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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  A HUGE truck - 2003 GMC Yukon XL
  By jarles - May 9 - 2:00 am

  We upgraded from a mivivan after moving to the snowy Northeast, and adding a couple of kids to the family. The truck is large, comfortable, and drives very smoothly. You only notice its size when maneuvering in tight areas and parking. Because we needed room for 6 and luggage, this was our choice. We would have liked to go smaller, but nothing else could offer the combination of passenger space, luggage, and the ability to drive in snowy, icy weather.

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  GM is letting me down - 2004 GMC Yukon
  By Not Up to Standards - May 9 - 2:00 am

  I very much like the Denali, but GM is lacking in customer service. I have owned my Denali for 7 weeks and tomorrow will be my 7th time back for service. The rear heat only works intermittently. The service department had it for a week, and the day I picked it up it stopped working. Recomendation from GM: Drive it around until it doesnt work, then bring it right in. This is great if you live near the dealership and you dont work. Tomorrows visit isnt about that. Today, the radio went on, but I had no reception, sound, XM, CD, or DVD. I have asked GM to purchase the truck back, but they refuse. Suggestions on how to get rid of my gremlins?

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  Great on the Open Road - 1997 GMC Yukon
  By jeffroks - May 9 - 12:39 am

  I and 3 other family members took this truck on vaction last summer. It is incredibly comfortable on the open road, and you have a feeling of safety when you drive it. Swallows great amounts of luggage. Took me through deep snow banks this past winter.

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  First Yukon XL delivered to my dealer. - 2007 GMC Yukon XL
  By Joe - May 8 - 5:36 am

  The vehicle performs very well. Towing a travel trailer across the country I got 12 mpg which I thought was fine. Solo it gets close to 20. Over 6,000 miles it has used no oil and the computer says to change it at 15,000 miles. The fit and finish was a little disappointing. I need to take it to the dealer to have the strip on the passenger side replaced as it is falling off. The right rear wheel well also has a slight defect. Other than the finish problems the vehicle performs very well. The navigation system is very good and performs exceedingly well. It got us out of several problems with detours. The preprogammed trips are excellent.

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  Some mechanical problems - 2000 GMC Sierra 1500
  By gmfan - May 5 - 6:06 pm

  I am surprised to see so many positive reviews on this vehicle. True, it is fun to drive and has a good ride and great stereo, there have been several disappointing mechanical problems. It seems to chew through brake pads in about 10000 miles. This problem was worse before the recall work on the anti-lock brakes that I am surprised no one else has commented on. Also, the rear tailgate is about to rust off and a brake line has rusted through leading to a brake fluid loss and near braking disaster. Also, numerous squeaks and noises that are undiagnosable.

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  2002 Pros & Cons experienced from owner - 2003 GMC Yukon
  By Rhett - May 2 - 10:00 am

  Vehicle is nice but is noisy when running without actually driving. Also I have noticed bolts on the bottom of vehicle (axle area) have started rusting after less than two months.

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  This truck is solid as a rock. - 2005 GMC Envoy
  By David - April 28 - 12:32 am

  I purchased my Envoy for its good looks and power. I really enjoy blowing by the import trucks. The ride is awesome and its not that bad on gas.

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  good enough - 2008 GMC Sierra 1500
  By gmc - April 27 - 12:46 am

  first 2 wheel drive truck ! no regrets so far ! and this pa winter of 09 isnt pretty. no snow tires or weight in back and goes good with locking rearend !getting 17 mixed driving and 21 on highway !

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  Im happy, great AWD. - 2000 GMC Safari
  By Mike - April 19 - 1:31 am

  I bought the van with 47k and have 65k now. Other than the alternator and a gear position sensor that was sending power to the starter when the van was running($50 part and an easy fix!) It has been very good to me. Went to FL with 3 adults and 3 kids in July and having rear A/C and rear bucket seats is nice. Also has a roof mounted TV with a VCR. The AWD works awesome. If you drive in snow dont get one without it!

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  Why I dont want to keep the truck I bought! - 2016 GMC Canyon
  By Mike Butchart - April 14 - 5:00 pm

  I a the owner of a 2016 GMC Canyon pickup truck. It is a quite loaded SLT model and was purchased after the 2015 model I ordered was lost. The warrantees and maintenance payment policies for GM vehicles changed between 2015 and 2016 . I mentioned this to General Motors explaining my displeasure with this . They had indicated that they would honor this with me but phone calls to them got me nowhere. I had to bring the vehicle back to the dealer five times as the key was left in the ignition and would not come out. Communication with General Motors about this was poor as they never answer their phone and finally called me offered an extended warranty but would not give anything in writing. I traded this vehicle for another vehicle (leased for my spouse) point and have replaced this pickup with a Honda Pilot.