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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  2001 Sierra SLT 5.3 V8 - 2001 GMC Sierra 1500
  By rrbs - August 10 - 10:00 am

  This has been a great vehicle; hasnt needed service in the first 25,000 miles & doesnt seem like it will anytime soon. The SLT package gives it a near luxury ride feel, which is unexpected of a pickup. If you want to do yourself a favor, replace the stock stereo. And the stock tires; they are bad on wet pavement.

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  Great All Wheel Drive Van - 2000 GMC Safari
  By Nate - August 9 - 8:39 am

  Bought for dog shows. Removed third row and put in my crates. Enough room for 4 people (Captain chairs) and all our stuff for dog shows. Very comfortable to drive and ride in. Must have all wheel drive if you live where there is snow. Gas mileage 15 to 17 in city and 20 to 22 on hwy and 18.9 average. Plan to drive it to the wheels fall off literally.

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  Great all around truck - 1994 GMC Sonoma
  By don - August 9 - 3:35 am

  I have a 94 Sonoma with a 4.3 tbi engine with 181,000 miles on it and it still gets me around 20 miles to the gallon and runs like a champ. I bought it with 152,000 on it and Ive driven it hard as hell and its held up with no major problems except I threw a clutch once but hey it happens. I couldnt be happier with my truck. It has been such a great truck. Im sinking almost $10,000 back into it to make it a show truck for me and the family to enjoy for a long time to come

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  Like My Envoy - 2004 GMC Envoy
  By Rod - August 8 - 5:50 pm

  I have thoroughly enjoyed this mid-size SUV, my first such vehicle. I bought it because I needed to tow a fiarly heavy boat and the Envoy with its standard In-Line 6 engine and standard towing package would tow just over 6,000 pounds, and only a few hundred pounds less than choosing the optional V-8. Ive taken care of it and have driven only 10,000 miles per year, but it has rewarded me with no problems at all--not the first rattle or squeak. I beleive the style has "held up," too and even at 4.5 years it still does not look old.

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  The greatest car, locksmith unit - 1993 GMC Safari
  By Joe - August 8 - 5:42 am

  I have this car for 3 years, I drive it 200 miles a day. With gas prices and car cost, I have put nothing into it, only oil change and brakes. Great buy, $1000 for 3 years of service. I have 250,000 miles on it and not even an oil leak. I love this car

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  Stone - 2005 GMC Canyon
  By Pete Stone - August 7 - 8:08 am

  I have a 2005 Canyon with off road package and 3.5/5 cyl. eng. I have 46,000 mi on it and it has been a great truck. It rides smooth and has good power. I have a K&N air filter on it, a bed cover and I run full synthectic oil in it. I get 24-26 mpg if I keep it at 70 MPH. I drove it at 65 MPH and got 27.6 which is great. I think for the money it is the best mid size truck out there and Ive driven them all. With the V8 option in 2009 no other mid-size truck will be able to touch it. I reccomend the Canyon especially with the Off Road package.

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  Nice Truck for the Money - 2016 GMC Canyon
  By dave brown - August 6 - 4:46 pm

  Nice truck handles well. Priced right so far so good

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  06 Denali is worth every penny! - 2006 GMC Yukon
  By Jason - August 5 - 2:56 pm

  I bought the Denali as a used off lease vehicle. It has been fantastic so far, with the fuel economy being the only gripe. The 6.0L engine is very strong, and the big fella loves to cruise the interstates. It holds a tremendous amount of cargo and the Bose sound, navi and DVD keep everyone happy. Luckily, I havent had any problems in the first 5K miles I have driven it, and all of the features work really well.

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  Excellent Family Alternative to SUVs - 2001 GMC Savana
  By hurstcastle - August 4 - 12:20 pm

  Vehicle has proven very reliable over the past 6+ years, rides exceptionally and served our family very well. Would pick this vehicle any day over a SUV. Tons of features in SLT package!

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  Great Truck - 2000 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Hugh A. - August 3 - 12:43 pm

  Bought truck new, primary driver. Only tme in the shop was for recalls and minor maintenance. Gas mileage was as advertised both highway and city. Got the towing package tows boat with plenty horsepower to spare. Body still very clean after all the miles and weather. My wife and I always take it on vacations instead of car it is more comfortable wife likes being above the traffic for view. Also used as work truck tow haul feature very helpful when towing have towed car, boat trailer and tow haul rings all of needed horsepower from power range helping to get to speed and maintain it on highway. Have devloped some rattles but to be expected with this many miles. Love it would buy it again!