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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  Bonnies van - 1996 GMC Savana
  By Bonnie - February 11 - 11:25 pm

  An excellent conversion van-- Trailmaster conversion. After 10 years and 160,000 miles it is still reliable and comfortable. This van has spoiled me for driving distances in anything else.

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  Why doesnt GMC make a Yukon 2dr - 1994 GMC Yukon
  By Mike Porter - February 10 - 5:05 pm

  This is a great vehicle. I have kept it for 13 years and it still looks and drive great. Its easy to get around and park and fits in my garage. The 4dr Yukobeasts GMC sells now are not nearly as much fun, useful or good looking. This is a vehicle I love to head out in on Saturday doing my errands. Not for soccer moms on a cell phone. This is a guys truck.

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  Great Vehicle - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By Rob F. - February 6 - 5:06 am

  We purchased our "barely used" 2008 Acadia 3 weeks ago. It had 9600 miles on it when we bought it and we have put cose to 1000 miles on it in the time we have had it. So far, we feel that this is an awesome vehicle. We have averaged right around 20 mpg in both city and hwy driving, and have experienced none of the transmission problems that so many reviews mention. This vehicle is definately an improvement over the 2002 Ford Windstar it replaces. The only gripe I have is the poor rear visability. A back up camera would be nice to have.

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  Solid like a Rock! - 1999 GMC Suburban
  By Mr Monte - February 3 - 6:40 pm

  Ive put over 200K miles on my Burb and she still looks and drives like new. For 9 months I commuted weekly from Denver CO to Austin TX (950 miles) and with a 44 gallon tank I didnt have to stop for gas! Thats 25mpg hwy, city is only 13.5 mpg but I have a lead foot. I change my oil every 6K and use Castrol Syntec Synthetic Blend. Every 5th oil change I add Engine Restore and replace the serpentine belt, fuel filter and front brakes. All other fluids get changed every 90K along with spark plugs(bosch platinum),wires, cap, rotor, O2 sensors, rear brakes and fuel pump. I upgraded the fuel injectors at 205K and rebuilt the rear end. Replaced water pump, power steering EGR valve & shocks(KYB)at 120K.

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  The bus - 2004 GMC Yukon
  By w. stovall - January 27 - 10:00 am

  All our friends call it the "bus". When we all want to go out together, they call us. We have hauled a lot of stuff in it while remodelling our house. The water pump was replaced under warrany, but, no other problems. Gets 15 mpg no matter where or how you drive it, but 4 people and lots of luggage ride in comfort.

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  Good but not great! - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By New Acadia Drive - January 27 - 6:10 am

  I love driving my new Acadia. I have no complaints about the ride, interior design, etc. I highly recommend it. The only downside is I am not getting the gas mileage I was told it should get. I am only getting 14 mpg. I took a trip with it and I expected to get 22-24 mpg but only got 18. There is a problem with the Acadia- if you park on an incline the computer gets confused on how much gas you actually have and your fuel gauge will show that you have less gas than you actually have. I was told that GMC is trying to fix it.

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  2008 Acadia - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By max63 - January 26 - 8:43 pm

  Got a FWD SLT-2 fully loaded. I test drove all the CUVs out there and this was the vechicle that fit all my familys needs. Very roomy, my 3 year son cant kick the back of my chair like in my volvo XC90. Large cargo area in the back fits all the family gear. Never thought I would buy a GMC, but we love this car.

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  GMC Jimmy - 1998 GMC Jimmy
  By gmc owner - January 25 - 2:45 pm

  Really have liked the car. Have had no problems with it. Regular mainrenance has helped to keep it in good condition.

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  Wow! GM hit a home run with this truck! - 2007 GMC Sierra 1500
  By E. Minch - January 23 - 4:16 am

  These trucks are all new from the ground up. Everything is improved. No more numb steering feel, no more spongy brakes, no more quirky looking interior and dash. The suspension is a dramatic improvement. Those that hated GM trucks before should take another look. I never knew GM could make such a quality vehicle! This is one comfortable refined truck and will give the F150 a run for the money.

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  Reliable Truck! 4cyl manual - 1996 GMC Sonoma
  By Rob - January 21 - 11:04 am

  No major mechanical problems for over 10 yrs! 138K only regular maintenance. Still running and am ready to trade in for another Sonoma. Bought new at $300 above invoice.