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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  Yukon xl 4x4 - 2005 GMC Yukon XL
  By chris klein - May 31 - 7:00 am

  Great vehicle! We went camping in the mountains and the 4x4 worked great. All the camping gear for six people and the dog fit in the back. All three rows were used for passengers/dog. Gas mileage on the freeway is 17.5mpg and 16mpg in the city. All around perfect family vehicle for larger families.

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  Very Pleased - 2011 GMC Sierra 2500HD
  By Richard Smith - May 29 - 6:33 pm

  Overall I am very pleased with this car and would prefer it to the rest in the bunch. The RAM did have a slightly better ride, but the towing capacity just wasnt up to par. There are several annoying things though: 1.The dash and center stack are kinda ugly and just dont look right 2.The headrest are in a akward position 3. The steering wheel doesnt telescope

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  Among the best vehicles Ive ever owned - 1994 GMC Safari
  By Charles Strickland - May 29 - 3:46 pm

  It has over 215,000 miles on it and still runs like a top. Ive had the normal maintenance things to do of course but it has been serviced regularily and it keeps on going. It actually handles better than my 05 (tighter turning radius) and the power is still good. Rear end has had a noise in it since day one but apparently this is simply a characteristic of it since Ive heard that several times about the 94-96 safari XTs. Never a problem with it though. I owned my 1st new car in 69 so Ive had a lot of them but never one better than this one. Guess thats why GM discontinued it, too damn good.

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  Denali all the way! - 2004 GMC Yukon
  By jmo - May 28 - 10:00 am

  I am on my 7th GMC Suburban/XL - purchased my 1st Denali - ride and comfort is exceptional. There is a difference between the standard XL and the Denali (not only the looks).

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  sweet ride - 2004 GMC Envoy
  By wilma fingadoo - May 28 - 10:00 am

  beatiful car i cant even tell you how much i like this car best suv on the road

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  Excellent Pickup - 1995 GMC Sierra 1500
  By chrisreed82 - May 26 - 10:00 am

  I love my 95 GMC. I tow a trailer and haul ATVs with it. I help people move. I haul heavy loads of scrap wood out of our cabin property. Then I clean it up and cruise in style and comfort through town, and I get plenty of admiring glances and folks telling me what a beautiful truck I have and how much they loves these old GMCs. Ive had no problems with it. I can work on it, its so simply. Maintenance is a cinch. The interior is comfy and I can haul my whole family. This truck is happiest when just cruising around relaxed. It is pleasant to travel in, or work in. My best mileage yet was 18mpg, or 425 gallons on one tank, and that was pulling a light trailer. Highly recommend a 95 GMC.

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  i am happy with my new yukon - 2002 GMC Yukon XL
  By francisco quezada - May 25 - 7:40 am

  I THINK IT IS THE BEST SUV OUT THERE

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  Pretty Much Perfect - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By GMC4LIFE - May 24 - 8:06 pm

  The Acadia is basically a good-looking, well performing, comfortable, reliable, stylish, fun to drive minivan, thats actually a crossover. Comfortable, back rows are surprisingly big, enough for an adult to sit comfortable for a 5-hour trip. It has been problem free, craftmanship: A+. So sharp looking, along with the brick red leather interior: A+. Fuel economy, great. The HID headlights, LED taillights, just make it seem like it is a good looking minivan (thats actually a crossover, so it performs like a car) made by a luxury brand. A+.

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  2001 Xukon XL - 2001 GMC Yukon XL
  By Wayne Black - May 23 - 11:33 pm

  Simply the most comfortable vehicle I have ever owned. I have owned over 35 vehicles from 2 seater Mercedes convertibles to 1 ton pickups and every thing inbetween and if I have my way I will never drive anything but a Yukon XL again.

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  a woman loving her Denali XL - 2004 GMC Yukon XL
  By crc - May 22 - 2:00 am

  I have horses and find this vehicle to be everything I need, to hauling the trailer, to taking dogs on vacation, and yet everyone loves the riding comfort and all the amenties when it is my turn to drive "just folks"