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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  Still love it! - 2003 GMC Yukon
  By LEIF - January 27 - 9:26 pm

  I bought my Yukon in 2004. It is now Jan 2008. I bought it as a primary vehicle. There are many things I like about it. 1) That third row seat is awesome. I can drive 6 people very comfortably. 2) It has great acceleration. One obviously cannot compare it to a two seater sports car but for its size, it is very quick... its a truck! 3) Take out the rear seats and my band can get a drum set, two big PA speakers, 2 half stacks, a bass rig, and amps and guitars and still have the passenger seat open for the girl! 4) One word to describe it is practical. I recently bought a lifted Ford F350 4X4 4 door with all the bells and whistles. Was gonna sell the Yukon. I will be selling the Ford.

• 

  1996 Safari Van - 1996 GMC Safari
  By Carlos - January 22 - 4:29 pm

  These vans have several problems. Power window motors fail often, switches in Safaris also have several failures. Besides the little annoying items, that most people avoid repairing because of such a high cost. The vehicle has been reliable.

• 

  Duramax and Allison are superior - 2003 GMC Sierra 2500HD
  By Jim T - January 20 - 5:53 am

  I have owned this truck since new in 2003. Only in the last several years have I used it to its full potential. I have pulled a 10,000 lb fifth wheel to Florida twice and a new 12,000 lb fifth wheel to GA last week and I averaged a little over 13 mpg. On the return trip I got over 24 mpg running at 70 mph all day. I do have a tonneau cover for the bed which might help. I first took this new truck to Ohio in 2003 and only got 22 mpg with the same configuration. I did add a K and N air induction system before my last trip but this truck pulls like a champ without any additonal brains or Banks kits. The 5 speed transmssion is smooth and I know improvements have been made in the 09s.

• 

  2000 GMC Jimmy - 2000 GMC Jimmy
  By Norb Turner - January 15 - 9:41 am

  This truck has been nothing but great to me. I take excellent care of it, and in the four years Ive had it Ive minimal problems. Ive also been able to do a lot of customization to the truck.

• 

  Great SUV from GMC - 2008 GMC Yukon
  By Montanadan - January 13 - 12:16 pm

  We purchased the GMC 08 Denali after many reviews and this SUV offered the best value compared to the other options,(BMW,Lexus,Ford,etc). We love the way it drives, comfortable layout, nice interior features. If you are looking for 30 MPG, this is not your vehicle. The only negative is the gas mileage but we knew that before buying it. I strongly recommend the GMC Denali if you like great performance (6.2L V-8 for towing),great interior features(heated seats,steering wheel,comfortable seating with lots of room) and nice look (new body style from the 2006 denali). I would recommend one to my friends and family but get a gas card.

• 

  2005 GMC 3500 SLT DRW - 2005 GMC Sierra 3500
  By DREW - January 13 - 1:16 am

  The comfort and drivabilty beats the Ford 350. I had an 01 F350 which was a great truck, but had some reliabilty problems and the brakes were not up to the task. The GMC is much better overall with towing and the interior is more car like. My biggest complaint about the truck is the gray steel rims with cheap trim rings. For over $40K the truck should be outfitted with Ford/Dodge similar rims. I almost went for the Ford again because of this.

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  2017 4x4 6.2 liter V8 W/8spd transmission, Nice! - 2017 GMC Sierra 1500
  By CJJ - January 12 - 10:34 am

  This review did not allow for the proper 6.2 liter 8spd option to be selected as a detail regarding this vehicle which is what I am describing here… I Have a little under 900 miles on this truck, barely breaking it in after trading up from a 2014 GMC 5.3 liter 6spd double cab... The new 2017 with the 6.2L engine and 8spd tranny is far more drivable under every condition I have experienced to date… lots of low end torque and power… mountain driving in Colorado is much less an effort for this power train, it always seems to be in the right gear for the task… less clunky and more responsive than the 5.3 w/6 spd… Also, I am getting similar maybe even better gas mileage than the 5.3L 6 spd did… The 6.2L now needs to run on 87-91 octane so a bit of a trade off for fuel expense… I registered approx 27 mpg avg for a 60mph 50 mile run through the hills... 30 mpg one way and 24 mpg returning… some light snow and rain at the time… I have the All Terrain package which is great except for the Rancho shock absorbers which feel mushy at highway speeds... too much disconnect from the road, like the stock 20" wheels and tires are bouncing at times… I much prefer the grip and feel of Bilstein shocks and will change them over after a bit more driving… did the same on my 2014 with a vast improvement in handing and control… it felt much safer to drive under all conditions especially on rough roads, paved, gravel or dirt… almost got a speeding ticket right after changing to the Bilstein shocks on my 14 All Terrain double cab because it felt like I was driving slower than I was used to, when actually I was going 10 mph faster… I do wish the 1500 frame was stiffer with less resonance like the 2500HD… Didnt like 2500 gas powertrain… felt sluggish… The GMC 17 electronics now have a much better user interface for the most part, a more positive touch screen and works fairly well at linking the functions on my IPhone… some distractions, random glitches, possibly user error… there are a few mysteries yet to unfold in that 8" glowing screen on the dash even after studying the manual for an hour… All in all… Yes, I am liking this truck! Is it worth the $$$$ ??? Time will tell...

• 

  Sadly Disappointed - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By Bill - January 7 - 9:27 pm

  The head rest are too small and are not comfortable, The AM/FM/OnStar antenna is to tall for a 66" garage- had to modify with nylon wire ties to park in garage. The six speed transmission has a difficult start on ice and snow. First gear is too low and there is no option to start out in second gear. Jerky ride on very bumpy road because of the low gearing. I should have rented this car to evaluate prior to purchase, I would have never have purchased this car.

• 

  Needed work but worth it. - 2005 GMC Sierra 1500
  By murrayst45 - January 3 - 12:47 pm

  Bought this in fall of 2007 with 60 thousand miles. Pumped a lot more money into it than I thought I would have to, to start out. Wheel hub bearings on both sides. Tie Rod ends. Ball joints. Air conditioner blower motor. u joints. Overhauled front brakes and rotors. This was over a course over 60 thousand more miles I have pumped into it. 122k on it now. I really do like this truck though, I do not pull very much and I love the feel behind the wheel. If it was 4x4 it would be perfect, but its very dependable and hasnt ever broken down on me on the road. Im hoping to get several more miles out of it. Only problem now, the wheels never stay in balance or alignment and I never offroad it.

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  GMC Yukon Xl Denali - Great truck - 2007 GMC Yukon
  By macman1234 - January 1 - 10:26 pm

  Purchased this SUV in Aug of 2007. Currently have 10k miles without an issue. Runs well, powerful, fun to drive. Very comfortable on long drives. Well equipped. Impressive job by GMC