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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  Not your grandfathers diesel. - 2006 GMC Sierra 2500HD
  By Paul Connell - February 7 - 12:23 am

  Replaced my 2001 8.2 L Silverado HD crew cab with this truck. Basically the same vehicle, but with a 6-speed Allison tranny and a Duramax diesel. Compared to the older truck, it has a little better build quality, (not quite up to Japanese standards, but very good--not enough to really matter) vigorous acceleration, and incredible torque. Diesel is surprisingly quiet, and GM is less "trucky," compared to Dodge and Ford. Mileage averages around 16-19 mpg, with 12 mpg towing a 35ft. 5th wheel. Rugged enough for big truck jobs, but civilized enough to use as an everyday vehicle. Nice balance. Reliable, handsome. Quantum improvement over diesels even from a few years back.

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  17 Acadia SLT1 test drive - 2017 GMC Acadia
  By G H Envoy - February 6 - 4:43 am

  Coming from a 2006 Envoy this new size is about the same and perfect size. I would not consider buying the original Acadia five years ago b/c it is huge and heavy. So I kept the troublefree Envoy. But GMC is now back in the mid size game... I expect to be buying.

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  Not too bad - 2005 GMC Envoy
  By EnvoyOwner - February 4 - 6:24 pm

  My Envoy has treated me well. I have put it through hell and it has been treating me like its new. I do have a complaint about the wind noise from the doors and a rattling in the driver door and the back doors creek when you open them. The fuel economy isnt all too impressive either. All in all though, its been a great vehicle and is very reliable. The 4.2 Vortec is almost bulletproof!

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  Beware the Acadia, you will be sorry - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By tarheelrebel - February 4 - 6:03 pm

  We bought the Acadia after several good runs with the Yukon and Suburban vehicles. It is attractive and has ample room inside. But the FLAWS, my God. Cruise control failure in a module that kills the tail lights sun roof leaks that short out the electrical systems cheap PLASTIC everywhere inside. Poor visibility for parking front and rear. Ours has been in and out of the dealership MANY times total time in shop in excess of 26 days since brand new. Not only can we NOT recommend an Acadia, we likely will never again purchase from GMC. Very little assistance from the base level to the top there is a REASON GM is going BROKE--they are cranking out JUNK. Thousands of Acadias on lots.

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  Best bang for your buck! - 2007 GMC Sierra 1500
  By vortexatuomotive - February 4 - 4:53 am

  I bought this tuck a week ago and so far so good with 800 miles in one week on the clock. Fit and finish of the truck is awsome inside and out. The interior has tons of head and leg room. More room in the back seat area than the 2007 Ford F150 by far. Fuel economy with the 5.3 V8 with AFM got me 19 MPG highway and city driving, which is much beter than the F150. The engine packs a hell of a punch and the locking rear differential works like a charm. The truck looks like a truck should look, big bulky and stylish. Also road noise is kept to a minimum in the cab while crusing down the highway at 70 MPH.

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  07 SLE 1500 - 2007 GMC Sierra 1500
  By epbog - February 4 - 12:10 am

  I upgraded from an 03 Chevy 1500 LS. This is a far superior truck, but they took out a few of the minor conveniences like express down passenger window, separate cargo box light control, and overhead storage (not that this truck is short on storage)! The engine is noticeably stronger and smoother, but shift points at low/mid throttle acceleration could be better, or a 5 or 6 speed transmission. Also, my 03 had rear disc brakes and this truck has drums. Havent towed yet so I cant tell if there is a real difference in stopping power yet. Great for a full size truck with this kind of power. I have always been a Ford guy, but the style and power of this truck is changing my mind!

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  Happy with my Jimmy - 2000 GMC Jimmy
  By lucas - February 3 - 1:00 pm

  My Jimmy drives very smooth after nine years of straight ownership. No major repairs nor problems with it. I like the way it sits high, but not too high. I also like the gas mileage I get from my 4.6L.

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  WHY! Did They Stop Making Them??? - 2001 GMC Safari
  By GMC all the way - February 3 - 12:29 pm

  Just love this Van! This is my second I purchased the first on brand new in 1990 with a high top, swivel seats, TV, VCR... after 156,000 miles I bought a 2001 in 2002 and still have it today. It has 163,000 miles and still going. Im 6-8" tall and 360 lbs. The van is a work horse. I fit like a glove It has gone to Florida and all parts northeast. I used it to move my tools and merchandise in both of my businesses. Why oh Why did they stop making this creature of love!!! I will miss you and will with all my heart try to keep what I have for as long as it will run. I have replaced many components, but that OK I want to keep it for a long time. Long Live the Astro and Safari Vans...

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  piece o crap - 1996 GMC Safari
  By jldude - February 2 - 7:20 pm

  i paid 3000 dollars for mine in 2006, since then ive put almost 3000 into keeping it running. 1 cooling fan, 2 alternators, 1 fuel pump, 1 fuel filter, 1 fuel line, 4 new tires, brakes(all of them), two window motors, 1 windshield wiper motor, 2 starters, and 1 right front ball axle joint. the cigarette lighter is broken, a/c has major leak(doesnt work), locks freeze easy in the winter(ohio), rear defrost and heat dont work, rear door handle broke and doesnt latch shut. no way would i ever tell anyone to consider buying this van, in fact if you see one on the road look away, chances are something might go wrong on Your car!

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  Happy - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By KT - February 2 - 7:41 am

  I kept my old car for 12 years waiting for a car I liked. Loved the look of the Acadia when it came out so I researched it thoroughly and test drove it before purchasing the 2008 SLT 2 AWD in 2007(no DVD or Nav). I love it. My family of four drove from NJ to NC last summer, filled to capacity w/the cruise control on--22 mpg...not bad. I feel very safe driving this car at night. Headlights/fog lights really illuminate the road. The dome lights stay lit entering and exiting and the headlights, taillights and backup lights stay lit as well, giving full view around the car. Great in the snow and ice too--even on inclines and declines.