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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  A real long term test - 2001 GMC Sierra 1500
  By motorbones - February 17 - 11:05 am

  After 13 years and 252,000 miles, i think its time a write a review. The engine is all original, and runs as good as the first day. The transmission failed after 150,000, but the new one is flawless. Aside for the normal consumables, I have had to replace one wheel bearing. Thats it. That, and the fact that I have two rather expensive cars sitting in the garage, but my wife always prefers the "truck" for its comfort and ride quality. Im sure someone out there will beat me up on how much better theyre doing with their Ram or Ford or Toyota, and I cant fault them... I dont know those trucks. But this truck doesnt show any signs that will give it up any time soon.

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  me again - 2008 GMC Sierra 1500
  By jeffhall - February 15 - 2:36 pm

  well 2008 gmc half ton 4x4 seirra. "heck i really dont know where to begin . it seems this truck looks good but i have had uncountable troble with it it has now 46914 miles and last night it was on the record being towed to the dealership becouse the locking diff engage coming out of my garssy back yard with a slight incline. and try alot of things to disingage the locking diff and i just didnt get it to disengage. anyways ..heres what ive had problems withother than what i just mentioned . flashes from under truck while driving, blinkers , tail lights fogging up, battery leaking all over the underhood side, gadges doing weird stuff, light display correctly, "ran out of space to keep typing.

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  Typhoon - 1992 GMC Typhoon
  By Asmo Smith - February 15 - 11:02 am

  Fast, Somewhat reliable, needs spark plugs at least every 12k. Most parts are obsolete or cost a fortune, or both. Fast fun, if you have lots of time to maintain it.

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  simply the best - 2008 GMC Sierra 1500
  By the truth ! - February 13 - 2:20 am

  gmc has a winner, hands down best all around truck made ! dodge has many issues, nissans are cheap,toyota overpriced and fords are big and bulky ! know people that own these trucks and they all say i never complain about any problems ! i am a gmc guy for life know ! test drive one and it will sale itself !

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  Shoulda kept my FORD - 2003 GMC Sierra 3500
  By Bob Sutliff - February 13 - 2:00 am

  Truck looks great! Fuel mileage (non towing) is not bad for a ton dually at 13 mpg. Towing is another story. Six (6) miles per gallon is the average for this 6.0L engine. Tow mileage is terrible and the truck is at its maximum performance on the interstate at 70mph. It absolutely has no power left.

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  The good and bad - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By bbrooks - February 11 - 7:43 pm

  Pros: Good Space and Featurues. Seats 7 Remote Start Heads up Display Drives well - After the transmission recall to adjust the shifting. Cons: Bad Sunroof! They have had severe problems with them leaking. I took mine back 4 times and it still leaked. Even after the GM recall work. They gave me a rental car and the rental person told me I was the 3rd leaking Acadia rental that week. Leather - Not as good as competitors. Doesnt wear well. Chrome Interior - Can blind you if the sun hits it right.

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  Proud New Owner - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By Patricia - February 10 - 9:16 pm

  I feel a little guilty being so excited about a vehicle! I got the carbon metallic w/ titanium leather - fully loaded. I traded in a 2004 Acura MDX, nice car - but never drove as comfortably as my Acadia. Its like GMC took all the features in my MDX - and improved on every one. Its very practical, convenient and handsome. My Acura was the first non American car I ever bought. Im proud to be back! Grandkids have dubbed it my Nana-Mobile!

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  I got a $29k truck for $22k.... - 2016 GMC Canyon
  By DJ - February 10 - 1:03 pm

  I was looking for a crew cab small truck for around $20k. Unfortunately, these days you dont have many options for $20k. Honda Ridgeline was way over priced, scarce to find a low trim model as most of the left Ridgeline was over $40k, Tacoma was also way over priced and the driving experience was horrible. I was left with a used Frontier which is a great small truck until my local GMC dealer had a couple of left over 2016 over stock Canyons that they knock off $7k. So I got a new $29k Canyon for $22k. For the a low trim, it is nicely equipped like electric seat, back up camera, and OnStar. No complain so far.

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  Very, very basic - 2007 GMC Canyon
  By Semi-satisfied - February 7 - 7:57 pm

  Good truck but very basic. Drive daily commute to work of 60 miles round-trip. Comfort is minimal compared to Ford Sport-Trac. Wide stance gives stable ride but very noisy inside. Needs better sound- proofing and door gaskets. Hard to see ignition key due to big steering wheel center. Hard to find and connect to the power outlets beneath the dash. Needs interior storage behind seats and read seat headrests block vision out back window.

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  350,000 Km and still humming - 1996 GMC Suburban
  By Bill Milne - February 7 - 12:30 pm

  Purchased this vehicle coming off lease at 160,000km. Used to pull 24 ft 6000lb Bayliner boat for years and family to cottage and run deliveries for a business. Only problem is 3 replacements of fuel pump. Suggest use full synthetic oil for winter driving for quieter startups. Fuel milage: incredable for SUV this size, 21 MPG on highway and 18 in city. Great family and business vehicle