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:

• 

  Poor Quality compared to other brands - 2008 GMC Envoy
  By ahess77 - November 8 - 2:00 am

  This SUV has had more than its share of problems, dealer has not correctly fixed half of them. 1. driver window extremely slow (dealer said its normal operation) 2. 4WD service light, dealer changed a sensor 3. speaker buzzing, dealer changed rear speaker 4. Stabilitrack service light, dealer changed a sensor 5. occasional loud Bumping/growling noise at RF wheel, dealer said normal operation 5. speaker buzzing (out of warranty), Non-dealer replaced rear HVAC control 6. Check engine light, secondary air injection system, ECM replaced ($700!) 7. Service Stabilitrack, steering wheel sensor ($95!). Its not a Yugo, but what a piece of crap.

• 

  1999 GMC JIMMY Owner - 1999 GMC Jimmy
  By unhappy owner - October 22 - 2:00 am

  Not very impressed with it the handle to recline the seat on the drivers side is broke off, smells of antifreeze when the heat is on, cant use drivers side door because it wont stay closed, the rear wiper motor doesnt work, makes a crunching noise when turning, buttons for the 4wd broke, leaks on passenger door when it rains. Doesnt start when its real cold out.

• 

  Have to get rid of - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By sue - October 17 - 2:00 am

  The Bad: Repeated water leaks. Headliner removed numerous times, carpet replaced. Rubber boots that hold the wires between the door and the vehicle are full of water. This i would not have noticed had it not froze and made noise while opening door. This will fill up repeatedly even after being emptied. Sometimes wont start without a jump. Battery is not the problem. Front struts had to be replaced at 37,000 mi. Noise in steering column. Ice builds up on windshield while driving in snow or sleet.No longer under warranty so i am going to get rid of car.Can not trust to be a reliable vehicle especially with the water issues we have.

• 

  3 transmissions, and 3 fuel pumps - 2001 GMC Jimmy
  By Kat - September 17 - 2:00 am

  Hi I bought it used. Now have 191,000 and if you throw enough money at something it will keep running, This is the only vehicle I have ever had to have towed 7 times and I have been driving over 40 years. AAA is a must if you drive one of these. The body still looks great. Now there is something major going on with the front end. Afraid to take it to the mechanic. This is the third transmission, one radiator, fuel pump has been replaced 3 times. The starter, brakes and rotors several times. The 4 wheel drive and a/c works perfectly have not had to do anything with either too bad the whole car wasnt like these components.

• 

  Would not buy another - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By JimCalgary - September 12 - 2:00 am

  We have had the vehicle since new. The transmission hunts excessively when the car is going up hills. The dashboard rattles. A trim piece fell off a seat. A number of power steering components were replaced. Vehicle makes clicking noises from front end. In slushy weather the Service Stabilitrack light sometimes comes on dealer reprogrammed the software but the light still sometimes comes on. You have to come in under the fenders to change the headlight bulb! I had to have a shop replace it, cost me over $100. Odd tire size, few choices for replacement in OEM size. Nice ride and roomy inside, but I find the vehicle uninspiring and I cant think of a reason to buy another.

• 

  Not worth the money $$$ - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By HSEFPSO - September 5 - 2:00 am

  I have had my Acadia for 2 years and had more trouble for what its worth. I have had it in the shop for too many non-routine repairs then desired. Big thing is that they are leaky which can cause lots of problems with the electronic systems. It is too bad because the $$ you pay for these SUVs should represent a quality product. After my lease is done so am I with the Acadia.

• 

  piece o poo - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By nomoGMs! - August 31 - 1:05 pm

  We bought this vehicle brand new, 2 yrs ago w/15 miles on it! Have been diligent w/maintanence. All I can say is thank God for the warranty right now. We have had to have the rack and pinion replaced, transmission gasket replaced, strut bars replaced. also, found out to replace a head lamp bulb will cost $300! They need to remove the entire front end to get to the lamps! the car is beautiful, drives wonderfully (when not in shop), but the very second I can sell it and not lose our butts, I am doing so. I only have 30,000 miles on it now. What a piece of you know what. NEVER will buy ANYTHING from GM, Dodge or Chrysler again. NEVER! Run away from it, fast!

• 

  Engine Problems - 1999 GMC Yukon
  By CMAC - August 26 - 3:29 pm

  One of the other reviews says that there is a misfire in the 5th cylinder. Mine misfires from the 6th cylinder and shakes like crazy when put under a load. There is a TSB from GM about the problem. It is a defect from the factory. What happens is the sleeve on the valve stems deforms from the heat and begins to bind. Instead of a recall, GM chooses to ignore the fact that these engines are defective. I called GM to see if they would repair the defect and they declined. Last one I will buy. Had to replace the transmission, fuel pump, radiator and the engine is screwed up. Plus the door handles are falling apart and most of the power door locks stopped working. Lemon

• 

  Ayayayyy Chevy! - 2006 GMC Canyon
  By Omar - August 19 - 11:25 pm

  Umm not too good experience. Cheap materials, becomes a very noisy interior like a crunchy plastic. Brakes should be checked every 6K miles. Chevy dealers just try to get money since the moment of sale. Beware, dealer is gonna sell you an Extended Warranty without consultation and then the Extended Warranty covers everything except expensive parts. I know this post is gonna bring down my resale price but what the hell! Dont be fool, this is not American Quality!

• 

  Beware - 2010 GMC Acadia
  By isabel - August 8 - 1:06 am

  Do not buy it. It is not reliable. Too many problems and dealership will give you the runaround. Buy another make this vehicle will leave you stressed out.