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:

• 

  Very Powerful. Very Comfortable - 2007 GMC Sierra 2500HD
  By Dennymax - January 21 - 10:23 pm

  I have been driving my truck for about a year & a half. I was excited at first because it was new. Now I am still excited! The Duramax/Allison is a just a great design. There is so much power for towing. This truck should come with a warning light reminding you that a trailer is attached because you will forget that its there! No more "white knuckle" driving while towing, built in brake controller works really well. This is just flat out awesome! The seats are like flying 1st class, interior is much improved. SLT has all the goodies, more like a luxury car, except its a truck. Why have a car anymore?

• 

  I love my envoy - 2004 GMC Envoy
  By B cahan - January 21 - 2:00 am

  I have owned my envoy for 2 1/2 years and have had no trouble at all from it so far. I would recommend this car to anyone that loves suv type vehicles. The mileage is not great but 19-20 is ok if you are expecting it and not surprised by it. The pickup and is awesome for when you step on the gas it flys.

• 

  I love my Envoy! - 2004 GMC Envoy
  By bella1576 - January 21 - 2:00 am

  I recently purchased a 2004 Envoy SLT 4wd and I have never loved a vehicle more! I disagree with edmunds review about the steering. The ride is so smooth you forget you are in a truck. The leather interior is beatuful and it has so many options after a month I am still discovering them. In the snow it handled perfectly. I highly recommend this SUV for someone who wants power with refinement.

• 

  Love this Denali - 2008 GMC Yukon
  By Saul Boyd - January 18 - 10:29 am

  I have driven and owned many automobiles. The Denali is a pleasure to drive. I traded my TrailBlazer in for the new Denali and the gas is not any worse than my TrailBlazer. It was a nice auto. I looked at every auto maker Toyota, Lexus, and others from outside the country only to find not one could pull me away from GMC.

• 

  Loved it at first, now not so sure! - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By gina - January 16 - 9:35 pm

  We have had our Acadia 1 year. We have an engine noise that cant be fixed. Dealership has changed motor mounts, air conditioner compressors, drained oil from the new air conditioner compressor and still the noise is present. The car used to accelerate great but now you must floor it to get the car to go anywhere. Seriously GMC, a brand new car should not be in the repair shop for 17 days in 1 month! We are going to either just cut our losses and eat the fact that the car depreciated $16K in 1 calender year or try our chances with the lemon law. I knew we should not have bought American! Never again GMC!

• 

  Service Tire Monitor, A/C, Heating - 2005 GMC Yukon XL
  By Disappointed - January 15 - 5:46 am

  This vehicle is not worth the money until they get all the kinks out of the system. Service Tire Monitor is faulty and constantly flashes on the screen. Dale Willey in Lawrence, Ks. states you have to bring it in every time it does this, which is WEEKLY. The air conditioner system is making a loud screeching noise when used (frequently), Dale Willey service department states, this is NORMAL. To date, all I have received for assistance is by the company who sold this vehicle to me is, "sorry, this system is a BAD system?" Wish they would have told me this BEFORE they sold me the vehicle!!!

• 

  Mostly love it, - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By LAURA ROBERTS - January 14 - 2:58 pm

  Mostly I love this vehicle. I had some problem with the skylight, leaked. Had it replaced, no problems. A few recalls, once the recalls were fixed runs well. Lots of room, looks smaller than it is. Back up camera, love this option. Mileage not as good as expected but its not any better than my old vehicle. I had a 1998 Safari van. I find that there are a few blind spots that I had to get used to. We had lots of snow recently, handles well in the snow and ice. I was impressed with that. Looks good, interior nice, lots of cup holders. I can even haul three hockey players one parent and equipment, including goalie equipment!

• 

  Disappointed - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By Pat Martin - January 14 - 11:46 am

  To start out on the positive I love the look and the interior design of the vehichle. However, I am extremely disappointed in the drive. It has problems going up even the smallest of hills without downshifting. When you are trying to pick up speed and merge into traffic you have hesisation and downshifting. I have had it serviced and it improved the hesitation somewhat but the downshifting leads to the worst driving car I have ever owned. The gas mileage is also awful. I am only getting 13.9 around town. For a vehicle with a sticker over $40,000 I think GMC should be ashamed of itself!

• 

  Top Notch Truck - 2007 GMC Sierra 1500
  By uh33nowit - January 14 - 2:10 am

  This is my third Sierra (first for the new generation truck). This one, by far, drives much easier than the past vehicles GM put out. The interior is much improved and fuel economy is better. The build quality seems better, but only time will tell. They were conservative on the exterior design, but its still easy on the eyes. Overall, a very nice driving truck.

• 

  Love my Envoy - 2004 GMC Envoy
  By twilene - January 13 - 2:35 pm

  I think Envoys are the best. I will buy another one after I get out of school. The only real problem I have ever had is that if there is a bump or crack in the road and you hit it too fast the car will feel like it is out of control and the gear shifter nut always comes loose causing the car not to move. I know when it acts up just to crawl under and tighten up the screw. The dealer wanted 200 for the part and I made my own.