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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  Great SUV - 2004 GMC Yukon
  By DEA - December 30 - 10:44 pm

  I purchased this SUV with 2 miles on it. It has been a great car so far, we have driven on several long trips using the third row as a sleeping area. When using the K&N air-filter in the winter sent two error codes to the computer. I switch back to the original filter and the check engin light went out. Great SUV rides great and looks great going down the road. Went through two set of tires before I foung out it was out of line. Dealer told me they just had to torque the torque bar

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  Nice More Dependable alternative to F150 - 2007 GMC Sierra 1500
  By 12.2006 Buyer - December 30 - 1:56 am

  Ive owned the truck for a week. And true, it may be a little soon to offer a really unbiased review, but so far, this truck has impressed me beyond words. The truck is extremely well constructed from the inside out, and at the SLT trim level, offers a lot of things found in most luxery cars. With lots of electronics, that could potentially be a problem fixing on your own if needed. The active fuel management convinced me the most to purchase this full-size truck. Among all the other V-8s out there I researched, the 5.8 had the best fuel economy. And with GMs 5yr/100,000 standard powertrain warranty, that measure of commitment was certainly more piece of mind for ownership.

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  Good luck - 2001 GMC Jimmy
  By Randy - December 29 - 10:33 pm

  I have always had good luck with my GM cars and trucks. Not sure if I got a lemon or what. I bought the Jimmy for my wife. In the past 6 months I have replaced the rear end, followed the next month by the transmission and two weeks later a fuel pump. Needless to say none of it was cheap. The door locks have stopped working. The drivers side window sometimes works and sometimes doesnt. Now you have to turn the key on and off twice to get it to start. The Jimmy has pretty much been a disappointment and a money pit. I could understand if the car was driven hard but we live in the city. Its used to pick up the kids and in town use.

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  Dont Bother To Buy - 2009 GMC Acadia
  By Mel-KS - December 29 - 5:52 pm

  This vehicle has the transmission problems of previous models. Ours had 3600 miles when it died in the middle of a busy highway. Towed to a dealership, and the dealership was unable to figure out what was wrong with the vehicle after nearly four days. GMC absolutely no help and not willing to honor the warranty or have the vehicle brought back to us since it died more than 350 miles from our home. Best they would do is provide a crappy rental car. I would avoid this vehicle--when GMC goes under, youll be stuck with a money pit your mechanic will love.

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  GM Quality - 2009 GMC Acadia
  By william - December 25 - 10:48 am

  We purchased the GMC Acadia for our retirement travels and we have taken 5 trips so far. We have driven in the mountains and in the desert and we are very Impressed with our 2009 purchase from GM. MPG is ,as stated, and better. I think General Motors can feel good about the 2009 Acadia. We sure do!

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  GMC Acadia. One of GMs best! - 2008 GMC Acadia
  By T. PIERCE - December 23 - 2:16 pm

  As a 40 year veteran engineering manager at Ford, GM, and Chrysler I know a good car when I see one. I have driven GMC Jimmys since 1988 and held off replacing my 2001 until I could find a satisfactory replacement. Tried all the competition, Acura, Higlander, Honda Pilot, Mitsubishi, Volvo, Fords stuff, Dodge and Jeep. The Acadia outtrumps them all, even my wifes new MB ML350! Those who demean domestic carmakers need to go "looksee" and drive. Acadia is an excellent machine in every respect with just a few minor glitches, but great ride, handling, performance, quietness, interior, and content. Well done GM! As the Arnold would say, "Ill be back!"

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  Fun to drive - 2009 GMC Acadia
  By Junior - December 23 - 1:34 pm

  Love this vehicle. We traded in 06 Buick Terraza and we had nothing but trouble with the Buick so we gave GMC another shot no regrets.This truck is actually roomier than the minivan but drives like a car. I dont have the 4wd, we just got 6 inches of snow here in Chicago and this truck has not yet got stuck anywhere. Its amazing. Not to mention how safe it feels to drive rain or snow the drive is smooth. I highly recomend this vehicle.

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  Here we go - 2001 GMC Jimmy
  By miladyelaine - December 23 - 4:20 am

  Well, I must have gotten a GMC super lemon. I picked it up with 10 k miles and thought I was in heaven. But the the honeymoon didnt last long. After 30k, we had replaced both front hubs and the 4wd decoder motor. After 60k, another set of hubs. 90k, transmission, fuel pump, and serp. belt at least twice a year. Two days ago, the fuel pump went again. By the way, make sure you change the engine coolant on mfrs schedule, or you are in for a nightmare! Great ride but this vehicle will dip deep into your pockets. The only guarantee on this car is that every trip to the garage is going to cost you at least $1,000, and you can bank on four to six trips per year.

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  Love My Yukon - 2000 GMC Yukon XL
  By Yukon XL owner - December 22 - 10:43 pm

  We love our Yukon XL. There is always plenty of room for all of our kids stuff. Its safe. I can see well down the road to avoid potential problems on the freeway. People dont try to "run me over" like when Im in a smaller vehicle. Of course it sucks down the gas like crazy, but we still love it. Makes launching a boat a piece of cake too.

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  Great utility vehicle - 1993 GMC Jimmy
  By Steve - December 22 - 12:06 pm

  This has been the most fun vehicle I have owned. Very well designed and built. I really liked the full frame under it, which makes it very strong. The only problems I have had was I needed to replace the MPFI unit. It should have been under warranty, but the dealer refused to replace it. I have also had to replace the fuel pump relay twice. Being an SLT model, it has all the "bells and whistles" like leather interior, CD player, electronic 4 wheel drive, keyless remote, power mirrors and seats with lumbar support, etc. I would not hesitate to buy another if I needed one but mine is still running great.