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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  Best of the best! - 2007 GMC Yukon XL
  By Torod - May 8 - 5:46 pm

  I cant rave enough about this vehicle to do it justice! It overshot everything I expected of it. I thought my 2003 Suburban was the ultimate but this 2007 version surpasses it. It is quiet, superior ride and handling, power up the whazzoo, smooth as silk and outstanding fuel economy! Thank you General Motors! Once again you have whizzed passed all the rest with a mile or more to spare!

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  Pretty good truck overall - 2007 GMC Canyon
  By Kev - May 7 - 2:13 pm

  Truck lacks in the power department, especially after putting any larger wheel/tires on. I added exhaust, high performance plugs, throttle body spacer, and knn air filter which all helped quite a bit. Exterior design is fabulous great looking truck. The auto locker in the rear is a great thing to have has saved me a lot especially being 2w. Interior with the vinyl floor is nice and easy to keep clean no carpet to worry about staining. Seats are uncomfortable @ best. Handles very well around corners. Manual version has low towing capacity.

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  Cracked Cylinder Heads - 2004 GMC Sierra 1500
  By formergmcguy - May 7 - 10:58 am

  At about 53,900 miles, my 2004 5.3L developed a ticking noise. Turned out to be cracked cylinder heads. $3800 repair bill. I had it repaired and traded it for a brand new Tundra with 5.7L engine. No regrets.

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  Disgusted Acadia Owner - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By LT - May 6 - 3:33 pm

  We purchased our Acadia in 9/07 because of its safety ratings, size, comfort and price. Initially we had no problem and loved the car until a year after we owned it. Then the leaks started (9/08) and were still having problems. First they installed the drain extension tubes for the sunroof but that didnt work. Ive had water leaks from my dome lights, grab handle,sun visor and on the floor of the passenger side. I also had the ignition switch replaced last month because the engine kept running with the key out of the ignition!! I am currently beginning the arbitration process!

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  Great little truck! - 2005 GMC Canyon
  By bill - May 5 - 11:26 am

  I bought my GMC Canyon used with 20k on it in early 2009. It is a well built and quality truck in my opinion. It has the 3.5 and automatic trans. and gets an average of 25-26 mpg. Very pleased with the truck and features and would recommend it to anyone who wants a smaller economical truck. I looked at Ford and the imports, and this GM truck is as good and maybe better and glad I bought it.

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  The Best Trruck On The Road - 2001 GMC Sierra 2500HD
  By JOE_FROM_MO - May 4 - 10:00 am

  I love my truck. It was bought to work and it does that. There is a lot of Maintnaice on this truck though. The style and beauty of this thing is awsome. I like the looks of this truck more than the new ones, but you know how guys are. We want the latest, greatest thing. Im sick of having to replace the main engine drive belt every 15000 miles. It starts squiling and I cant handle that. And it sucks the dealer never has the parts to fix a damn thing when you take there. You have to go back and forth two, three, or sometimes four times before anything gets fixed. great big bummer since there is not a dealer anywhere close to where i live.

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  Disatisfied buyer - 2006 GMC Envoy
  By gtp - May 3 - 9:40 pm

  I have had nothing but problems with this vehicle. From simple door locks to noisy windows to steering columns, transition 5 times, hatch shocks, ignitions, electrical, engine (multiple times)....It has left me stranded many times. On windy days it will switch lanes with out you even realizing it. I was disappointed in the power of the 4.2L V6. It works way to hard. Get the V8 (Gas mileage will even out). It does however handle well in the snow. I couldnt even sell this to sum one I would feel guilty knowing its a piece.

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  Best One Yet - 2008 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Best One Yet - May 2 - 12:46 pm

  After driving GMC trucks since 1974 this new 2008 Sierra is the best one yet. The interior is outstanding with great back support in the bucket seats; easy accesss to everything on the dash; to great controls on the steering whell. This is the first time for GMC to have cruise control on the steering wheel and it is much easier to operate. Performance is outstanding with the 5.3 engine and my gas mileage is good as well. With the 4-6-8 engine I get 24 to 25 mile to the gallon at 55 mph. Amazing! My friends drive Fords and Dodges and their milage is so bad 10-12 mile per gallon. Too bad they didnt buy a GMC. My company truck is a Ford 4x4 and on a good day it gets 12-13. Really sad.

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  Great Vehicle - 2009 GMC Acadia
  By Kyle - May 1 - 12:10 pm

  A couple of years ago I bought an Infiniti FX 35, it was very sporty and reliable, but it was too small and it bounced all over rougher payment. The Acadia (Outlook, Traverse etc.) has much more, is much more comfortable and has an incredibly smooth ride. GMC has a winner with this. I bought my Acadia about 6 weeks ago, I love it and so does my wife.

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  Absolutely Incredible - 2010 GMC Terrain
  By KiK - April 30 - 12:23 am

  This vehicle is amazing. Purchased it the week it came out fully loaded. This vehicle catches everyones attention, I have people constantly complimenting the vehicle and/or asking what it is. The 19" chrome wheels do take some of the smooth ride out, but nothing too serious. Especially if youre mainly driving on pavement, which most people will I am sure.