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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  I love my Acadia but - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By Stacy - July 6 - 3:20 pm

  I love my Acadia. I love the remote start on cold day and how the lights stay on for a minute or so in order to make it to the house. I am disappointed in the gas mileage. I have a noise coming from around the left front tire, it makes a popping sound similiar to perhaps it is misfiring. The dealership says nope it is the ABS setting. Other than the popping at take off no problems and I hope once it breaks in the fuel economy will get better. I would recommend one to anybody wanting a SUV and room to boot it has it and it does not look like a mini van in the process. I plan on keeping it for many years.

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  good truck so far - 2004 GMC Sierra 1500
  By rce143 - July 6 - 10:00 am

  i love the truck so far but the turning radious is terrable.tows great good fuel milage

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  love these trucks - 1995 GMC Sonoma
  By franco - July 6 - 12:48 am

  these trucks are fun and great on gas and easy to work on. simple technology and basic design is what I like about these trucks.

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  Happy Owner! - 2002 GMC Yukon XL
  By FamilyHaul - July 4 - 10:00 am

  If youve got children, or adults for that matter, to haul around, your going to love this vehicle! Have cargo and humans/pets? This vehicle CANNOT be beat. Im on my second one, and havent had a moments trouble with either. With the model change, (2002?), the turn radius improved immensely; making parking somewhat easier. Seats are comfortable, power is wonderful.

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  Defective Transmission - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By Twiggy - July 3 - 11:50 pm

  We purchased the Acadia in Feb 2007, and 2 1/2 years later, the transmission failed! The dealership admitted to a bulletin being issued about the transmission. We had a recall repaired with the transmission like most a few years ago but it is now completely shot. Thank God for the extended warranty because GMC is not willing to repair or replace this defective transmission in my two year old car. I am disappointed to say the least. The radio is defective as well, they have replaced it twice. I loved this car even though it was in and out of the shop for recalls but this is a lemon.I will be speaking to attorney.

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  Best Pickup Ive ever owned - 1994 GMC Sonoma
  By JohnsonLonnie - July 3 - 11:26 pm

  Wonderful vehicle there is a reason they discontinued the 4.3 Liter CPI engine. Certain things go out like clockwork but the truck is almost 20 years old now. The thing had over 300k on the engine when some crazy woman ran the truck over while I at a stop in traffic. It folded the bed under the cab area and the frame was bent near double. I walked away from the wreck with a concussion.

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  2007 Sierra 2500HD - 2007 GMC Sierra 2500HD
  By Jim - July 2 - 9:43 pm

  This truck is by far the best combination of utility, comfort, and performance I have experienced. I love the truck and highly recommend it to anyone in the market for a new pickup.

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  Dependable - 1998 GMC Jimmy
  By James Hobday - July 2 - 9:02 am

  Look, weve had this thing forever. 11 Years later this thing is still on the same break pads. The four-wheel drive broke in Arizona but thats because we used and abused it. This cars interior isnt much to wave a stick at NOW but it was a $44,000 car for the SLT 4WD. This thing will run forever if you take care of it just a little. This is my dads and he cleaned the carpets, washed it, change the tires/filters/oil when they were supposed to be changed and its still going. It even survived my sister ^_^. Thats saying something. I love this truck and plan on buying a 2001 Jimmy for college. You just have to take care of the car and itll run forever.

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  My Last GM product - 2003 GMC Yukon XL
  By Chris - July 2 - 2:46 am

  Owned the vehicle for 3 yrs. Clanking noise and vibration in front end was steering column that they replaced under warranty (recall) and has had subsequently needed "lubed" two additional times because the problem shows up every 12K miles. I have had to pay each time for the "fix" which is out of warranty. Water pump out at 42K miles. Heat Shield for the muffler had to be replaced. Out of warranty. Noticing the transmission slipping at 57K miles and transmission was shot. New transmission and out of warranty. GM offered no help. When purchasing the vehicle we debated over this vehicle and the Toyota Sequoia. Have had Toyota products with no problems but thought we would try GM. LAST GM

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  Acadia AWD is a friendly car - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By Bob Kirschner - July 1 - 7:30 pm

  Before you take a trip, read all details in the manual. Lots of buttons to learn about before you push them. Do not rely on the Park Assist horn to warn you. Watch the amber lite and stop dead when three lights are lit!