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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  Best truck Ive ever owned - 2008 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Ralph Vandenberg - June 10 - 11:20 am

  Ive been driving my Denali for about 3000 miles so far. Its an allover amazing vehicle. I havent been able to find any faults whatsoever with the exception of the power being too tempting.... Im going through the gas a bit faster than Id like because its too easy to hit the pedal. I give GMC full marks on this truck, its got to be the best truck on the market right now.

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  My 4th GMC - 2007 GMC Yukon XL
  By 07yukonxldriver - June 10 - 7:36 am

  I have owned four GMC vehicles (1997 K1500 Suburban, 2004 K2500 Yukon XL, a 2005 1500 Scierra and a 2007 K1500 Yukon XL. My favorite by far is the 2007 Yukon XL. I sold the 2004 because of fuel economy issues but the 07 never averages below 17 unless I am towing. I have had no issues what-so- ever. This Yukon tows better than my 3/4 ton unit did. The 5.3L engine will up an hide from the 6.0 in the 04. Best quality of any of them at that is at 45,000 miles. This is my wifes car and she uses it consistently. I have the back up camera/navigation combo and love it. It makes backing into a trailer EASY. Love it.

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  American Made - 2003 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Evan - June 9 - 7:10 pm

  With 50,000 miles on the odometer I couldnt be more pleased with the way this truck has held up. Dont try telling a GMC owner that his truck is a Chevy. I have been more than pleased with this trucks reliability, fuel consumption and overall satisfaction. Equipped with the 4.8 and an aftermarket Hyptertech chip gives this truck enough power to scare V8 Mustangs and Camaros. Add that with a bed to haul pretty much anything and a good tow capacity make this truck ideal for a high school or college student that can be assured of safety in an accident should that occur. Overall a great buy!

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  Perfect for me! - 1998 GMC Suburban
  By Proud AZ owner - June 8 - 11:11 am

  My parents bought our Suburban in 1998 to tow our RV with. It performed outstandingly and when towing, the Suburban didnt hesitate a bit. We love our Suburban! It has been across the US towing the RV, it provided 100s of safe and comfy trips! We just recently bought a 2006 Yukon XL Denali to tow our RV because the Suburban is getting older now. Last year, I got my license and I knew I wanted the Suburban. I love being taller and bigger than all the other cars!

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  Denali for life - 2007 GMC Yukon
  By rolly1 - June 7 - 3:14 pm

  Ive just purchased a loaded out Yukon Denali, black exterior with the ebony interior. It is beautiful and a thrill to ride. It is loaded with all kinds of features also. I tried several others before buying this, like Lincoln Navigator and the Escalade, but for the money this is the one to own.

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  Couldnt Be Happier - 1999 GMC Suburban
  By HereWeGrowAgain - June 7 - 7:27 am

  We purchased our 99 Suburban used in 2003. At time of purchase it had 73,000 miles on it. Now with 146,000 it is still going strong. No major problems. Normal wear and maintenance needed. Love the room for 4 children, 2 adults, 100lb. Golden Retriever and all our stuff. Cant be beat!

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  Bills 05 by Bill B - 2005 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Bills 05 by Bill B - June 4 - 4:10 pm

  Truck was selected over the F150 feel the GMC was a better buy. Took it on an 800 mile trip and averaged 20 miles a gallon. Has plenty of power available when needed.

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  The ONLY good out of Hurricane Harvey - 2015 GMC Yukon
  By Sheri Hobbs - May 31 - 10:24 pm

  If it’s a full size SUV you’re looking for, this could be the one for you. I’ve owned a 2000 Lincoln Navigator, a 2005 Chevrolet Tahoe and now a GMC Yukon and I’m really in love with this Yukon. It’s much larger than my previous SUV’s and drives like a dream. Technology sure has improved since my last SUV purchase...a lot to learn but a long over due challenge.

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  The ONLY good out of Hurricane Harvey - 2015 GMC Yukon
  By Sheri Hobbs - May 31 - 10:24 pm

  If it’s a full size SUV you’re looking for, this could be the one for you. I’ve owned a 2000 Lincoln Navigator, a 2005 Chevrolet Tahoe and now a GMC Yukon and I’m really in love with this Yukon. It’s much larger than my previous SUV’s and drives like a dream. Technology sure has improved since my last SUV purchase...a lot to learn but a long over due challenge.

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  Great truck - 1996 GMC Sonoma
  By motor_man2005 - May 31 - 5:25 pm

  This one of the best trucks that I have ever driven. It has plenty of power and with the compact size it can really fly. The design of this truck leaves it open to modification and new looks.