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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  Nice truck, with flaws - 2017 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Jimmy Fortuna - April 14 - 3:45 pm

  Overall its a nice truck. It rides well, is comfy, and has almost every bell and whistle. Almost everything seems to be at 90% of my expectations. The transmission is constantly searching, and the entertainment system already seems dated.

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  Could be Better - 2001 GMC Yukon XL
  By Racer - April 14 - 10:00 am

  Its great to haul the kids and travel in, and being black it is pretty to look at but I would prefer to have fewer little problems with it. It has had the transmission worked on for shifting improperly. It burned oil, 2 or more quarts every 3500 miles until the dealer fixed that. The interior could have better quality with many less rattles. I am not hard on cars and it spends most of its time on the highway and never off road. Considering how much a Yukon cost, it could have much better quality. I also have two other friends with 2001 Suburbans and they also burn oil.

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  05 Yukon SLT - 2005 GMC Yukon
  By Ben - April 14 - 1:34 am

  This is a great SUV to have. Gas mileage is poor. Combined fuel economy (60% highway, 40% city) is about 14 mpg. It is very roomy with a nice ride.

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  Its a fine ride! - 2005 GMC Envoy
  By George Mulder - April 2 - 11:53 am

  Have had my Envoy for about 6 months now, and I really enjoy it! I love the new Steel Gray color. The leather seating is very comfortable, and with all the adjustments, I have a world of seating options. The heated seats are one of my favorite features. Everything works very well and makes sense. If I had to complain, it would be that there are too few special storage spots in the vehicle. But Im a bit of a carry it with me kinda guy, so I like to be able to have a couple extra small places for things like sunglasses, money, etc. But, that is not much of a complaint. So two enthusiastic thumbs up from me.

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  New Envoy - 2002 GMC Envoy
  By JMITCH - March 31 - 10:00 am

  Plenty of fun power. Nearly 20K miles and no problems. A real winner

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  I Like it - 2002 GMC Envoy
  By Seadog - March 31 - 10:00 am

  Great SUV, one of the best I have ever owned.

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  love it - 2000 GMC Sierra 1500
  By richardc - March 20 - 10:00 am

  I had a regular cab gmc and traded to get more room. I have not regreted the trade. The truck is comfortable and quite. The only problem I have had is a leak in one of the A/C lines which was replaced in an hour. This truck is a keeper.

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  Great car so far - 2010 GMC Terrain
  By julie - March 19 - 4:56 am

  Good car so far, hope it holds up

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  Great Value Truck - 2016 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Vince in NF, NY - March 17 - 4:58 pm

  2016 GMC Sierra Double Cab, standard bed, V8, Z71, SLE Value Package. GM was certainly doing some deep discounts for leasing. Sticker price from 45, down to 37. Combined with tier 1 credit, good resale value make this an excellent lease vehicle if youre not too hard on them. Initial quality seems very nice. Some soft touch materials and even some of the hard plastic doesnt look or feel cheap, feels solid. Some leather trim with cloth seats, pretty comfortable. Back seats are a little tight to get into but ok otherwise. Interior layout is adequate and the big color touch screen is nice. Plenty of storage bins, USB ports, and a 110 plug. Outside the truck looks nice, no flaws in the factory paint that I could find (onyx black) and all the plastic trim looks ok and fits well. V8 performance with the 6speed is good but I have yet to really stress it. Gas pedal is a little mushy but its not broke in yet so well see. Column gear shift, trailer mode button, 4x4 knob all work as expected. Steering is a little heavy as to be expected and turn radius compared to a car is poor. Ride is truck-like, a little bouncy/firm as expected but controlled and not jarring. The big touch screen is nice with controls smartly divided between real knobs and icons on screen. Example; I have a Lincoln product and when adjusting radio, climate, its a nightmare of push buttons and unresponsive touch screen. B/U camera is basic, no sensors, basic stereo is good. Voice control does a great job with phone and can select songs/artists. The problem with this tech is you have to know whats in your system for it to work. Surprise to me, you only have nav if your subscribe to Onstar. Truck has a wifi hotspot best suited for a minivan but connection was easy and seems to work well. Nice surprises: remote start can also turn on heated seats, you can open all the windows with the key fob (summer), favorites on entertainment use all media inputs, not just the radio. Duel climate works good. Very satisfied for now!

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  What a change! - 2005 GMC Yukon
  By Paul45c - March 16 - 4:44 pm

  I suffered through 2.5 yrs with a Land Rover Discovery that my wife finally agreed to trade in, and theres no looking back. The Denali is the most comfortable vehicle Ive ever driven. The motor is awesome. Even if it wasnt fast, it would be worth it just for the SOUND. For anyone that does a lot of family driving, its hard to imagine a nicer truck. In addition, its a real heavy-hauler when its time for hauling big stuff. It also doesnt hurt that its the best-looking truck out there. Nice job, GMC.