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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  DENALI - 2007 GMC Yukon XL
  By LARRYH - April 12 - 9:46 pm

  This is our third Yukon second Denali and its great. Its drivability, style,accesories and comfort are exceptional. My wife bought it for me for mothers day and we have driven it everyday since. It has plenty of power, handles bumpy roads with the smoothness of our Lexus. The interior with the XM radio makes you want to just sit in the car. We were discussing putting in a DVD and sit in the back and watch a movie but it did not come with popcorn. seriously very happy with this vehicle.

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  Initial Report on SLT 1500 4WD - 2005 GMC Yukon XL
  By M C - April 11 - 11:13 am

  Dealer searched this one out for me to get the desired features as I moved from a 1995 K2500 6.5 turbodiesel. Excellent, smooth and comfortble ride, with Autoride & Stabilitrak playing a big role in smoothness & stability. The seats (SD option highly recommended) are fabulous, especially for those with bad backs, providing excellent support. Excellent build quality, everything fits, no rattles, and minimal wind noise. The 3.42 gear ratio provides about 18.7 mpg at 65 - 70 mph, over 21 mpg at 55 mph--all on regular gas. I did replace the 17" B- stone Dueler HT 684 with Cooper Discoverer ATR, a move I am very glad I made. All in all, an excellent vehicle, providing comfort, room, and safety

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  Best Car! - 2009 GMC Acadia
  By Mike M - April 11 - 8:32 am

  This is one of my favorite cars I have ever owned. Went from a Grand Caravan to this. With 3 kids the fact that they can watch a movie while I listen to the radio is awesome. The ride is terrific as well. Find the Navigation system is nice but has some funky routes every so often. Garmin hand held seems more accurate at times. I have the backup camera and dont know what I would do without it! gets you into spots nicely!

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  jacks toy - 2000 GMC Sierra 2500
  By jackj - April 10 - 2:00 am

  rear brakes and parking brake leave something to be desired. Rear rotors rust decreasing overall braking power and make the parking brake all but useless. Good power and excellent towing vehicle for horse trailer. Two piece drive shaft failed during our second towing excursion. Dealership replaced with a single piece unit. Now it hums while you drive but has proven to be reliable. Unit stuck in 4wd during -20 degree weather. Again dealership repaired. Dealership was cooperative in making repairs.

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  Wonderful truck - 2006 GMC Sierra 1500
  By ericfromhouston - April 10 - 12:53 am

  This truck has been great. The room is fantastic and the ride is a dream. My wife loves the way she can drive this truck and not feel intimidated. I love the power and the feel of the way the truck handles in all situations. GMC has defined the term "Texas - Cadillac."

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  So Far, Pretty Good - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By So Far, Pretty Good - April 9 - 1:30 am

  Ive had the truck for only a couple of weeks so far, but Ive already noticed the gas mileage is way below advertised. Im only getting about 15 mpg! It looks great though, it rides smooth, and the kids love the sunroof and DVD player. The chrome trim does reflect too much sunlight in your eyes. Its my first GMC, so well see how reliable it is. It rides more like a sedan than a truck, very comfortable.

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  So far so good - 2003 GMC Envoy
  By Sherry - April 8 - 9:25 am

  I bought this from the original owner, so far i love it i previously owned a equinox and the ride is so much better in this the interior is awesome and the leather seats are very comfortable, the only things i find could be improver is where the front cupholders are at and the back seat should be further back cause theres not much leg room back there.

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  Love it! - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By Margaret - April 7 - 6:23 am

  Ive only had it for a little over a week but so far loving it. The only negative is the fuel economy. My kids love the dual moonroof and the DVD player. I love the way it handles. I loved my Honda Odyssey but I was ready to not have a "Mommy Mobile" and this fits the bill. I still have room to cart around my childrens friends without having to drive a van. I have never purchased American but so far so good. I was also deciding between Mazda CX-9 and Acadia and after talking to my mechanic he pushed me to the GMC. He said Mazda parts are hard to get and American made vehicles have come a long way over the last several years.

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  Absolutly Satisfied - 2002 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Durakingdiesel - April 6 - 3:20 am

  This truck is awesome. Only had one problem with it and that was the intermediate steering shaft replaced at no charge. The 4.8 had plenty of grunt. Spins the rear tires no problem (even at 1/4 throttle). The 4 wheel drive just goes in the snow no spin at all. It tows like theres nothing there which is awesome. It gets very decent gas mileage too I get about 17 18 city.

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  Problems to plan for - 2001 GMC Sierra 1500
  By pretell - April 5 - 10:00 am

  Be aware that when you get your GMC, on the freeway or expressway that you will feel "freeway hop". This is a problem that GMC knows about but will do nothing to fix. Because most people will not test-drive a new vehicle on a freeway, this is a problem that will not show up until that first time you drive your new truck on the freeway, and think the alinement is out, and take it back to the dealer, only to be told that GM is aware of the problem, and put a lot of weight in the rear of the bed. Contacting the 1-800 number did not produce any results either. Hope this helps at this one other person before they buy.