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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  Well-built truck - 2010 GMC Sierra 2500HD
  By sierra - June 7 - 10:53 am

  I recently purchased a 2010 2500hd 6l gas truck with 6 speed tranny, i am very pleased with the towing and ride quality of the truck, it pulls the 7000 pound trailer with ease, i would recommend this truck for anyone looking for a cheaper alternative rather than diesel.it has 200 km but i am sure fueld milage will improve, currently said 14 mpg highway towing 10 mpg, but not broke in yet.

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  The best full size SUV - 2004 GMC Yukon XL
  By the best truck - June 7 - 4:36 am

  The best truck, best cargo space, Theres not lot of space in 3 row seat and 2, but there is a lot of good stuff in it.

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  Great Truck ! - 2008 GMC Sierra 1500
  By bigsky - June 6 - 11:43 pm

  GM hit it out of the park on this one! I bought the SLT with All Terrain package and its a great combination. Drive the Tundra then buy the GMC.

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  Great cross over - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By Joe C - June 5 - 2:33 pm

  We have drive the Acadia on both short and long trips. It rides great, handle well and gets 21 miles to a gallon!

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  Nothing Compares - 2004 GMC Yukon XL
  By Jon - June 5 - 2:20 am

  I own a valet parking company and have drivin everything under the sun. This is by far the best vehicle on the road! There is simply not a smoother ride in an suv and the GMC knows americans expect luxury. I drove this vehicle down the appalation mountain chain from Maine to Florida and was comfortable and confident the entire way. Short story: I was at a complete stop, Got hit from behind by a by a buick going about 40mhp and barly noticed. The buick was totaled and driver was hospitalized. The yukon had a couple scratches on the bumper.

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  Acadia Family - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By Terrence - June 5 - 12:56 am

  My driving experience has been excellent. Very hard car to find on dearlership lots. My previous vehicle was a 2002 Envoy XL. I was disappointed with GMs decision not continue Envoy XL (3rd row) for 2007. However, this vehicle makes up the difference in a big way. I am very pleased with the design and technology for the vehicle. It really should priced higher than listed on the window. I purchased a fully loaded Acadia and it will take me sometime to figure out all the capabilities included on this vehicle. Way to go GM, finally it feels good again that an American manufacturer has step up to the plate with a very good design. Excellent family vehicle.

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  Best Truck - 2006 GMC Canyon
  By Roy - June 4 - 9:29 am

  This truck has plenty of power for a 4 cylinder, 175 hp! I have the 5-speed and it is fun to drive and handles the road great. I have been averaging 26~28 mpg. It looks like a mid scale version of the large ones. I highly recommed it over any in its class.

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  This is one super 3/4 ton truck - 2008 GMC Sierra 2500HD
  By Bill - June 4 - 8:00 am

  Bought an 08 Duramax 4x4 last month and just love the this truck. Ride is very predictable for a 3/4 ton, little harsh but if you wanted a smooth ride go with the 1/2 ton. The diesel has got a lot of horsepower. I love the quick acceleration this truck offers. I pull a trailer that goes about 6000 lbs. If youre looking for a truck to tow and gets generous fuel economy this is the truck.

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  Denali - 2006 GMC Envoy
  By GREGORY WESTER - June 3 - 9:16 pm

  It is a great SUV. Gas mileage is fair with DOD fuel management but it is an SUV so what do you expect? Great interior and exterior and is very fun to drive. Love the sunroof, DVD player, Bose system, NAV and CD player. I just wish that it came with a CD changer with the navigation system.

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  GMC Yukon - 2002 GMC Yukon
  By Katrina - June 2 - 11:53 am

  I love this vehicle. It is just big enough to haul everything and small enough to enjoy! The ride and comfort surpasses any vehicle that I have owned in the past. The only complaint that I might have is the access to the 3 row of seats..but then I very rarely use them and dont have to get ride there anyway. There is not anything I can say bad about my vehicle. In the 3 1/2 years that I have driven this vehicle we have only had to replace the starter and one of the u-joints.That in my opinion can only be called reliability to the max!