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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  Buy it back GM! - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By rob619 - April 18 - 12:40 pm

  I had this SUV for about 3 yrs. and had nothing but problems from steering pump, oil leaks, stalling when it rains, and my 3 new transmission put in sense I had this car one of the worst purchase Ive ever made.

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  My Jimmy - 2001 GMC Jimmy
  By SN09 - April 14 - 11:15 am

  When I first bought it off the dealership I had to have them replace the thermostat, radiator. I havent had any big problems since then, but it does seem like its slowly slipping. They charged way to much money for this SUV and its a gas hog!

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  Hunk of Junk - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By lemonowner08 - April 13 - 1:43 pm

  This vehicle has leaking issues if you have the sunroof option. It has engine, air conditioning, heater, and electronic problems. The lumber and seat belt height adjusters are either broke from factory or break soon after. This is not a safe vehicle. GM will do very little to help and our local dealership couldnt and wouldnt do anything. We had to take it to another dealership in another city to get the problems and recalls fixed. We are still having problems and residuals of past problems like the headliner full of water rings from past leaks. Now we have a wheel bearing going out. 21,000 miles and a lot of problems. Just avoid this vehicle.

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  Mines also a lemon! - 2006 GMC Canyon
  By ihatemytruck - April 11 - 4:57 pm

  Have had it for 3 months, bought it with 38,000 miles. Has already been to the shop twice for things that arent covered by the extended warranty. Has a big powerful 4 cyl however my 350,000 mile 92 Toyota PU with half the power can out tow it, WAY OUT ACCELERATE IT, and is much more comfortable, better quality and gets 10 mpg more hwy. Did I mention the Toyota was totaled twice and hit twice before i bought it and then i was hit in it? Still on the road to.

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  Beware-Transmission Problems - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By khubb - April 5 - 9:35 pm

  I loved this vehicle up until recently. I bought this vehicle brand new, now at 53,000 miles, it is currently in the shop because my transmission needs to be rebuilt. I am so disappointed and the warranty will not be extended. This is my first and last GMC vehicle, because I no longer trust the vehicle. I also know someone who has the Outlook and they needed a new engine at 40,000. OMG, when I pay this baby off, I am going back to Honda. Do not walk, but RUN AWAY from this vehicle.

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  Uncomfortable at any speed - 2009 GMC Acadia
  By julian lupenski - April 2 - 3:47 pm

  Drivers seat lumbar feels like someone is poking you in the back. Uses a piston instead of bladder so Im told by dealership. Passenger seat has more comfort. Sluggish at takeoff when cold. Muffler and other components are ripe for damage. Placement below frame. Do not recommend anyone to buy.

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  Duped - 2010 GMC Acadia
  By douped - April 1 - 11:17 am

  Very little good to say. Interior needs a handle at the drivers door for those of us that are mobility impaired and way to many little buttons to be pushing while driving. Dash is very distracting and confusing. Interior size is the best feature. I would not buy another one!

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  A Solid All Around Vehicle - 2000 GMC Jimmy
  By Teach2010 - March 24 - 6:52 pm

  It doesnt have the greatest style, highway wind noise is way too loud, the plastic interior feels very cheap and the exterior design is very basic. Those are the cons. The pros are that it is a very reliable car. I have not had one problem with it. Its driving comfort is quite good and it is good for hauling. If what you want is a solid vehicle that is reliable and piratical for yourself or a teenagers first car. You would do well with this one.

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  Sick of Being Nickel and Dimed to Death - 2006 GMC Envoy
  By rrh36 - March 15 - 9:10 pm

  Bought the 2006 Envoy SLE in Oct 2008. Things went well for a while, but after the first 6 months of driving, been nothing by problem after problem. Engine had high pitched squeal which was bad bearings in idler pulley. Then the spare tire would not come off the underside. Had to cut the cable and replace the entire spare tire holder. Fuel gauge quit working. And most recently, had to replace water pump. Bearings shot in that too and cant even do it yourself without a "special tool." I will NEVER buy another GMC and I hope GM goes under because of their selling of product with such horrible reliability.

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  Needs more cup holders - 2009 GMC Envoy
  By John - March 2 - 12:22 pm

  This vehicle only has 2 cup holders for driver and passenger. The trailblazer has 3. There is only carpet for your left foot bump out on drivers side. The trailblazer had a cover over the carpet. The drivers seat is to big. It makes it difficult to get at the pockets in the door. The front bumper is flawed. There is no foam behind the bumper. In two spots where there is a support the metal pushes against the bumper causing it to bulge out. Car was only 2 months old when this was noticed. Dealer was suppose to replace bumper but they bondod the bumper. You could see where it was bondod. I had a fit.