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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  Good truck - 1997 GMC Sonoma
  By Erick - June 9 - 10:10 am

  Ive owned this truck since new and it has been the best vehicle I have ever owned. I have 170,000 miles on it and it has never let me down once. GM built a good one in this little truck. Thank you GM.

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  Cant drive at night - 2015 GMC Sierra 2500HD
  By Frosty - June 9 - 2:44 am

  Well folks Im back weve been to the dealer 4 times the headlights are terrible . I asked the service manager to load his family up and take it for a spin as I hate to drive at night . The headlights are only producing 1250 lumens when they should be 2500 to allow for proper visual at night . Please give this vehicle a drive at night and try to turn onto a side road make sure you have the salesman in the passenger seat !!!!.

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  Mileage - 2007 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Kevin - June 8 - 9:10 am

  Great looking truck. Performs well while towing and rides great. The gas mileage is no where near where GM says. Engines are not going to get 7 to 8 mpg better after they break in. I get 11-13 mpg driving around 65 mph. I love the remote start escpeccialy with the hot weather out here in central CA.

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  Acadia Borders on Excellent - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By sidewinder - June 8 - 9:00 am

  The 08 Acadia is one solid XUV that met all my expectations and justifies the title, Made in USA (got rid of my German cars that had lots of reliability issues). The pitbull-like stance/exterior, interior design/ergonomics and handling are first-rate and deserve consideration by those looking for pax space and who dont want to drive a van. It feels like one solid block of wood no matter what the road surface is (I opted against the 19-inchers, w/c felt more jiggly and AWD, as my FWD felt quicker during the road test). The engine does have its work cut out for it when prodded lightly but moves the Acadia with authority when you step on it. Cornering ability is impressive.

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  Can you say Jackpot ? - 2009 GMC Acadia
  By Big Wes - June 7 - 1:55 am

  G hit the jackpot with this puppy. This vehicle is a joy to drive and sports very stylish looks. At 6 feet 3 inches I am astonished at the interior roominess. I can even ride comfortably in the third row seats. My last vehicle was a 2007 Yukon and the third row seats were a joke. Car has lots of bells and whistle and the nav and sound systems are fantastic. I only wish GM would have used better quality plastic on the interior appointments given the price of the car. The engine is very responsive and the ride is very smooth. I test drove the 2009 Acura MDX and the Lexus RX 350 before buying. Both were nice but did not come close to the Arcdia in space, technogoly and smooth ride.

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  GMC ONLY - 2000 GMC Sierra 2500
  By Mark - June 6 - 10:50 am

  I like my GMC very much,it is snappy and has good torque for pulling a medium weight travel trailer. The only complaint I have with this truck is a persistant knock in the engine that is very noticable in the morning starts. My previous truck was a 1976 3/4 ton 4x4 GMC long bed. The ride on the 2000 was my first consideration in buying a new truck. My next step up will be the Duramax.

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  Rating of GMC Yukon XL - 2005 GMC Yukon XL
  By Brownlee - May 30 - 7:50 pm

  We love our SUV. It has a smooth ride,comfortable, excellent color (sandlewood),easy to keep clean ,comfortable seats ,leather so soft & easy to clean , very happy with the ride .

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  Great little workhorse! - 2002 GMC Sonoma
  By BigD - May 29 - 7:05 pm

  This is a little truck with an attitude...I have the 4.3 V6 and it will take on those big boys like the full size fords and dodges and stay with them. now this is a stock V6 and it has the sound of a big boy! it tows real good and can carry a big load and still do 70mph...so if you are looking at this model of a truck you will not be disapointed if you buy it!

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  04 Denali - 2004 GMC Yukon
  By spike1n1 - May 29 - 2:00 am

  The Yukon Denali has extreme power waiting to be unleashed. Had Hypertech/Headers/Exhaust/Volant Intake and gained some good horsepower to it. Our denali will go through anything. It takes off like a beast. The All wheel drive handles marvelously in the rain. Backing up is not hard at all, and the mirrors fold down so you can see the curb when parking close. The seats fold down in less than 3 minutes and are nice and heavy duty. The electric heated seats are a NICE luxuary in the wintertime. All and all this SUV is one of the best. It IS worth 50 grand.

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  2004 Envoy SLT 8 cyl 4wd - 2004 GMC Envoy
  By sgtmom167@aol.com - May 29 - 2:00 am

  I was looking for a mid size SUV with adequate head and leg space for my husband and boys who are all tall. The Envoy has substantial space suprisingly in all 3 rows. I found the vehicle to handle exceptionally well, and the V8 has a lot of power in comparison to to the V6. We had 7 family members including adults for a short trip and there was plenty of room for everyone. I did a lot of comparisons with other mid size SUVs and I am very happy with my choice.