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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  2006 2500HD Duramax - 2006 GMC Sierra 2500HD
  By Jlaw - June 23 - 10:00 am

  2nd Duramax, had a 2002. Good truck still original brakes at 56k miles. Interior has held up well, get the leather if possible. Engine and trans bullet proof. I tow 10,000 lb camper and boats at 70 MPH all the way to Florida from Texas. Debating going back to gas engine do not tow as much these days. Great truck overall.

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  Nice Product! - 2002 GMC Envoy
  By Doug Adams - June 23 - 2:00 am

  After a year of owning this SUV, we are pleased overall. Very comfortable to drive, average mileage. I have owned Expedition, Explorers, etc. and am pleased to move back to GM. Im having a little difficulty adjusting to size after Expedition. Only one small problem in a year (leaking water). Good performance in the 6 cyl engine! Very quiet to drive. Would recommend this vehicle to anyone.

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  Great car - 2016 GMC Acadia
  By Liv W - June 21 - 5:06 pm

  After debating on a Yukon or Acadia I went with the 2016 Acadia Denali AWD. After owning the car for almost a year I wish I would have gone for the Yukon instead. The car is clearly made for young kids especially in the back seats! The captains chairs in the 2nd row need to be able to lean all the way back and they are quite tricky to try and fold to get people out of the 3rd row. They also need to be a tad bit wider for the average adult. The thing I hate most about the car is the cup holders! They were clearly built for little kids drinks so nothing large will go in them and if you do get them in and shut the car door it falls right out and then makes a mess!! The trunk space is also nice but if you have a car load dont plan on hauling much luggage! Another thing I hate about the car is when you are driving you can not type in an address in the navagation system. I do realize this is a safety feature but it can sometimes be annoying! The car sometimes seems like it has trouble figuring out when to shift and when you sit in the 2nd row you can hear it. The car is also quite heavy feeling so its hard to slow it down! The car also drinks gas pretty fast at 17 mpg. The overall look of the car is very nice and the chrome details really make the car. If GMC could fix the issues Ive explained the car would be absolutely perfect!

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  What is it this time - 1999 GMC Jimmy
  By Casinodario - June 19 - 2:00 am

  Major problem with this SUV is WHEEL BEARINGS and they are not cheap. It is not normal that I had to replace BEARINGS after such a short time. Another thing that did not impress me was the front seats, both reclyner mechanism broke off at the handel and they are made with real cheap metal and the cost to replace it $90.00 each. Called GMC and they said it happens alot but will not replace the part. Can not recline the seat anymore

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  rollins review - 2000 GMC Sonoma
  By rollin1176 - June 18 - 2:00 am

  Everything about this vehicle other than personal prefrences opted not to purchase at time of purchase was overall very satisfying. I have been very pleased with this vehicle and would recommend it to all small truck buyers.

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  Good Van - 2000 GMC Safari
  By L Mummau - June 17 - 2:00 am

  Bought New as leftover, had minor electrical problems, rides nice and has lots of torque. Towing is a breeze. Air conditioner not as cold as I like. A sled on Ice, Snow or heavy rain. Hauls a lot easily. Happy with vehicle so far. Like all GMs Ive owned are put together a little sloppy. Engine & Tranny Strong.

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  Great Truck - 1999 GMC Yukon
  By Steve1 - June 14 - 2:00 am

  This is the best vehicle I have ever owned, and Ill probably put 200,000 miles on it before Im done. My only complaint is a common one, the brakes are not suitable for a vehicle of this weight (A problem corrected in the 2000 model). If you dont drive like a maniac youll have no problems stopping, but the front brakes will wear out quickly no matter what you driving habits are. Also, if you set your cruise control to 65, you can get 18-19 MPG on the highway. Thats pretty good for a 5000 pound truck.

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  love my suv!! - 2004 GMC Yukon XL
  By zeldac1 - June 12 - 2:00 am

  love my suv!!! Great on long trips, traveling with kids and in the mountains

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  2010 Terrain/AWD/V-6 - 2010 GMC Terrain
  By Bob - June 11 - 11:33 am

  We have owned this vehicle for over 6 weeks and we are very disappointed in the gas mileage. With only 1100 miles so far the best hwy mileage is 17.8. We like the exterior style very much with lots of positive comments coming from strangers. The drivers seat is of the most comfortable seat I have had in a long time. The negatives are: no power passenger seat, no garage door link opener, back-up camera in the rear view mirror is a distraction, no dual heat controls and I cant get used the door lock on the dash. We like the looks and driving the vehicle very much.

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  High Cost of Ownership - 1997 GMC Suburban
  By dls - June 4 - 2:00 am

  By far the most costly vehicle I have ever owned (and I consider myself a GM guy). Although I love this vehicle for trips and towing my boat and motocross trailer it has cost me dearly over the past 12 months. Repairs to the transfer case, power steering pump, rear universals, sway bar connecting rods and upper and lower coolant intakes have cost me just under $2500 this year. With only 70K miles on the vehicle I had hoped to own it for another 70K-80K miles. I expect the poor gas mileage, wear and tear and brake pads and a new battery every three years, its a big vehicle and I bought it with my eyes open.