GMC Yukon
  By Lex - January 26 - 2:00 am

  After 5 years of searching for the perfect vehicle, I settled on purchasing the Pewter Chevy 02 Tahoe. With the great financing they offered, you cant beat it. But, before buying it, I figured why not sit in the Yukon since its GMs other cool SUV. OH! MY! GOD! I was COMPLETELY blown away by this vehicle. The 2 trucks ride about the same; but all of the added little things sold me on this truck. The "in town" gas mileage is less than efficient; but, the highway mileage is pretty good for that big truck.

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  Best Vehicle I Ever Owned - 2008 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Atrain - January 25 - 7:53 am

  This is easily the best vehicle Ive ever owned. Im 67" and am super comfortable. This truck has been flawless - I look forward to many years of reliable service. And the gas mileage isnt bad. It depends a lot on how you drive and how fast you drive. Im getting almost 19mpg around town. Very satisfied.

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  Lets Ride - 2001 GMC Yukon XL
  By Millerkjs - January 16 - 10:00 am

  Great for towing and getting around town. I do wish they would release a duramax version. The 2500 is stiffer, but handles a 30 snowmobile trailer with ease.

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  3 years after - 2007 GMC Sierra 1500
  By GMC owner - January 14 - 9:36 pm

  I bought my GMC about 3 years ago. Loved the styling thinking it was the best full0sized truck out there. Ive driven it daily since buying it. A few paint scrapes and had to replace both the front and rear brakes (just replaced the rear brakes myself today). As well as one headlight. All in all it really was how GM marketed it a long-lasting dependable truck. Ive driven it from California to Virginia by way of Canada and Texas (towing a Volvo on a car trailer). I currently drive it in Germany. It has never not been a reliable truck. only complaint is that the 6.0 liter eats gas, and is not as good as GM says it is on fuel economy. A great truck for the money

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  cant beat it with a stick - 2004 GMC Yukon
  By bob s - January 10 - 10:00 am

  awesome vehicle, although they took out some nice features from my 2000 denali, the suit hangers are a joke, unless you want to smash your suit in the door. xm radio & gps is fantastic. quiet, better ride and control than its predecessors. overall a joy to own.