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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  So far, so great - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By robin - August 26 - 1:40 pm

  The title says it: So far, so great! We have loved the Acadia so far, and I really hope it stays that way! After buying Japanese for the past eight years, we braved the "American Front" once again! My only real concern is that there are multiple blind spots, so I am a little paranoid when backing up, and when changing lanes. You get used to checking a lot. We have loved the comfort, and always receive ooohs and ahhhs when people ride in the Acadia. Handles great, especially for the size, and you feel very safe inside, even in inclement weather. Good job!

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  Love my red Canyon - 2006 GMC Canyon
  By Jim - August 24 - 12:33 pm

  Excellent vehicle. Had 3 S-10s before. The 2.8 liter 4-cyl is 50% more powerful than my previous one. Its a stronger, nicer, quieter truck. Excellent fuel usage, mid to high 20s. With rebates, paid less than my old 1999.

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  Enjoy - 2006 GMC Canyon
  By i own one - August 13 - 4:47 pm

  Just bought a 2006 SLE I5 auto extended cab. I am get 18.88 miles per gallon in city, 21.96 on highway. Consumer Reports puzzles me. Nice smooth ride. It may feel like driving a truck to them , but that is what it is. I drove a Mustang for 5 years, a very good handling car, I dont miss the performance at all .

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  Best Full Size Truck....Bar None! - 2003 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Denny - August 13 - 12:06 am

  I bought this truck about a year ago. It was previously owned and I was the second owner. I shopped around looking at all of the "big three" offerings, I even checked out the Tundra and new Titan. I drove all of them. The Dodge was fastest (Hemi Powered) The Nissan Seemed to be the most Techie, Ya know gadgets and such. But the best overall was this GMC, Towing power is top shelf even with the baby 4.8 ltr. I still tow nearly 7000 lbs and its rated for even higher, not too shabby for a 1/2 ton, If you need to tow more, then obviously youd be 3/4 ton shopping. But all things considered, The GMC has the all around best value, Mabye not the best in all areas, but certainly superior in most.

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  The 2016 GMC Acadia Denali is my favorite vehicle - 2016 GMC Acadia
  By SUVoowwnner - August 12 - 6:50 am

  Ive read the other reviews and dont share their opinions, so I wanted to add mine. The 2016 GMC Acadia Denali is my favorite vehicle Ive ever owned. Ive had infiniti, honda, acura, pontiac, jeep, toyota, and now the GMC. Its the most solid, luxurious vehicle Ive owned. It isnt perfect and may not be what you are looking for, but for me, I traded my Toyota Sienna XLE minivan to go to this and got a luxury SUV while only losing a small amount of cargo space. My family and I love it. The heads up display is fantastic. I can remote start my car from my android app from anywhere on the planet and the car, based on outside temperatures, automatically turns on seat heaters and defrosters in the cold to warm it up. The towing rating is solid and the tow button works very well to control a heavy load. The seats are comfortable and I dont have back fat. Im 6, 168 pounds and wear a size 38 sport coat. I have no idea why someone would think you need to be fat to be comfortable in these seats. It escapes me. Also, the headrests do stick forward slightly for safety, but they are adjustable front to back in addition to up and down. Perhaps the other reviewer may be more comfortable by adjusting the headrests backward. The engine is also more than adequate to get 6 people around town and up a WV mountain with no issues at all. Now, my 0-60 time is not competitive with my 370z, but thats why I bought the 370z - not the Acadia. In my opinion, the generous cargo space, high towing capacity, plenty of seating and the level of luxury makes this my favorite SUV at the moment and my favorite car of all time. Hope you try it out and determine whether it works for you.

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  Hi Oh Silver - 2005 GMC Sierra 2500HD
  By dkwalker25 - August 9 - 7:10 am

  i love my pickup, hauls my 40HP massey with bucket and brush hog like its not even there. with banks big hoss bundle it hauls balls and doesnt think twice. awesome truck wouldnt give anything for it. its dependable, and with all the mods it catches eyes everywhere i go. as of now, until ford puts out the 6.7L would only recommend a duramax. cummins is good but everything around it is crap and rides like a semi. duramax is king right now. i just cant say how much i love my pickup.

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  GMC Sierra 4x4 - 2009 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Jack - August 6 - 1:23 am

  Ive had my truck for a year now and have driven it in a wide combination of environments consisting of rain, sand, mud, snow, and ice. The truck has performed flawlessly. I enjoy driving this truck as much today as the day I bought it...I just love it! Reliability has been perfect. One thing that Ill highlight is trucks handling and surefoot nature in snow and on ice. The 4x4 autotrac system is second to none. Ive been driving trucks for over 20 years and this truck is the best that Ive ever driven. Ive had the opportunity to drive all of the new truck releases and when Im done driving the other trucks; I can only say that I look forward to getting back behind the wheel of my GMC.

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  I Love it! - 2006 GMC Envoy
  By Bunnie - August 3 - 4:00 pm

  I am so thankful that I purchased my Denali! I went from a convertible which was fun to drive to an SUV overnight! I compared so many and found it to be priced very well, appointed luxuriously, & easy to drive. I have to admit, I was nervous about the fuel economy, but with the V8 and fuel displacement, it is not bad at all! I drive a lot of miles and this car makes my commute so much nicer.

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  08 GMC 3/4 duramax! is it worth it? - 2008 GMC Sierra 2500HD
  By qoh322 - August 2 - 9:26 am

  This truck drives awesome! Holds the road great and very powerful (duramax). Current gas mileage is only 15.5-16.7 still breaking in. Truck only has 600 miles. Color is sonoma red.

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  Second Review - 2004 GMC Envoy
  By POPO Rivi - July 31 - 3:49 am

  Ive had this Envoy with V6 engine SLE for over 2 years. The ride is still smooth as butter. This vehicle suprisingly, still handles the bumps very well. Like if Ive just purchased her yesterday. Havent had any major problems with her. Being a home owner, Im constantly making trips to Home Depot and Im glad I have the Envoy. The snow is never a problem for the Envoy. The running boards are a big plus to have. Did I mentioned the power...love the power she has. Ive driven other SUVs and so far, none can compare to her power.