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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  American make SUV a Great Value - 2015 GMC Yukon
  By Ben Kiester - November 1 - 5:43 pm

  Yukon 2 wheel drive SLT is a great value at $58000 you can get everything you need with all the luxury appointments no need to pay $10k plus more for a Denali! Im 4 months out of end of 3 year lease ending December 2017. In that time Ive had no visits to dealership for repairs other than a few oil changes and a tire rotation. At 20k miles the tires are at half tread also the brakes thats surprisingly good Ive never had a large vehicle in this weight go these miles without needing brakes and tires replaced. I love the quality and look of the interior, the comfort ride and luxury I get to enjoy and appreciate everyday I drive the traffic in the city or on trips to Vegas, Colorado or up and down the So. Calif coast. Great gas mileage on the road, no wind noise and smooth smooth ride. I love the active safety features, subtle but effective warnings for drifting out lane, approaching vehicle ahead to quickly and side view warnings for those hanging in your blind spots. I plan on leasing on new 2018 when my lease matures. Everything I needed and expected from this model was delivered as promised. Only suggestion for improvement would be to improve the off the line acceleration. Because I drive mostly city the pedal response can lag which is mainly due to transmission lag. I believe they plan an 8 speed tranny for 2018 which should remedy this issue.

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  GMC 1500 - 2007 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Jeff - October 29 - 4:36 pm

  Outstanding truck. Outside styling is excellent. Drive comforts are well designed and accessible. Interior has ample room. Rear seat is roomy and comfortable

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  The Best Truck Ever!! - 2001 GMC Sierra 2500HD
  By Pullin IT - October 28 - 2:00 am

  Ive never owned a better truck. All the power you ever want without sacrificing fuel mileage. Hook it to anything and go anywhere. Great ride like a Caddy. No noise. Luxurious

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  Love My Envoy - 2004 GMC Envoy
  By vickiIL61 - October 28 - 2:00 am

  I love my envoy!! I thought about an Escape, but I dont think it even comes close.

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  Its OK to Buy American - 2009 GMC Acadia
  By TJ in Philly - October 23 - 2:00 pm

  This is my first car made by an American company. In the past I owned Honda, Toyota, and most recently a 2005 Acura MDX. Before I purchased the Acadia I test drove a 2008 MDX (did not like the looks of inside/outside) Highlander (nice, but still not there), 2009 Honda Pilot (did not really care for the interior). I finally decided to take a look at GMs offering. Decided to test drive the Acadia first. Once I was in it, there was no looking back. The interior design and comfort of this SUV is amazing. Seats and ride are comfortable. The technology is also top notch, and I am a techie. Please, just because this car is a GMC do not make the mistake of not adding this car to your list.

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  Critics Hate this vehicle... - 2004 GMC Envoy
  By DRBLUE - October 21 - 2:00 am

  The vehicle could have better mileage, and needs a redesign of the interior, esp. around the driver. I dont have much space to place sunglasses, cellphone,etc. But I like the engine power, optional choice of drives, space for a family of four, and the handling. The handling is surprisingly good, in 2WD or 4WD, esp while cornering or parking. My rear windshield wiper has been replaced, as part of a recall. No other defects were noted.

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  Great Superb Vehicle - 2002 GMC Yukon XL
  By kjc - October 20 - 10:00 am

  Drives unbelievably well. Votrec has tons of power. Very, very comfortable to drive long distances. Did a 640 mile trip in one day and could have done another 150-200 with major fatigue.

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  5 Door Explorer Conversion Flexibility - 2007 GMC Savana
  By A 5 Door Best - October 17 - 3:03 pm

  Good looks abound with chrome wheels, ground effects package and special fade paint exterior with standard roof to enable city garage parking. Easy pop-out center captain seats and electric rear seat converts to queen bed. In this position, with appropriate protection on leather upholstery, its a real work horse to haul 4 X 8 materials, ladders, etc. Excellent towing ability. Best of all, a real comfortable 7 person touring vehicle with ample luggage storage and 22 mpg.

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  Duramax Power - 2004 GMC Sierra 3500
  By BigIron - October 17 - 10:00 am

  I haul a 116" Lance Legend camper and pull a 8x12 trailer with it loaded with ATVs and a motorcycle and the truck does all I want it to. I traded a Powerstroke in and I am pleased that I did. Its quite and rides and handles a lot better then my old Ford. I am getting around 12mpg at freeway speeds with this load.

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  Great Yukon in Wisconsin - 2008 GMC Yukon XL
  By W is for Wisconsin - October 16 - 2:33 pm

  We ordered our SLT 4SB equipped Yukon XL with enough extras to satisfy everyone in our family. The DVD player will keep the backseat occupants entertained and the Navigation with the Points of Interest will keep us informed. The backup camera is a must, even though it is tied to the navigation and DVD player. The ride quality started with a 160 mile trek home after signing the papers. The Yukon was baptized with heavy snow and freezing mist and performed remarkably. The 5.3 engine is strong when passing and efficient. I am averaging 18mpg on the Hwy. That was with 6 aboard, the DVD playing, and all 4 heated seats going. My wife really likes it too. I hope I get to drive it again.