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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  No More Minivan - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By A convert - June 23 - 6:00 am

  We just turned in our Toyota Siena and bought our first American-made car. I think GM cracked the code on this vehicle. We have 3 kids and my wife wanted the convenience and functionality of a minivan and I wanted the look and feel of a sporty SUV. The Acadia has it all. It is very roomy inside and 3 adults can easily access and sit in the 3rd row. Plus there is ample storage behind the 3rd row which many cross-overs dont have.

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  Great truck - 2005 GMC Canyon
  By Goden - June 22 - 10:55 am

  Ive used this truck for hauling and as a daily driver. Great little truck, very smooth 5 speed, comfortable for a bench seat.

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  Great vehicle! - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By Mike Freeman - June 21 - 11:50 am

  I love this car. I truly enjoy the feel of a crossover vehicle. I have gotten great mileage and no so great, but overall, I do just about as good as I did with the Pontiac a G6 that I had previously.

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  Very Happy - 2004 GMC Yukon
  By DC Whiteboy - June 16 - 9:42 pm

  I am glad I bought this Yukon and that we got every option we wanted on it. I expect 250,000 to 500,000 miles out of this Yukon.Solid and comfortable ride. Fuel usage is O.K.. But this vehicle was not bought for fuel economy any way.

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  Used to have a Ford - 1999 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Turtle316 - June 15 - 10:00 am

  This is a very good truck, the suspension is solid enough for a load and it rides a helluva lot better tha nmy old truck under no load. The 5.3 has more than enough power to tow anything that I will ever pull, even with 5 people and a bed full of camping equipment there was very little noticable lag. Although I have always been a Ford guy this truck caught my attention and has not let me down yet. I dont really like the amount of plastic on the interior at least it still has metal bumpers which is more than I can say about most vehicles now. Overall I love this truck and will probably get another one when the time comes

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  #1 Vehicle Ive ever had - 2002 GMC Sierra 2500HD
  By Momma - June 15 - 2:43 am

  I love it! Wouldnt drive anything else. Purchased in 2002 - now its 2008 and I wouldnt trade it for another! This pick up has never given me trouble, not even a flat tire. Perfect pick up! I love to drive it

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  Nice Ride - 2005 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Truck - June 11 - 1:56 am

  I considered the Tundra and new F150 and am very happy with my choice. It is powerful enough to easily pull my 20 powerboat and the ride is like a big, roomy luxury car. I like that I can select the automatic 4WD mode and forget about it on dry pavement without hurting anything. Unlike on the Tundra, the back seat of my extended cab version is actually usable for adults.

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  Best truck Ive ever owned - 2006 GMC Sierra 1500
  By rick spriggs - June 10 - 2:33 pm

  It has 4 wheel steering and it is great when im towing my trailers or I need to park in a tight spot. The truck has all the power I need and it gets about 18-19 mpg, 16 mpg when towing. The seats are like sitting in a lazyboy, very comfortable. I love my truck.

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  Power and Good Looks at a Great price! - 1999 GMC Sierra 1500
  By kendawg - June 9 - 2:00 am

  I purchased this truck used in December of 2002. It has been a great truck so far, with lots of power (5.3L) and nice features. I have not had to do anything other than regular maintenance (oil changes, transmission service, brakes, etc,,)I have always been a Ford man, but now that has changed. When I sell this truck I am definetly going to get another GMC.

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  Great Truck - 2001 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Gary - June 8 - 5:06 am

  Overall this was a fun truck to own and drive. The fact that Im sitting here typing is a testiment to how well its built. I rear ended a semi- trailer at approx 50 MPH on the ice. Bumper went under read of trailer and engine took full impact. No air bag deployment becuase of this, but I was safe and sound. My only complaint would be that ALL GM trucks 1999 to 2001 have an issue with air leakage on the passenger side, making it extremely uncomfortable for the passenger in cold climates. Despite the fact I have a repair bulletin on this GM acted dumb abouot the problem the times I called to complain.