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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  This truck is awesome - 2013 GMC Sierra 1500
  By augthedog - June 15 - 5:17 am

  The SLT version of this truck is totally awesome. It is quiet, powerful, solid and gets 21 MPG with the 5.3 engine. GM hit the mark with this truck and if not for the year end sale I would have bought the 2014. This truck is like a Cadillac inside and rides like one. Love it.

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  A real SUV that can stand the miles - 2003 GMC Yukon XL
  By High Miler - June 14 - 2:36 am

  I am approaching 140k miles on my Denali. Its a great truck with a great motor and trans with 0 issues to date. Is it perfect? No. Yes, youll do wheel hubs anywhere from 40k onward. Big deal, I dont fret about a bearing. All vehicles have these types of issues. Right now, toyota cant seem to get a gas pedal to work. The steering column rattle I had replaced under a GM pilot part program. Same with my diesel truck. Its been flawless since. GM large SUVs and trucks share the same parts and platforms. People forget how much this truck really weighs and what it can do and that wearing parts dont last forever.

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  Average in all regards - 2000 GMC Jimmy
  By gmcjimmy2000 - June 13 - 4:38 pm

  Got my 2000 Jimmy when it had 32,000 miles. Overall, Ive liked it, although its been about average in all regards. Had to do little maintenance repairs pretty frequently ($100 here, $70 there), and "major" repairs have included front rotor and fuel pump, which hurt the pocketbook. Also own a Toyota, which has more miles on it but has required fewer repairs, which doesnt build confidence in the Jimmy. Like the engine for a V6 and the vehicle is fun to drive. Interior is average, back seats not too comfortable for full-sized person. Lots of room with rear seats folded down.

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  Clanker - 2001 GMC Jimmy
  By Amadeus - June 12 - 9:08 pm

  It looks nice but the fuel economy is bad and the constants check ups makes it no realiable. The heater core failed and I had engine coolant steam inside the cabin and to fork out $$$ to repear. I wish I had not bought it.

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  Total Junk - 2001 GMC Jimmy
  By Run Away - June 12 - 5:13 pm

  This car has been nothing but one problem after another. Bought it for my wife to haul the kids around in but it seems like im working on it more than it runs. We have replaced rear end, month later the transmission went out, next the fuel pump quit, then the lock quit working, and now the thing wont start half of the time. Had it checked today and its the spider coil. It has been nothing but a money pit.

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  Great Mileage - 2009 GMC Canyon
  By JohnS - June 12 - 11:58 am

  This 4 cyl Canyon replaces a Chevy S10 and after having looked at all the small pickups (Ford, Toyota, Nissan) I have been extremely pleased with it. I was expecting slightly less gas mileage since I went from a 2.2 engine to 2.9 and from standard to automatic, but its has matched the S10 with 23 / 24 around town and 27 / 28 on the highway. Just great fun to drive

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  Still smiling... - 2003 GMC Sierra 2500HD
  By brian0105 - June 11 - 10:00 am

  I researched long and hard when deciding on the $$ for the Duramax/Allison combo. Man am I pleased! It pulls my travel trailer like it wasnt even there. MPG has been better than my previous Firebird. Comfort is much better than I expected for a 3/4 ton. Looks? Man, you cant beat the Fire Red color! Dont know what it might take to wipe this smile off my face!

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  Diamond in the Ruff - 2009 GMC Acadia
  By bigwes3 - June 11 - 8:22 am

  Owned for 6k miles and could not be happier. Fun to drive and handles great with exterior styling to die for.. After ten years of Full size SUVs No roof issues or tranny issues as previous year models. I have found the perfect auto for me. Not a boat but not a low riding car. Not worried about GM being there, car well hold up until they remove the cloud over their future. Waited for three years after intro so GM could address any new product concerns. Honda Pilot and Toyota Highlander dont come close to measuring up. This puppy is a winner!

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  Great Vehicle minus the gas mileage. - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By fastrevmd - June 10 - 6:22 pm

  We have had this vehicle for 3 years and love it for soccer mom duty and ever family trip. The gas mileage posted on our window was 28mpg highway. Which is not even close. I was say 22 at best and we have the front wheel drive only version. We average 16mpg. The stated towing is 6000lbs. We tried towing a 5000lbs trailer once, this vehicle could not do it. I will never tow with it again. The transmission is a little shifty also but this was improved with an updated last year. We do love it, and it is one of the best vehicles we have ever owned though.

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  Love my Acadia - still after 2 years! - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By Love My Acadia! - June 9 - 10:43 am

  I have been driving my 2007 Acadia for 2 full years, and I still love it. I commute 30 miles one way, and spend a lot of time in the vehicle on trips. The comfort and features make it a joy to drive! I had it in the shop only one time before warranty expired for very minor issues and one recall, and it has not needed any other repairs. I get 18+MPG in town, 24+MPG on the highway - very close to what is promised. I prviously drove a 98 Oldsmobile minivan, and a 2003 Chevy Tahoe. This Acadia has as much room as the minivan, but is much more stylish and comfortable, and it is much more roomy and functional than the Tahoe. Highly recommend to families with small children or teenagers!