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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  GMC Canyon 2004 - 2004 GMC Canyon
  By CentPADon - February 10 - 4:52 pm

  I have owned my GMC Canyon for two and a half years now. Ive found it to be a very reliable vehicle, with great distinctive styling that sets it apart from other offerings. When we take this vehicle on a trip, we average about 24mpg. I opted for the five cylinder, and I havent regretted it a bit. It has a lot of torque. Hauling with a bed full over heavy items is effortless. I get many, many compliments on the exterior styling and what a sharp looking truck it is.

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  Great Truck - 2004 GMC Sierra 1500
  By belliott77 - February 8 - 10:00 am

  Great truck, surprisingly good mileage. Strong engine.

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  Oil Consumption - 2007 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Frank - February 5 - 6:13 pm

  The new body style GMC Sierra with a 5.3 liter V8 has some oil consumption issues. My truck purchased new with only 30 miles on it, now with 26,000 miles on it and 3 years later, burns 1 quart of oil between oil changes. I suspect that the all aluminum block design probably has some oil ring clearance problems since I do not have any external leaks yet. Although there is no blue smoke coming out that can be seen, doesnt mean that it is not being burned. GM should do better here for a $46,000 truck. I am sure that the Suburbans and Tahoe owners are experiencing these same issues with the oil and 5.3 liter V8. I wont be buying GM again. Switching back to Ford.

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  Not to big not to small - 2006 GMC Canyon
  By Noru - February 4 - 9:03 am

  I have had my truck for almost one year. So far I have had no problem with this truck. It has a very smooth ride and feels very heavy duty. My gas mileage in town is around 17 city and 25 highway. I too donÂ’t understand any complaint about the interior, as this is a truck and not a luxury sedan. I am looking forward to keeping this for the long haul.

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  Great Milti-Purpose Vehicle - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By Hornetsp - January 29 - 3:10 am

  The vehicle handles extremely well and the features make it a car worth having.

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  Still satisfied after 2.5 yrs. - 2004 GMC Canyon
  By Don in PA - January 28 - 4:10 pm

  I remain very satisfied with my GMC. I especially like the distinctive styling that sets it apart from all other trucks currently offered. I receive compliments on a regular basis. Most people assume it is 4-wheel drive with the off road stance. Its been 100% reliable throughout, with more than ample power for everyday driving. Driving with a full load in the bed is effortless. Driving on a rough country road is very smooth and controlled. I like this truck, and would buy another.

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  What a great value, used Jimmys. - 1999 GMC Jimmy
  By jimmysurecanjump - January 25 - 10:09 pm

  I have owned this vehicle for a year. I bought it with 87,000 miles. I just put new tires on it. Other than that the only expense has been oil changes and wipers. I love the storage space and good clean looks of the vehicle. Even with the deluxe SLT package the interior is a little plain to todays standards. It does have nice leather heated seats. I previously owned a 98 blazer that I bought new and only did oil, tires and front pads in 100K miles. These vehicles hold up and last. One can pick up a used 30k sticker vehicle for 4-6 K what a deal! Very realible and great utilty vehicle. I have found that cops tend to ignore this vehicle on speed traps too.

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  great vehicle - 2003 GMC Yukon XL
  By mr matt s - January 20 - 10:00 am

  the car is fun to drive. it handles like a car that is much smaller.the car easy to park in decks. i average 15mpg.the ride is very smooth and car like.

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  Excellent - 2003 GMC Yukon XL
  By Himalay - January 20 - 10:00 am

  No regrets...great drive...Drives better than our first car (Nissan Maxima). Comfortable Driver and passenger captian seats, with all stering controls. Great agility, proved unbelivable for the size on a perfecr circle of 10 mt diameter at 40 mph.

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  For family and travel with space - 1996 GMC Savana
  By A Redensek - January 20 - 12:46 am

  Have liked the vehicle very much, lots of space for large family to travel, comfortable, nice ride, good performance, reliable, low maintenance, nice Santa Fe conversion package. Only problem in 10 years, fuel pump went out close to 100,000 miles. Had one transmission pandrop and normal oil changes, on first muffler and no exhaust work. Have to replace brakes more often than ought (not heavy duty enough for the large vehicle) lots to power and drain battery, what is expected w/ TV/VCP, radio/CD/cassette players, lots interior lights? Most wear and tear due to large family, years/high miles-oops mom scraped the running boards-cant see low in rear, careful in reverse, so use side mirrors!