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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  Professional Work Truck - 2007 GMC Sierra 2500HD
  By Ralex - October 5 - 10:50 am

  In "07 I needed a truck to tow a 7000lb 14x9x9 box trailer in western PA. I test drove em all and fell in love with a Ford until I learned GM had the most torque, hp & mpg. Found a GMC L82 with all towing packages. I tow 5 days a week and avg 9.5mpg city and 15 on the hwy at 62mph or 2k rpm, above 65 mph the aero drag zaps the mileage to 10.5. The PA hills takes another mpg. Without my trailer I get 15 city and 21.5 hwy. I love the performance and the bucket style seats, it feels like a Camaro on steroids. Get compliments every where I go and with 30K miles Ive been everywhere.

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  best Vehicle Ever - 2005 GMC Yukon
  By Happy Owner - October 3 - 11:02 am

  This is the best vehicle I have ever owned. The seats are wonderfully comfortable. I love having the heated captains chairs in the second row seating. Great for driving to school on cold mornings. Very reliable. Poor mileage, but we knew that up front. You wont be disappointed with this vehicle.

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  Gotta love the Fuel Management System - 2007 GMC Yukon
  By Chris - September 24 - 6:37 am

  I had a 99 Denali, then switched to the Envoy and Envoy XL for a few years. When I saw the 07 Yukon, I knew I had to have it. My wife wouldnt let me get the Denali(cost), but I have enough features on the one I got, so Im not complaining. The big selling point was the fuel management system (V8/V4 auto switching). I get the same MPG as I did with my V6 Envoy XL. This the best Yukon yet! I cant even imagine how nice the Denali must be.

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  Honestly a Great Truck Overall - 2006 GMC Sierra 2500HD
  By Anthony - September 23 - 4:10 am

  I am a farmer and I use my truck very hard. But I do take very good care of it. I like the feeling that I know I can rely on my truck. I also hunt with my truck and I couldnt ask for a better, more dependable truck. I never yet have gotten stuck with it or ever had a problem with it stalling or anything like that. Ocassionally I take trips to northern Maine. I live in Southern Connecticut so it is quite the ride. Although with my Duramax deisel engine I can go there and back and have enough fuel to drive around. I like the chrome on the front bumper ecspecially it really makes the truck look solid. I know people that own Dodge trucks and Ford trucks and my truck definetly more dependable.

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  No maintenance - 2003 GMC Yukon XL
  By JRod - September 22 - 5:13 am

  I bought new in 03 & spent less than $600 total on maintenance items. Replaced water pump 1 month ago & front brakes @ 60K miles. Wife drove the heck out of it until I took over @ 60K miles. It now has 85K miles & drives & rides like new. GM quality is A+ and even if it breaks down, it doesnt break my wallet to repair. Extremely happy with the Yukon.

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  One of the best I have ever owned - 2007 GMC Envoy
  By luvmytruck - September 21 - 2:57 pm

  I bought mine 1 year ago and now have 31000 miles on it. I have had all kinds of cars and one other SUV in the past 25 years ranging from Fords to Mercedes. The comfort is fantastic. The ride is solid, secure, sure,and quiet. You get behind the wheel and you feel safe, confident, and in command. It is not fun but I do not think it was meant to be. It is hardly a sports car. But, if you want something that is comfortable on the road for long stretches, solid, safe, roomy, powerful, versatile, this is it. Even my dog loves riding in the back (sometimes with one of his friends). I recently drove it from NY to NC and back with my fiancee and her son. The drive was so easy. I just love it.

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  Seating a Problem - 2007 GMC Yukon XL
  By dave - September 20 - 4:03 pm

  Love the ride, the power and the exterior design. This is the 7th Suburban/Yukon XL Ive owned and by far the best in comfort, power, gadgets, and looks.

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  Ultimate Road Truck - 2002 GMC Sierra 1500
  By ggss - September 20 - 10:00 am

  This is an extremely (in my opinion) good looking truck with many nice touches inside and out. All aspects of this vehicle are as nice or nicer than any truck I have had. Rides nice. Sounds nice. The 4 wheel steering is absolutely amazing. In 2 or 3 years I predict half (if trucks are still being made) of large vehicles will have it!

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  One of the best, the Envoy. - 2003 GMC Envoy
  By BMK - September 16 - 3:06 pm

  The GMC Envoy is, in my opinion, one of the best SUVs on the market today. It has great interior and exterior styling all around. It has a very powerful, yet fuel efficent, Inline 6cyl. Engine. It has plenty of cargo room for all your needs, and the four wheel drive works excelent for where ever, or whatever the conditions maybe. The Envoy is also an excelent SUV to drive in the city, where you can just buzz right around with-out feeling like your driving a bus! The only downfall of the SUV is where the seat belts are located in the front two seats. They are hard to reach.

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  My Canyon - 2006 GMC Canyon
  By metallicat - September 15 - 8:18 pm

  What can I say about this truck? I love it, so much better than the S15 it replaces. Its bigger, it has more power.