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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  2007 Yukon XL Denali - 2007 GMC Yukon XL
  By JM - December 24 - 1:56 am

  Upgraded from a 2003 Envoy XL. Love the Denali model. Big truck, the 6.2l engine has a nice rumble to it. MPG is as you would think, about 12mpg. But hey, if you wanted 40mpg, go buy a Honda.

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  2008 4.3ltr Sierra W/T - 2008 GMC Sierra 1500
  By lvl477 - December 23 - 2:13 am

  This is my first new truck. I traded up from an 03 Malibu. I gotta say, if that car handled like this truck does Id still have it! Its like floating over country roads compaired to riding in a friends 08 Ram. But, you still get a solid amount of "feedback" (Enough to keep you interested in driving.) Its solidly manufactured, and gorgeous on the inside! My only complaints are 1) $800 extra if you get the DIC included? 2) Still no cabin air filter... maybe by 2010 and 3) Itty bitty headlamp bulbs...dont get me started on the factory Fog-lamps

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  GMC Tough - 2005 GMC Canyon
  By fatboy - December 22 - 4:43 pm

  So far this truck has been everything I thought it would be for a small 5cyl truck. It gets the small jobs done perfectly and is a lot less expensive than the Tacoma. It is also easy to change the oil and air filter. Nice room under the hood.

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  NW Napper - 2002 GMC Yukon XL
  By NW Napper - December 20 - 2:00 am

  It has been all we wanted and more. We dont tow anything with it, but could tow 5 tons. It is more capable than anything else I have tested. Everybody gets out of your way. It gets about 12 mpg in town and 16 on the highway.

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  Job well done - 2005 GMC Envoy
  By mark - December 18 - 7:57 pm

  I came out of a 99 Mountaineer AWD 8 cyl which I loved. I was not thrilled with the changes Ford made. I find the Envoy more sturdy and has more creature comforts.

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  Good workhorse truck - 1999 GMC Sonoma
  By regandlou - December 17 - 10:37 pm

  Surprised at how reliable this truck was. The extended cab enabled us to carry personal items, snacks, etc.

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  My Review - 2004 GMC Canyon
  By Blake - December 17 - 10:28 am

  A good truck, American made and used for light hauling, presonal use only. I receive compliments on this vehicle. I have the off road, not beeing used off road.

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  05 Denali - 2005 GMC Yukon XL
  By SUV Mother - December 15 - 9:06 am

  The Denali XL has a very smooth ride. It has a great turning radius. Handles well in the snow. The engine is very quiet. Would like more gas mileage. The brakes are lasting a lot longer than my Toyota Sequioa brakes. Plenty of room for car pooling. Would recommend a change in where the CD player is (my purse is always changing the CDs) and a larger console compartment. Which should include a slot for pennies, not just other change. The covers for the cup holders are touch - very frustrating because everytime you touch them or set anything on them, they open. There are a couple of cubbies that have not use. Also, Im disappoited that the finish on the console rubs off so easily

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  Yukon XL - 2004 GMC Yukon XL
  By FastEddie - December 14 - 2:00 am

  Lots of room in the trunk AND passenger area. Drives like a car, not like a pickup truck. Much better than our last people mover (a 4 yr. old Suburban). Was impressed with the improvements.

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  2002 2WD Basic 1500 PU - 2002 GMC Sierra 1500
  By julio61 - December 14 - 2:00 am

  My very plain 2002 GMC has had NO problems and I have not had to take it back to the dealer for service other than scheduled maintenance. Very nice ride and quite adequate power. Has never failed to start and always runs well. No complaints.