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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  Perfect - 2009 GMC Acadia
  By Brian Crawford - January 31 - 6:20 pm

  we liked everything about this vehicle. I rides just a bit harder than thee Enclave, but after owning a dodge Durango for five years we kind of liked a little bit of the truck/suv feel to it. We had to purchase a one year extended warranty to extend the life of the loan out to 72 months instead of 60, and also built into the loan dvd players in the head rest of the two front seat the come with wireless headsets for $1,650. This will keep the kids from fighting more.

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  Ready to Move On - 2000 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Red - January 30 - 5:20 am

  I purchased this vehicle new and have enjoyed it. However, there have been some quality issues. Interior panels have all been very noisy and loose from the day it was driven off the lot. The digital odometer module quit lighting-up at 35,000 miles. Still keeps accurate mileage, just never know "how many" miles. Not much value to me any more. Will be donating it to charity by the end of this year. Hope it will help others.

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  Awesome - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By Carolyn - January 26 - 9:40 am

  This is by far the best automobile I have owned. I feel very safe and secure with what Acadia offers me and my family. It handles very well in curves and isnt top heavy like so many SUVs. I know it is a crossover but it is often mistaken for a SUV. The safety rating is out of this world.

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  Acadia - 2007 GMC Acadia
  By jfrosen000 - January 25 - 4:16 pm

  I had never heard of this crossover when I was looking to replace my 2003 Rendezvous, I had almost given up on current SUV models when I stumbled on this perfectly equiped Acadia on the dealers floor. Aside from the minor problem with the transmission downshifting, Id put this ahead of any other crossover on the market. Why doesnt GMC do more to market these?

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  Double edged sword - 2000 GMC Jimmy
  By Andy - January 25 - 3:47 pm

  Bought it in 2001 with 64K. Now has 311K. Wheel bearings replaced twice. Ball joints and front end done. Head gasket blew at 100K. Brakes yearly. Fuel pump. Major valve job. Alternators every 18 months. New battery every 3 years. Fantastic to drive, (live in Western Canada) Horrible to maintain. The double edged is that it does what its supposed to but at high maintenance. Rear wiper motor is absolute rubbish. Shocks are on their way out. Put the best tyres you can afford on it and it stays on the road in the worst conditions. Gas mileage leaves something to be desired.

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  Buyer Beware - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By DJB - January 25 - 9:16 am

  I purchased my SLT1 in January of 08 thats when my nightmare started. The transmission hesitation was terrible. The steering column was replaced after five months and the water leaks started. The vehicle developed mold and is still leaking and experiencing electrical problems.

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  Great SUV - 2008 GMC Yukon
  By quikag - January 24 - 3:47 pm

  I love driving my 08 Yukon Denali. The power is good, the comfort is awesome and its just a nice SUV to drive. With the deals out there on these trucks, its definitely worth checking out. I got $16k off sticker on a loaded 08 towards the end of the model year.

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  Nice Vehicle - 2001 GMC Jimmy
  By K.P. - January 23 - 1:10 pm

  We bought this Vehicle in 2007, because of the design other amenitites it came with. It only had 49,000 miles on it when we bought it. It now has 81,000 miiles and it needs lower ball joints, seals on the motor cause it leaks bad and other minor stuff. We keep the oil changed regularly. Now, we dont drive it at all. When we bought it, it still had a warranty and I took it back to be fixed, of course the warranty doesnt cover any of the things wrong with it. I would like to trade it. I wont buy another one. It has heated seats on both driver and passenger side in the front and memory seats on the driver side. Both of these options were what sold us on it,including leather and other options

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  Another Love/Hate realationship - 1997 GMC Safari
  By Ozzmier - January 23 - 5:39 am

  When I bought my Safari it had 45,000 miles on it. Around 130,000 my brakes finally wore down and I got new ones. Around 140,000 miles my power steering pump blew and I bought a new one. Around 145,000 miles my a/c and heat stopped working with the exception of a warm defrost. The 2nd heat censor blew. Then, around 160,000 my fuel pump died on me. Now it is sitting in my driveway waiting for a new coil because that blew about 3 days ago ( 173,000 miles). It has been a workhorse, a family vehicle and more. I love the Safari, and until 130,000 miles it never failed me. I would recommend it to anyone who is interested. As long as you keep it maintained as you would expect from any verhicle.

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  No one comes between me and my GMC - 2016 GMC Sierra 1500
  By Chaplain Bob Johnson - January 23 - 1:16 am

  I have driven nothing but GMC trucks since 1985. This truck is the smoothest, technology driven, comfortable, safest and the best GMC I have ever owned. All of my buddies are drooling. Before I would lend out my truck to friends and family to use for all sorts of reasons....now no one can use it....Im being stingy. Ill only let my wife drive it....but she dont wanna drive it....which is just fine by me. I cant say enough about just how great and reliable this truck is. I have the Iridem Metallic color and believe me when Im driving around town I get plenty of thumbs up. The interior even beats out my Acura RDX for features and comfort. My advise is buy one....if you can get a 2016 buy it....Kelly Blue Book says the price for the 2016 is much better and lower than the 2017 for essentially the same exact vehicle.