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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  BEST SUV ON THE MARKET - 2003 GMC Yukon XL
  By DAVE - August 20 - 2:00 am

  IN SURBERBA LAND THIS IS THE BEST FULL SIZE SUV ON THE MARKET. ITS POWERFUL, QUICK, COMFORTABLE AND GOOD LOOKING.

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  Fuel Economy - 2003 GMC Sierra 2500HD
  By Chevy Man - August 19 - 1:53 pm

  Ive had my 2500HD for just under a year now and I LOVE it. The only problem I really have is its fuel economy. I average around 14 mpg, but where it lacks fuel economy it makes up for it in power. I haul around a skidsteer on a 14 ft open trailer. The skidsteer weighs more then my truck but still no problems pulling it. The fuel economy doesnt really change weather your hauling or not. I just purchased an SLR performance chip that should do the trick. This truck is perfect for anyone with the money to pay for gas.

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  2009 CC SLT 5.3L Flex Fuel - 2009 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Colorado - August 19 - 11:20 am

  Get the 5.3L with the six-speed automatic. Averaging 20 MPG over first 2,000 miles 85%/15% Hwy/City driving. 20 inch wheels (rims are ugly) make for very smooth ride. Engine is very quiet with good power and shifts are very smooth. Quiet interior is a plus, and the leather seats are comfortable. Plenty of power to pass without sacrificing economy. Use the manual shift overrride function to control downhill speeds. Wife likes the 6-way seats and adjustable pedals with the memory function for seat/mirrors.

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  Never Thought I Would Buy A GM Car - 2008 GMC Envoy
  By Glenn - August 18 - 10:58 pm

  Never thought I would buy American let alone a GMC car. Drove the Envoy and it knocked my socks off. Im hooked. OnStar is a winner and the car is fantastic. Only problem, I understand it goes away next year. The Arcadia is the replacement and a car I would never buy.

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  Great GMC truck z71 - 2000 GMC Sierra 1500
  By lawrence forester - August 17 - 4:13 pm

  I loved this truck. It did everything I wanted it to do. The only reason I want to sell it is I am a realtor and need a car to show houses in.

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  Duramax! - 2015 GMC Sierra 2500HD
  By JD - August 16 - 9:09 am

  There is no drop-down option for the Duramax Diesel version. Traded in a 2014 Denali 1500 for the big boy. I love this truck. No car/truck is perfect but the Duramax is the best Diesel engine on the road IMO. Sometimes the radio is quirky when plugging in my iphone so I just stream over bluetooth. Ive noticed that the power steering takes more arm strength when maneuvering tight spots, more-so than other truck brands. The headlights are a less than great and should be recalled. I am hoping the new headlights that come on the 2016s will be interchangeable. I love my truck. It turns a lot of heads.. especially mine!

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  This works for me! - 2017 GMC Acadia
  By Wayne Whitney - August 14 - 10:11 pm

  Compared this car to several others, including the Audi Q7, and found it to be remarkably similar but for almost $20K less. The slight increase in power is noticeable as is the decrease in outside noise (better dampening). The electronic improvements sell the car all by themselves, especially if you use Apple products. The smaller cargo space is obvious but liveable. It feels sportier than prior years models - tighter and more nimble - without any loss in comfort. Overall, a good choice for anyone not wanting to spend a fortune but still wanting a quality vehicle.

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  Tough & Reliable - 1997 GMC Suburban
  By JWG - August 12 - 4:05 pm

  We purchased our 97 Suburban new and will probably have it for 3-5 more years. Its been a great vehicle! Im big on maintenance. Treat the car right and the car will treat you right. Consequently, weve never had a break down or surprise issue.

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  My favorite vehicle - 2005 GMC Envoy
  By gigigran - August 10 - 10:31 pm

  I traded a Caddy Deville for the brand new 05 SUV and still love it after driving for 3 years. Its driven mostly around town with a few out of town trips. I am happy with the comfort, safety and style. The only disadvantage-the gas mileage of 15mpg. Other than that I can not think of any other drawbacks. It is absolutely a great vehicle to drive. If there are no big mechanical problems I plan to drive this vehicle for many many years to come.

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  2003 SLT is excellent. - 2003 GMC Envoy
  By steve - August 10 - 6:41 pm

  My wife and I just bought a used SLT we cannot believe all of the features this vehicle has. Overall comfort is outstanding. It drives like a dream.