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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  2008 Denali Problems - 2008 GMC Yukon
  By Sam Samson - July 18 - 12:33 am

  Ive had problems with the electrical systems (door locks, wipers, Navigation system,) and now worst of all the brakes. I went metal to metal on the rears after 33,000 miles. the calipers are failing to retract properly - thus Pads wearing out totally prematurely. Normally a car goes thru 3 sets of front pads to 1 set of rears. Ive had my car serviced by dealerships only, thus far. When they rotate the tires, I ask them to check the brakes since the wheels are already off. Well At the time of last visit to the dealership, (22,363 miles) All was well-- now 11,000 miles later My right rear roter is shot on the inside only due to a defective caliper. What can I do about it????

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  Great SUV for the $$$ - 2018 GMC Terrain
  By Zack Rubin - July 17 - 2:44 pm

  First let me run down down my list of vehicles, in order, leading up to the Terrain : Lexus IS, VW Touareg, VW Passat, Infiniti G35, BMW 335D, Terrain. I traded in the BMW (40MPG and a lot of power). I wanted to get back into an SUV, as I missed my Touareg the most. I did some poking around, some test driving, and ended up at GMC. Ive never bought American and Im so far thrilled with my purchase. The one thing I miss, obviously speed and pickup, is easily justifiable by the comfort and convenience of my car. I bought the SLE. Theres no nav, and its missing some power options that I really dont need (seats that Ill never change and a sunroof Ill never use). The entertainment system is great. I just plug my phone in and everything I want to do I can do verbally through the car or my phone. Play Spotify, Navigate here (I use Google maps off my phone and it projects very nicely on my display), Text my friend this, etc. The design is sleek, the interior extremely comfortable and the ride incredible smooth. Go give it a test drive, you wont be disappointed.

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  One truck Ill never sell - 1991 GMC Sonoma
  By Joel - July 16 - 7:43 pm

  This is my fourth pickup and the best Ive ever owned. Shes towed an 18 foot Boston Whaler with a motorcycle in the bed without a problem. I have 193,000 miles on the truck (5 speed) and have never had to do any powertrain work other than change the fluids. Shes had problems here and there but has never left me stranded. I cant count the number of times Id had stuff piled above the cab and had her squatting without a complaint. I even got her to top out at around 130 mph once. Id recommend this truck to anyone looking for a fun-to-drive work truck that doesnt want to go for a full-size.

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  Good Car. - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By telusmore - July 16 - 4:47 pm

  After testing several other cars including the pilot, highlander, and CX9 we chose the Acadia because it had the best internal room / design and it also handles pretty good. 3 Row space is good as well and access through the captains chairs that fold is really easy.

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  Not a Happy Owner - 2008 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Luke - July 16 - 6:26 am

  I have always been a Chevy man, really needed a new pickup so I went with the GMC. I wanted the 5.3l because it does great in my 01 Suburban. My New 5.3, which has fuel management gets much worse mileage. I get 13.5 MPG at any speed or condition driving, even downhill. Also the 4 sp transmission is clunky, brakes are sticky, interior clothe is Horrible, interior plastic comes apart, body has many mud pockets which will rot the metal and the front tire sprays road wash Into the frame by the front door. I am NOT happy with this truck which now has 3500 miles on it.

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  Explorer to Envoy - 2004 GMC Envoy
  By happy in Jax - July 16 - 2:00 am

  Brand new, but so far we have enjoyed the handling and performance. We have gone from RAV 4 to Explorer now to Envoy and this is the best of the lot. We are high mileage users and the gas mileage is outstanding

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  Love it! - 2002 GMC Yukon
  By dutch91 - July 15 - 1:40 pm

  Bought this truck at an off lease five years ago. Just got back from a 4000 mile road trip with no issues (115,000 miles with just routine maintainance). Nice leather interior, stylish exterior (with 20" rims from 2007 Yukon) plenty of 12v outlets & plenty of power (with the 5.7L you hardly know your trailer is back there). Fuel milage (not great) beats my friends with Lexus G470 and Lincoln Navigator with 16-18 mpg. Before my big road trip, I overhauled the brakes, plugs, belts, filters, hoses etc. Hadnt done the brakes in 60,000 miles and I was amazed to see that the massive rear brakes had about 60% life left on them and the original plugs were almost like new.

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  Bye Bye Toyota! - 2007 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Best Truck!!! - July 14 - 9:30 pm

  I have nothing bad to say about this truck, it is absolutely great! I previously owned 2005 Sierra Denali, and before that 2003 Yukon. Loved them both. I never had a problem with either not one! I must say this truck is a huge improvement over the other for the interior. The interior is as well put together as my mothers 07 MB S550. The performance is great also. I recently took a trip to Vegas, about 300 each way and I got 22.7 MPG outstanding.

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  Nice Truck at a Reasonable Price - 2008 GMC Canyon
  By GMC Owner - July 13 - 11:40 am

  I previously owned a 4 cylinder, manual 5-speed S-10 with 118 hp, and it was running perfectly with 180,000 miles when I bought this new GMC. THE S-10 total cost of repair was less than $1,000 during the time I had it, and I hope this GMC can get close to that. The 242 hp of the GMC Canyon is a big improvement, and I dont have to worry about keeping up with traffic on steep freeway hills anymore. The suspension is awesome compared to the S-10. The drastically increased power, and much better braking make the truck fun to drive. I get about 25 mpg highway and about 16 mpg city. In contrast, my S-10 got about 31 highway and 22 city.

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  Not a Honda - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By Joe D - July 13 - 11:30 am

  Buttons,too many and too small.Back up sensors,rapid beeping when your 1" away,you might as well hit the object.Sensor lights,too high in rear of truck,you have to bend down to see them,then you cant see out rear view mirror.Windshield wipers,a dial,stupid,should be arm,as on foreign cars,easier to use at night.Controls on steering wheel,too close to wheel hand grips,radio changes when you dont want it too.Worst feature,transmission doesnt downshift quick enough at high speeds.You step on the gas,NOTHING,poor and slow to no response.Worse with AC on.Overall,too many features not though out.