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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  body moulding falling off - 2008 GMC Sierra 2500HD
  By dryan3 - February 14 - 5:45 pm

  My 2008 GMC diesel pickup has 41.000 miles and has been a good truck. However it will be 5 years old in December, and the body moulding on each side is loose and starting to fall off. The dealer said it is a common problem, but since it is out of warranty they would not fix it. I went to a body shop, and the person there said it is a common problem with that body style. He said a solution is to remove the moulding and glue and buff out the paint. His estimate was $240.00. Im disgusted that this problem should occur on a $40,000 vehicle. I see 25 year old cars and trucks with the body moulding still intact. Im disappointed GMC wont take care of the problem.

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  Useful but could be better - 1999 GMC Sonoma
  By Brian - February 4 - 7:56 pm

  I got my truck used with about 54,5xx miles on it. I like the look of the truck, especially looking out over the hood from the drivers seat. Its actually quite pleasant to drive for a truck. The suspension isnt too squishy (floaty). The engine (4.3L V6) has good torque. Has several nice features like power locks and windows. I was surprised to find it had heated mirrors (I wish my car had that). My only beefs so far are: 1) it turns like a boat for such a small vehicle 2) wheel travel is too short. I hit the bumpstops on a back road that I never had a problem with in my Subaru 3)build quality isnt so great. The dash squeaks and the seatback adjustment handles are broken off.

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  1 fun ride! - 2002 GMC Sonoma
  By LINMUP - February 3 - 1:12 am

  Ive had really good luck with my 02 Sonoma SLS 5spd. with a 4.3l V6. Its definitely a fast little truck with only a few small/cheap parts. Cold air intake and a hypertech chip and youve got a sport truck. I love blowing away the occassional sport compacts and full- sized "accessorized" trucks! Power-to- weight ratio...you do the math (275hp+small, light truck= HOLD ON!)

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  Acadia Comments - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By Larry Johnston - February 1 - 8:43 pm

  We only have 15000 KM/9000 mi This is a very comfortable vehicle and it handles very well on the road.The AWD is noisy when it engages to the point of annoying on slippery streets. The other feature that is very inconvenient is if you drive in snow or mud it collects on the inside of the wide rims and if it is below freezing puts the wheels out of balance. I have had to go to a car wash twice while travelling just to wash the rims out. the last time it viberated the car so bad I could not go over 40 mph. The sun roof also developed a leak after only 7000 mi.

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  Love that Denali... - 2005 GMC Yukon XL
  By David - January 27 - 5:03 pm

  We just moved up to Colorado from Texas and wanted to trade in our 2003 2WD Ford Expedition XLT in for a 4X4. We love the interior features of the Expedition...great for a family, but not quite enough room to haul the whole family and luggage! Ive never owned a GMC, but have driven many 4X4 Suburbans and Im always impressed by the way they handle...almost like a car. We decided to treat ourselves and go with the Yukon XL Denali with the Sun Roof, Rear seat entertainment DVD, and Navigation system. What we did forget to do is go with the 20" rims instead of the 17"...oh well...

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  Built to last - 1996 GMC Jimmy
  By carol griffin - January 27 - 1:10 am

  This SUV is truly a good automobile. Ive driven on large rocks and many unleveled consruction sites and I havent gotten stuck. With all the room in the rear, and the fold down seat, Ive even traveled a few times very comfortably. My SUV has been hit in the rear without damage. Thats when i realized that this SUV was built to last and is durable.

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  My 1st 4k miles - 2015 GMC Sierra 1500
  By electricvette - January 25 - 7:29 am

  This is my third Denali pick up. Huge buyers remorse buying black but thats my fault. It does look amazing few hrs after its washed. Was really wanting the 6.0 and eight speed tranny but theyre so hard to come by I had to settle for the 5.3 and the six speed. My 07 had alot more power it seems. Plus it was all wheel drive. But I am getting around 16 miles per gallon instead of 13.5 with my old Denali. Still working through the countless menus on the electronics. Im over my trial for the Wi-Fi and was not impressed.The drivetrain has a vibration at around 41 miles an hour that I need to take back to the dealer and have checked out. It was an insane amount of money but Im not unhappy.

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  GM lovers beware - 2007 GMC Yukon XL
  By Sadbuyer07 - January 22 - 8:30 pm

  This was our third Denali. First 2 we loved, but new body was a headache. Constant downshifting with trans and dealership wouldnt acknowledge problem. Friend whos a mechanic has same computer as dealer and tells me all types of codes appear with his computer. Says they dont want to have to do recall with auto sales down (opinion). Paid cash and was dissapointed from day one. Poor gas mileage. Other than that, very comfortable and nice equipment. Have friends with either Yukon or Suburbans or Tahoes and everyone seems to have some type of tranny problem and dealers are looking the other way. Please beware of GM SUVs now. We just have to sell ours.

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  Fit and finish - 2008 GMC Sierra 1500
  By mesalaxdad - January 20 - 12:02 pm

  So Ive had the truck less than a year. It has only 18k on it. Ive had to replace two door lock switches. Ive also replaced a leaky oil pan gasket. Its been in the dealership 3 times. When I wash it the door moldings leak for hours.

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  GMC Denali - 2005 GMC Yukon
  By Bryan Enarson - January 20 - 11:33 am

  I have taken the Denali on two road trips so far and it has performed very well and has provided a very comfortable ride for my wife and I. I am very pleased with its performance particularly in snow and ice.