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 Trucks are Great! - 2000 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Tim - September 27 - 4:33 pm

  I have put almost 35000 miles on this truck that was bought used. Never has been in the shop once! 5.3 Engine has been perfect.

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  Pleasantly Surprised - 2005 GMC Sierra 2500HD
  By K - September 21 - 6:43 pm

  Duramax diesel showing 22 to 23 mpg on highway. Very smooth shifting with Allison transmission (even under load). Ride is a little stiff, but expected with 2500HD. Truck is extremely capable.

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  2016 gmc canyon - 2016 GMC Canyon
  By Bart - September 21 - 1:19 pm

  Nice base truck

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  Outstanding truck - 2007 GMC Yukon
  By docjlk - September 19 - 2:01 pm

  Definitely a luxury mobile. Fun to drive and beautiful interior. Power everything.

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  just like a beautiful woman - 2003 GMC Sierra 1500
  By pabelomeister - September 18 - 9:58 pm

  I got this truck used with 80000. It had a bad intake gasket and got replaced. Engine has not given me any issues since. z71 4x4 is pretty dang nice, its hard to get this this thing stuck in the mud. Issue with the motor in the transfer case... but never stopped working (says service yada yada. been checked. not a big issue). basic maintenance and think I can give this vehicle to my kids (not soon either). GMC seems like a good truck with some quirks, but solid and runs when you need it. The 5.3 has some passing power, and tows like a champ. If you like your girls a little high maintenance, go on and get it. If not, then buy an old truck and forget about all the gadgets. good luck.

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  Update - 2004 GMC Sierra 1500
  By schodack bassman - September 12 - 12:50 am

  Overall this has been a good vehicle. Nice looking truck with a nice ride. Xm radio a must and the 6 CD Bose music system is great. Only complaint is about drive train noise. Seems the locking differential kicks in often with a clank. Dealer says normal. Had minor problem with front end the dealer took care of quickly and without complaint. Over all good value. Will buy another some day.

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  Been to the shop twice already - 2007 GMC Yukon
  By Alison62 - September 10 - 9:58 pm

  I have owned this for two weeks. Day 1, went to start car in driveway, wouldnt start. Had to be towed! Dead Battery, new car? Day 12, the wipers went off by themselves, and stabilitrak light went off. The wipers wouldnt stop. Turned car off to get gas, messages were gone. Took to the dealer. 24 codes had been thrown, but not the two that happened. They cant explain it. its running fine now.

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  My fifth GMC - 2008 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Mick - September 10 - 1:43 am

  This truck drives great! I have an 03 Yukon that gets about the same mileage without cutting 4 cylinders off so that doesnt seem to be worth much. It has developed a squeak in the front end the past few days like a dry ball joint but the dealership isnt open on the weekend so I will get it there Monday, pretty annoying for a truck with 3000 miles. I have always loved GMCS so I love this one too, it looks great and other than the squeak has been great. There is a lot of air noise from the doors that is annoying with the radio off. There are plenty of power ports for devices in the front and back and even one in the console!

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  Nice 2003 Changes - 2004 GMC Yukon
  By Lauri WIlfong - September 8 - 10:00 am

  I had a 2001 60,000.0 0 miles on it few little problems but over all great truck.. I traded for a 2004 and I loved my first one and like some of the NEW UPGRADES on my new one... Wish it would come in Blue :( not many options for colors but great ride. was looking at the Cadilac but could not get them to deal w/me and I am glad I got a new GMC

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  Whatta Truck! - 2004 GMC Sierra 1500
  By krakrjak - September 8 - 10:00 am

  Excellent truck. MUCH more than I expected. Good value, excellent craftsmanship. Fit and finish is up there with fine import automobiles costing $75,000+.