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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  05 6.6 V8 - 2005 GMC Sierra 2500HD
  By troyman89 - May 5 - 6:16 pm

  Very nice truck. Lots of power for pulling my 35 foot race trailer. Good on fuel about 21 highway 18 in town. I put the banks 6 gun chip in it. Very fast. Sounds good and has lots of power

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  Great Truck, just wont stop! - 2000 GMC Sierra 1500
  By justin51 - May 5 - 12:20 pm

  This is one heck of an awesome truck. Ive loved it from the day I bought it and still love it today. It has been a work truck from the day I took it home, and after 170,000 miles it still is going strong. Love the reliability of it, never have to worry about that. I find it a little wierd but I have never had to change anything, or even touch the brakes, and they still look great, I was told this was b/c of the 4 Wheel ABS/Disc system. I own the 4.8L V8 model and get "great" gas mileage for a full size V8 truck, especially loaded with tools. 15 city, and 21 hwy. These number came with the help of some aftermarket parts, like K&N filter, & better plugs and wires. I hope you enjoy yours.

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  Better than expected - 2005 GMC Sierra 2500HD
  By Car Guy - May 5 - 10:00 am

  So far this vehicle has exceded my expectations as to power and towing ability. I could not believe I was passing other vehicles as I was going up hill pulling a 20 trailer with a car inside the trailer. The gas mileage continues to improve as the vehicle breaks in. I love driving this vehicle and I am confident in its reliability.

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  Gotta Love It! - 2007 GMC Yukon
  By MNYukon - May 2 - 4:26 pm

  My wife and I love everything about this vehicle (except my wife complains that she never gets to drive it). The interior improvements over the previous model are incredible. I knew GM could design an interior this well if they put their minds to it. Exterior styling is good, could use a little more uniqueness. However, I still think its look uplevel (my nephew thinks its the new Denali). Now have just over 8k miles on the Yukon and gas mileage is OK -- 11-15 city / 15-21 hwy. I switch a lot from E85 to reg unleaded. However, in the last 1k miles, the mileage has greatly improved (coming out of winter doesnt hurt either). A definite good buy.

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  GMC Acadia - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By Lisa - May 2 - 11:26 am

  I love my Acadia. Super comfy, super safe. Had brand new Ford Expedition, only 1 yr old, traded in because Ford is not reliable. I also had a new Tahoe, not comfortable at all. This vehicle has a lot more space than youd think. I have 2 children in car seats, plenty of room. Bought the vehicle because it has 10 airbags. I get compliments all over the place about what a sharp looking vehicle it is. My only complaint is that I have no A/C controls for the back seat within my reach while Im driving. I have to stop and reach back to adjust it, which can be a pain at times. There should be controls in the front and the back. Besides that, I love teh Acadiaand plan on keeping it

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  My 2500-HD - 2001 GMC Sierra 2500HD
  By reeddallas - May 2 - 2:00 am

  I have owned many new vehicles from trucks to sports cars from Prosches (2), Corvettes (2), VWs (3), Fords (6), Dodges (1), Chevys (2), Mercedes, to Buicks (2). I have never owned any vehicle that has given me the driving satisfaction of never having a squeak, squeal, rattle, or mechainical problem: From dealer lot to 24,000 miles this has been an excellent vehicle and I congratulate GM for delivering the value. I gave this vehicle a relatively poor rating for gas economy but I do like the 6000 Vortec engine and I knew the gas requirements before I purchased the truck: Id buy this engine again gas economy notwithstanding.

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  Great Tow Vehicle - 2001 GMC Yukon XL
  By MichaelGT - May 2 - 2:00 am

  I have the K2500 with the 8.1L engine. It will haul our 8000lb trailer with ease. Is comfortable for the 4 kids. Gas mileage is around 12 mpg (@75mph). Less when towing. Great vehicle.

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  Still going strong - 1996 GMC Suburban
  By Boze64 - May 1 - 1:56 pm

  I bought my 96 Suburban from my brother who bought it new. Except for new transmission at 140K, a new head gasket, and typical old vehicle problems, this truck has been very good. 4WD is great in the snow.

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  Great SUV - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By Jon Powers - April 29 - 5:00 am

  This car is beautifully designed and is a pleasure to drive. Although I would like it to have more power it does handle exceptionally well.

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  Great truck - 2005 GMC Envoy
  By Elijah Marks - April 26 - 8:11 pm

  This is a solid truck. The power is awesome. It is comfortable on long trips and has a good amount of room. It is fun to drive and handles well and has excellent brakes.