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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  Great vehicle all around - 2001 GMC Yukon
  By farrell - May 26 - 3:06 pm

  I have really enjoyed my Yukon so far, although I have only owned it for about 8 months. No major problems so far as the person that owned it before me took really good care of it.

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  Solid SUV - 2004 GMC Envoy
  By kmbsuv - May 25 - 2:57 pm

  I have owned my 2004 GMC Envoy for a little over a year now and Im very pleased with it. The ride quality is great for long trips and I love the exterior styling. Its been fantastic for my many trips to Home Depot. The wide cargo opening is definitely a plus. The dual climate control is great because my wife is always cold and Im always warm. I have brought it back to the dealer a few times for a few problems that were fixed under warranty immediately. The gas mileage could be better, but I knew about that before I bought it. Since I dont drive too much, it hasnt been a problem even with the high gas prices.

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  Nice used truck - 2005 GMC Yukon XL
  By andy - May 22 - 2:10 pm

  I bought this vehicle in the midst of the SUV/fuel price crisis meltdown. Had it for 3 months now. Really liking it. Got it cheap for what I would have paid for it 6 months ago but it does drink down the gas in town.13 mpg in town.This is the 2wd model and has the best mileage of the bunch. On the open highway though it is great. Comfortable, safe and good height for vision.60mph/23mpg.65mph/22mpg.70mph/19mpg. This is from measuring fuel, not going by the mpg indicator on the dash which I find overestimates by 0.8 mpg. So,with its great power, size and comfort (and reasonable fuel economy for its size) it makes a great vacation car. Just dont use it as a daily commuter.

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  Big Red - 2001 GMC Sierra 2500HD
  By Tanns - May 22 - 8:30 am

  My 2001 is a real pleasure to drive, getting 15mph on highways, always used regular gasoline. It performs well in the snow and Im sold on Allison transmissions.

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  dura-maxed - 2003 GMC Sierra 2500HD
  By workhorse - May 20 - 10:00 am

  I have owned my gmc for a short while and am very pleased with the Duramax/Allison combination,I have owned powerstrokes in the past,the difference is amazing, the Duramax power range extends for a much longer time, torque is great.Allison transmission holds gear going down steep grades and the mileage for a full size pickup is awesome (average is 18 mpg, I have gotten as high as 21 mpg)

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  Danali is the ultimate SUV - 2004 GMC Yukon
  By Big Nick - May 20 - 10:00 am

  ALL around great truck. Every ameniety possible on the interior and the exterior turns heads wherever I go.

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  Texas Truck - 2009 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Sam - May 14 - 12:06 pm

  First new pickup in many years, always had a used one around, but primary vehicle has been SUVs until now. This truck has the Z71 off road pkg and the towing pkg that includes the 5.3L/6A upgrade. Overall, the ride is good but the seats are not very comfortable for long rides. Iyt seems to have good power even towing a heavy load. Fuel economy could be better, but I only have 4500 miles on it so that might improve some. I average 15 mpg with 17 being my best highway trip so far. On the down side, it has a light rattle in the A/C vent that I cant pinpoint, but varies with fan speed and the rock chip protectors on the fenders are peeling off. But overall, it seems to be a good vehicle.

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  Macho SUV! - 2005 GMC Yukon
  By Sir helsing - May 12 - 5:54 pm

  My Denali has pleased me. It has never broken down due to mechanical failure. It sounds and feels like a Corvette, well for a vehicle of that size. It is stout to say the least .All the while my wife and children can enjoy a luxurious ride to school and the grocery store. The Denali is the SUV of choice.

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  200K and still going strong - 1996 GMC Sonoma
  By rvoorhees - May 12 - 12:01 am

  Not a bit of trouble except a head gasket under warranty. Change the oil every 3,000. One set of plugs, some brakes, and a clutch. Otherwise cheap dependable transportation with hauling capability. A little slow with the A/C on but she still can hit 80.

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  Not too bad! - 2000 GMC Safari
  By pacey - May 10 - 8:40 pm

  This is our 1st van. It is comfortable, handles well and easily sits 7 average sized adults. The rear AC is a must in south Florida. We use it to tote scuba divers and their gear as well as a personal vehicle. Some of the interior features need to be beefed up to stand normal wear and tear--The hand grip on the pax side dash-the covers on the hinges of the rear seats-the vent covers on the rear AC outlets and the covers on the seatbelt floor attachments.