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:

• 

  Better Than Expected - 2005 GMC Yukon
  By Mike - August 25 - 1:31 am

  Nice vehicle. Better than I expected. Gas mileage is poor, but I knew this going into purchase. Roomy interior for passengers, but not a lot of cargo space behind third row. Gaps between body panels could be improved upon. Strong engine performance. Only problems to date have been excessive moisture in a front corner lamp and a squeaky drivers door. The dealer replaced the corner lamp and a check linkage on the drivers door.

• 

  Beautiful truck but a lemon! - 2003 GMC Sierra 1500
  By mondo24 - August 23 - 3:10 am

  My 03 Serria Denali is a beautiful truck, but i have had one problem after another. New power steering pump, master cylnder, fuel pump, alternator, 2 starters!, new steering column, lower intake, new front end bearings, and emissions control valve. Now my left blinker turns on my hazards! I give up....give me a new truck!

• 

  Only have 1100 on it - 2005 GMC Canyon
  By Daniel - August 21 - 2:29 am

  I just picked this up, first one on the lot. Ive only 1100 miles, but drove like a dream up in Yosimite and is very comfortable for my 40 minute commute, even with the standard cab. I am disapointed with the gas mileage, I am averaging 20.9mpg with an automatic, mostly freeway driving without AC. Seems very low to me. I was getting 20.2 mpg with my V8 Silverado. I bought this one, hoping to get an improvment over that. Over all, a very enjoyable compact pickup for only $13k. (AC, Cruise, standard cab)

• 

  2002 GMC Envoy - 2002 GMC Envoy
  By cyberjax21 - August 20 - 11:59 am

  Ive truly enjoyed my Envoy. Its true as they say "Its not more than you need, just more than your used to". For the first few months I didnt even realize it had a built in air compressor with hose. The comfort factor is amazing, it rides just like a car thanks to the air ride suspension. The power is great! Ive had just 2 problems with the vehicle. The 4 wheel drive kept automatically shifting itself into geer. We went through 3 tries at the dealership until it was fixed. The 2nd problem was that the air compressor went out on my first use. Since its been replaced neither problems have reoccured.

• 

  My Yukon XL Denali-disappointment - 2006 GMC Yukon XL
  By C Falls - August 19 - 9:33 pm

  I love my Denali. I couldnt wait to get it. I tossed around the idea of the large Escalade but it was about $10K more than I was willing to pay. The Denali was perfect for a mom on the go who wants a bit of luxury when taking the kids on playdates. As a former Suburban owner, I thought Id won the lottery. Instead, I was disappointed. My Yukon XL Denali makes a whistling sound when sitting idle. I have taken it in and the dealership claims not to know what it is. Ironically, I know someone with the exact same model that is having the same problem. Ive owned my truck for less than 8 months and I wish I would have bought the Escalade ESV.

• 

  Still got her! - 1992 GMC Sonoma
  By Cantletgo - August 18 - 2:26 pm

  Overall a great truck, bought new with 17 miles on it. Had some issues with paint job on bed, torsion bar breakage. I have used this to trailer a 16 foot boat, bed full of wood, up and down hills in southern Ohio and it still pulls the load. Body to frame mounts are rusting out, door pins are worn out. A/C still works. Tune up plugs and wires every year is easy and cheap. I love this truck!

• 

  Best full size SUV - 2007 GMC Yukon XL
  By Thai Quach - August 17 - 12:10 am

  Excellent SUV for price/size/features. I am totally satisfied with the ride, handling and power. My wife and kids loves it. I think its mileage is better when compared to other SUVs at the same size.

• 

  Envoy SLE 2003 - 2004 GMC Envoy
  By SteveTx2554 - August 14 - 10:00 am

  Very good ride quality and handling and good gas mileage. Averaged between 23- 24 mpg highway.

• 

  GMC 1500 seat quality - 2010 GMC Sierra 1500
  By John - August 12 - 10:00 am

  I have 2010 GMC 1500 SLE with manual seats. The seat back has extra play consequently starts and stops cause the back of the front seat to move because of a poor fit or extra clearance. The dealer says they are all that way and showed me another truck and it was the same, I find it extremely annoying, I will probably have to find a good upholstery shop and pay to repair a sloppy seat back. Not happy with build quality.

• 

  Good family car - 1999 GMC Safari
  By Dave - August 9 - 9:54 pm

  We bought this van used a few years ago, and have done nothing but drive it hard all the time. My wife uses it daily with 3 kids. We have taken many very long trips and it is very roomy and comfortable. Only problem has been an alternator(easy to replace myself). Also the front brakes wear faster than some other cars, but not too bad. Over all we really love this van(kinda square looking though!) I cant think of anything new I could buy that can do all this does so well!