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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  So far so good - 2007 GMC Canyon
  By Chris - January 17 - 4:58 pm

  Overall an excellent vehicle. Very fun to drive. I expected a little bit better gas mileage given the 5 cyl. only getting 19 MPG, same as my full size truck got! interior comfortable front seat, wish the passager side seat had the lumbar support like the driver. The interior could have used some courtesy lighting for at night, cant find anything in the dark without having to turn on the dome light. Given the size of the competitors small trucks GM could have given the crew cab a longer bed than the 5 feet. I wish the rear seats had just a little more angle to the backs of the seats just a few degrees too vertical. Overall nice quiet ride. i would reccomend to others

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  What I think - 2003 GMC Sonoma
  By Dave - January 7 - 10:52 pm

  The 03 GMC Sonoma 3dr extended cab is a good, well running truck that gets from point A to point B.

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  Solid SUV - 1998 GMC Suburban
  By I_like_burban - January 5 - 12:55 pm

  I purchased this vehicle with 114000 miles six months ago. Ive needed to patch the A/C lines and replace two U joints. Other than that, the Suburban has been solid. Great on long trips, comfortable, MPG runs 13-14 city and 15-16 hwy. Usable cargo space is excellent with the third row seats out, and I can pack 8 people in when all the seats are installed. Good substitute for a full sized pickup if you dont want to sacrifice seating space. The Suburbans tend to run a couple of thousand dollars less than comparable pickups on the used market as well. If youre buying a Suburban with over 90,000 miles, look for one that has already had the transmission rebuilt.

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  A fairly good all round truck - 2002 GMC Sierra 1500
  By quickpickup - January 4 - 6:03 pm

  Bought this truck in Feb 2007 with 86,000 miles. At 89k new fuel pump b/c previous owner did not change fuel filter. At 92k intake gaskets leaking bad enough it wouldnt run on a cool summer morning. 93k discovered the reason behind poor braking was that the front rotors where virtually destroying themselves. Terrible case of piston slap when stone cold. Other than these problems I love my truck. Its quick nimble and fun to drive. It is crazy good looking. I drive it extremely hard about 3/4 of the time and it doesnt miss a beat. K&N filter helps power.

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  Very Happy - 2005 GMC Envoy
  By Steve - December 29 - 2:30 pm

  Bought our Envoy in September and have loved it ever since. It has lots of power and great acceleration, and has no problem towing our boat and snowmobiles. Very comfortable interior with more space than our old Venture in the rear seat. The Envoy seems to be very quiet driving, all though it has a beautifull growl when you really floor it. Auto 4wd is great in the snow. The only problem is that the Envoy is a pig on gas, were only getting approx 14mpg and thats stretching it. Overall we are very happy with our Envoy.

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  2008 GMC 2500 Diesel - 2008 GMC Sierra 2500HD
  By John - December 29 - 11:13 am

  I bought this truck from a local used car dealer. I drive this truck mostly through the mountains of southwestern PA hauling my travel trailer. I previously owned a 2005 F250 diesel. There is absolutely no comparison between the two trucks. This GMC outperforms the ford in every way possible. I never thought I would say this considering my grandfather, my father, and I have been ford guys our entire lives but the proof is in the way the truck drives, handles, pulls, and the reliability I have experienced with this truck. I have driven this truck for more than 15,000 miles and overall I am completely satisfied. I have to say that this is by far the best truck I ever owned.

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  So far, love it. - 2008 GMC Sierra 2500HD
  By Woof - December 27 - 2:56 am

  I bought my 08 SLT, Diesel on New Years eve day, 08. I have put on 17,000 miles mixed mostly highway and suburban with a good bit of weekend warrior hunting and camping trips. I commute in this baby and my combined mileage is 15.7 over the last 9 months. Thats with a cap on the back,and with 35 miles a day in hardcore SF Bay Area highway traffic hell. I dont tow but it will haul a back end load of hunting equipment, dogs and coolers full of meat. Honestly, I could use a lesser truck for most of what I do, but when I need to step up this truck takes it and keeps going. I can stick 3 dogs in the back of the cab, w. seats folded and they ride in comfort and one of them clocks in at 120lbs

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  Nice little pickup - 2004 GMC Sonoma
  By Hawk - December 18 - 6:08 am

  Just bought this truck and so far Im very happy with it. Prefer the SLS model so I can customize to my own taste. Excellent ride and handling. Doesnt feel like a truck. No bouncing and swaying. Great acceleration, good pull up hill. Gas mileage is a little rough, but with some minor modifications, should be able to get into the 20s. Buy this truck. Better ride, handling and I expect better longevity than the competition. Great truck for the price. Excellent value.

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  Beats the Explorer by 1.1 mile - 2002 GMC Envoy
  By Polu - December 16 - 7:33 pm

  The Envoy obviously has the zest when accelerating, but did not feel too responsive in city stop and go. There is also a noticeable body lean driving around corners. However, overall performance, handsome looks, and the loaded features out weights all this; especially the Explorer.

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  My First Truck - 2006 GMC Canyon
  By DoninVirginia - December 10 - 8:40 am

  This is the first true truck that Ive owned (to distinquish it from the three SUVs that I previously owned). I can honestly say that Im very happy with my purchase. I bought it at end of model year, so the incentives and pricing were just too good to pass up. Some reviewers have complained that the interior is not as good as they thought it should be. I contend that this vehicle is not a sedan and, therefore, their expectations are not realistic. Im disappointed that the fog lamp button is not accessible through the light panel on an "after market" fog lamp installation. The gas mileage is also below expectations (likely due to wind drag from the tailgate).