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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  Transmission Flash Does Wonders - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By Mike D - November 6 - 7:23 am

  To everyone mentioning the transmission, the 5/8/08 transmission flash is a must. You actually feel the 275hp of the engine and dont have to push the pedal down much. Its the way it should have been from the factory. Tons of room inside. I got the 2nd row captains chairs. Where can you get those outside of minivan? 3rd row better than most vehicles and has 60/40 which is great. Power liftgate and rear backing sensors are excellent. Stereo system (with XM) very nice. OnStar provides nice security. Stylish exterior and underrated style inside. Large tires and off-road capability. All-wheel drive is passive but there if needed. Dual sunroofs. The total package, IMHO.

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  Acadia is more bang for your buck. - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By Scott G - November 6 - 2:46 am

  Originally wanted a Enclave, but we looked at the Acadia also. What an excellent vehicle. Drives like a dream and handles extremely well. A great vehicle and a great savings over the Enclave.

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  04 Denali XL - 2004 GMC Yukon XL
  By NJDUO FROM NJ - November 1 - 5:33 pm

  My wife and I are so pleased how easy it is to handle this truck. Ride is great for a big SUV. We really love it. Making U turns is a breeze. From the outside at first it is a little frightening. When you drive one you would never think you are driving a big SUV. Features, room, ride, A+. MPG stink, But its well worth it for the family.

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  This one is a keeper - 2002 GMC Sierra 1500
  By FishinFool - November 1 - 10:00 am

  Mine is a 4.8L with a 3.73 rear end. Gas milage is a consistent 16mpg, regardless if its in town or freeway. It has plenty of power, is built well and a PLEASURE to drive. And it turns heads. People come up to me and say they like the lines of the truck, as opposed to the other brands. The body work is excellent with no defects in the finish. The interior is roomy and my teenagers dont bump their head on the rear window as in the Ford. After almost a year with this truck, and I have no complaints whatsoever. Im definitely hanging on to this one!

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  Outstanding Quality and Safety - 2007 GMC Envoy
  By Dave - October 31 - 9:00 am

  The Envoy Denali is far better than the Toyota Highlander and Honda Pilot that I drove for years. The Highlander and Pilot are so ugly, and the quality was questionable.. I thought Toyota and Honda were supposed to have good quality? The Envoy Denali has superior performance. The wood trim looks far more premium and the chrome looks fantastic! I will never go back to a Japanese vehicle again.

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  Excellent truck - 2005 GMC Canyon
  By David - October 29 - 10:59 pm

  Love the exterior design. Interior is well laid out but it doesnt seem the designers spent a whole lot of time on it. Excellent fit and finish. Stereo is competent as well as the engine. The only problem Ive had so far is a faulty fog light wire. Back seat is a little cramped but it is a compact truck.

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  great - 2004 GMC Sierra 2500HD
  By thumper47 - October 27 - 10:00 am

  the truck has been a great truck i dont think u can get a better one

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  First Truck, Great Choice - 2009 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Dale in WV - October 27 - 8:13 am

  I sent three months looking at the various options. I came close to purchasing the Toyota Tundra. The 2009 GMC Sierra is golden. I have forgotten to turn it off when stopped at times becuase the engine is so quite. It rides like a luxury SUV. Functionality and features are great. Would like to have had the ITBC since it has the towing package. It handles a little bit looser than the Toyota but the power is the same or better. I went on some WV mountains on Route 50 and it pulled up just fine. It wanted to go a little too fast down the mountain so I downshifted instead of overusing my breaks which worked fine. I havent towed my 8K trailer yet which should be the test.

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  Confused by others - 2006 GMC Sierra 1500
  By T.Davis - October 27 - 3:53 am

  I have owned toyotas and nissans and never get the mpg they or the reviews say. 2 to 3 miles less. With GMs I have seemed to get 3 to 5 miles better than reviews. Thats why I say confused by others. Just got 22.6 combination downtown Nashville, TN interstate,country roads. Just bought this truck and probably will keep it for a long time. Guess my driving habits suit GM products better. This truck has 5.3, 323 gears,2wd, locking rearend and HD towing.Confort scored 8 cause stiff HD suspension (I guess). Build quality an 8 cause of interior parts a little weak. Reliability was 9 mainly cause of my past history with GMs. Havent owned this one long enough to tell. Thats my 2 cents worth.

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  Yukon Pride - 1995 GMC Yukon
  By terri - October 21 - 11:36 am

  We bought our Yukon brand new just off the truck. We had to go looking for it, because they were new on the market and everyone was wanting one. We have never regreted it. They do not make the 2dr type any more, it is a classic. I have received numerous compliements on the great sporty look it has. It has been extremely reliable and fun to drive. It has leather interior and still a nice looking vehicle. I was hit from behind once and the Yukon was tough and did not sustain much damage even though the lady that hit me with a Suburban had tremendous damage.